BOZEMAN — When long-time city commissioner and former mayor of Bozeman Jeff Krauss decided not to run for reelection, a city commission seat opened.
Michael Wallner will be Bozeman’s next city commissioner come 2020 after being elected last fall.
Wallner has spent the last 13 years in Bozeman and says his passion and experience in local government has prepared him for his new role as city commissioner.
“I was a special adviser to former mayor Carson Taylor. He’s been an excellent leader and great mentor,” said Wallner.
“I’ve worked for government agencies at the local, state, and federal level of government. Throughout my time here I’ve served in over a dozen community service positions.”
Wallner says he has some ambitious goals in his new role.
“I would love to see us keep our property taxes where they are or lower them for our middle-class citizens. Secondly, I’d love to work with the private sector to try and figure some type of solution for our affordable housing problem,” said Wallner.
Wallner says he also would like to see the city continue to look for ways to implement clean and renewable energy and address income inequality among women and minorities.
“I’m passionate about public service because I still believe in an old form of democracy where individual citizens' perspectives matter,” said Wallner. “Ultimately, I think it comes down to doing whatever is best for the Bozeman Community rather than focusing on partisan politics.”
Wallner will be sworn in on Monday, January 6 at City Hall.
