Mark Egge, host of the Bozeman Brief's opinion segment, argues that Bozeman voters should reject the proposed city charter on November 3rd because it would grant excessive power to the Inter-Neighborhood Council.
The INC, composed of delegates from 15 recognized neighborhood associations, currently serves as an advisory body under the 2006 charter. The proposed amendments in Article 8 would fundamentally alter this role by establishing three new rights: consultation during formative stages of citywide planning and policy decisions; a requirement that the city commission respond in writing to every INC recommendation with explanations for any rejection; and a full-time city staff liaison dedicated exclusively to the INC.
Egge draws a parallel to Walter Bagehot's description of a constitutional monarchy's "right to be consulted, the right to encourage, and the right to warn." However, he argues the INC differs from a neutral monarch because neighborhood associations are advocacy groups that take political positions. He cites a 2024 INC letter opposing a housing project and calling for rescission of affordable housing ordinances, and a 2025 resolution supporting a moratorium on large buildings.
Additionally, the charter would exempt INC delegates from the city's ethics code, requiring them only to "observe" rather than follow it—a privilege no other city board receives. Egge also notes the INC represents only about one-third of Bozeman's residents, with two-thirds of the city, including 84% of residents west of 19th Avenue, living outside recognized neighborhood associations.
While acknowledging neighborhood volunteers perform valuable civic work and the INC cannot veto decisions, Egge contends that a guaranteed seat in decision-making rooms represents a form of power that should not be insulated from electoral accountability. He supports other charter provisions, such as eliminating the deputy mayor system and creating a compensation board, but argues Article 8 should be separated and rejected.