How to Become Unelectable in Bozeman

Jon Tester recently announced that he will run for senate again in 2024. I am glad he's still willing to fight for opportunity for all Montanans. A farmer and former music teacher, Jon is known for his down-home manner. His centrist approach makes him appealing to both rural and urban Montanans, and he is currently the only farmer in the senate.

This has gotten me thinking about what it takes to to be elected to public office. In the past 40+ years, an actor (Ronald Regan), a body builder (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a professional wrestler (Jessie Ventura), and a sleazy real estate developer have all landed in high offices in the United States so in some ways it seems anyone could do it. 

Like many people in Bozeman, I find myself lamenting the state of local and Montana politics and the lack of progressive thinking from the people who find themselves in office. Maybe I should run? I like to think of myself as someone who has the skillset to become a city commissioner or member of the state legislature, the ability to listen to others, and the willingness to build rapport and work with others to make changes that impact the city or state. 

After 17+ years in Bozeman I still  have not run. Why you ask? There is no question about it... I have made myself unelectable in Bozeman. Here's why.

Bozeman Restaurant News - February 2023

The latest restaurant news from Bozeman, Montana and a few thoughts.

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2022-2023 Snow Stats

A good ski season is measured by an unknowable recipe of snow, temperature, sun, and wind. Since Bozeman's Steenburgh Winter comes today, it's time to take a look at where we stand with ski conditions. Below is a running list of conditions at a few select ski areas and some thoughts on this year's winter.

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The Essence of Bozeman

Deconstructing Bozeman - Part Two

Essence – noun
From Latin, esse, to be 

The intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something, especially something abstract, that determines its character. 

Travel magazine editors ask writers to capture the “essence” of a place. Even well-regarded publications like National Geographic Traveler include the following in their writers’ guidelines, (Emphasis added) “Thank you for your interest in contributing to National Geographic Traveler… a Traveler story must capture a place's essence in a way that inspires readers to follow in the writer's footsteps…” 

What is the essence of any place? Is it possible to write about a place’s essence without sounding trite or cliché? After years of being just another pretty face in the crowd, Bozeman, my home since 2005, is getting noticed and the population has exploded. There's no doubt Bozeman's essence is changing.

Given its rise in popularity as a place to live and visit, magazines and newspapers are eager to write about Bozeman. Travel writing is intended to “sell” a location so it’s not surprising that only the pretty points of Bozeman are featured. But many people are visiting and moving here, often influenced by what they read, so I want to add my voice to the conversation as a 17+ year resident. 

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My Path to Bozeman

Deconstructing Bozeman - Part One
One Perspective on Living in an "It" Town

Here is the story of my path to Bozeman and some thoughts about living in one of the West’s most popular “It” Towns. Feel free to add to the conversation by posting in the comments. You can do so anonymously but please be civil.

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Bozeman Development - The Series

A series on Bozeman development

Note: This was created in 2017 as a mulit-part series. I have built this landing page with all of the links as I have added to the original series and will continue to post more.

Deconstructing Bozeman - The Series

All links to pieces in the series will be posted here.
 

Montanans - Please Join Me in Going Idle-Free

Idling cars drive me crazy. Over the past few years, I have noticed this happening more and more around Bozeman. It’s a year-round phenomenon, which I have spotted everywhere including places one wouldn't expect such as the parking lots at the Community Food Co-op and Crosscut Mountain Sports Center. Additionally, it’s not uncommon to see people sitting in their idling cars tapping on their phones before they drive off after a trip to the store, and you could make a game out of counting how many idling cars you spot on a cool morning in late fall as you commute to work by bike. 

The A-List Eats - Soft Serve Ice Cream

As a child in the 1970s and 1980s, my family maintained healthy eating habits. Vegetables from our vast garden, home-cooked meals, school lunch sandwiches made with whole wheat bread, and other wholesome foods were staples of our diet. TV dinners were out and an occasional glass of Coke with pizza or, my favorite, a soft serve ice cream cone, were rare treats.

Remedy for the Bozeman Blues: My New Haven Fantasy

A meandering piece exploring my boredom with Bozeman and my fantasy of escaping for a few years. My love of New Haven features prominently.

Read to the bottom before you call me crazy.

(You can buy this print and other New Haven illustrations by clicking here.)

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The Phenomena of Ugly Shoes

The “ugly shoes” phenomena is something I first noticed during my college days. It’s a three-part cycle that goes like this. First, I spot the hideous shoes. “Wow, those are ugly” is my immediate reaction. Next, I begin to see them more and more frequently, and soon they are ubiquitous. “Why are so many people buying these dreadful shoes?” I wonder. “You’ll never catch me in a pair.” Finally, over time, I come to want a pair myself. Over the years, my wardrobe has been filled with ugly shoes. Here are a few.

Ugg boots, five toe running shoes, Doc Martens, Dr. Scholl’s (Who remembers them?! I had a pair in middle school and they may have been my original trendy yet ugly shoes.), Crocs (I have a pair in pink), the list of ugly shoes goes on and on. What are your favorite ugly shoes? Share your story in the comment section of this post.

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