MATR supports Geoff Badenoch for Mayor of Missoula – Statesman, Visionary, Leader

While MATR has attempted to stay as politically neutral as possible, I feel it’s important to voice my strong support for Geoff Badenoch http://www.badenochformayor.com in the non-partisan Missoula Mayoral Election. Geoff has the skills, insight and leadership necessary for Missoula’s future.

Nearly all citizen forums have identified land use and development, neighborhood
amenities and quality of life as the major issues facing Missoula.

Geoff has worked successfully nearly his entire adult life on land use and redevelopment issues. He has worked closely with private developers, citizens groups, professionals
at the Urban Land Institute as well as architects, engineers and land use planners.

Geoff has 18 years of experience as a city department head. His leadership, in collaboration with many individuals and businesses, saved Missoula’s downtown from the fate of so many small town centers that died when the national retailers set up on the outskirts of towns. Through his leadership of the Missoula Redevelopment Agency, Geoff led a revitalization effort of Missoula that brought both private partners and public resources together to re-build the heart and soul of Missoula into a vibrant, healthy, thriving and beautiful Downtown. He was instrumental in creating the beautiful spaces we now take for granted along the river such as Caras Park, the Carousel, the Pavilion, Missoula Children’s Theater, the plaza next to the First Interstate Bank, among others. He has dealt successfully with the tension between maintaining a livable city while encouraging growth and successful businesses. His focus on utilizing under utilized land
within city limits and redeveloping blighted areas has not only provided business opportunities but improved the quality of life for the residents. . Numerous Montana communities have asked Geoff to share his knowledge and expertise on redevelopment and growth issues.

Geoff not only has the experience but holds a Master’s
Degree in Public Administration. That’s precisely what the mayor’s role is;
public administration. Combined with his training and experience, Geoff brings the natural abilities of a statesman to every challenge.

Geoff has a unique way of bringing people together to solve problems.
He’s a terrific listener, finding common ground among divergent groups
upon which to build consensus. He’s also a successful problem solver, crafting solutions which reflect many perspectives. We need statesmen in this time of strident political posturing to bridge the chasm between diametrically opposed political parties. Statesmen are few and far between in this age of Red and Blue. Geoff is a statesman, looking beyond personal opinion or bias to keep an open mind about what benefits the
community as a whole. He is methodical in his thinking and precise in
his application but human in his connections. He also has a strong work ethic
and sound morals to guide him.

Missoula has the opportunity to come together to address its growth
management issues and the nearly incapacitating split on the Council with the right
leadership.

Much of the economic success in Missoula is due to the outstanding quality of community we enjoy. If you appreciate his key role in creating the riverfront trail system,
Caras Park, its pavilion and Carousel, if you enjoy the Missoula Children’s
Theatre, then you can be confident that Geoff Badenoch as Missoula’s Mayor
will continue to build the whole community of Missoula into a place we can
enjoy and be proud of.

If you want to learn more about his experience and successes,
visit his website at http://www.badenochformayor.com.
Please get out and vote on September 13, and vote for
Geoff Badenoch. You will not be disappointed.

Thank you,

Russ Fletcher [email protected]

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Wanted: Mayor with wide range of talents

By GINNY MERRIAM of the Missoulian

The future of Missoula depends on electing a mayor who is charismatic, smart, a good manager, a great public speaker, a quick study, a natural leader and a convener of people with divergent interests, say those familiar with the position.

The mayor also needs a strong and sociable personality, a level head and an ability to work with a City Council and with leaders in the county.

On the side, the mayor has to give a lot of nights and weekends serving as the city’s cheerleader at various events.

Full Story: http://missoulian.com/articles/2005/09/11/news/local/news05.txt