MyWHaT

Well Put & Well Served

… the system of governance we should strive for is the one we would accept without knowing what our role would be – whether we would be a renter or a homeowner; whether we would own a business or bag groceries at the supermarket.  Whether we’re a city commissioner, a member of the parks board, or someone in the audience of a meeting.  Whether we’re a senior on a fixed income or a young family with kids at TCAPS.”

~ Mayor Chris Bzdok, A Theory of Governance, 2010 Great Lakes Bioneers Conference

Put another way, run a City where the process is inclusive, information is readily available and digestible, and all feel welcome to participate and contribute. A system of governance where we engage & contribute despite knowing that the outcome might not go our way, but knowing that the process will reflect a shared vision and that the outcome will likely prove to be better because of a broad scope of input and diverse opinions. This is the style of governance that Mayor Chris Bzdok has brought to the Traverse City City Commission over the last 5 years, the last two years as Mayor. Tonight is the last night of this run. His leadership will certainly be missed (mayor wanted).

Thank you for serving, Chris.

I invite MyWHaT readers to show your gratitude to Mayor Chris Bzdok in the comments section below. Shower him with love or roast him, your preference. Either-way, let’s show him appreciation for guiding the community with unparalleled dedication and a commitment to raising the level of engagement across a broader swath of citizens.

 I’ll begin…

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Dear Mayor Bzdok,

The community is a better place because of your commitment, grace and ability to articulate that critical nugget to surprisingly complex issues.  You brought a calming to City issues. Personally, there were several moments in the past two years where I came to you at the height of frustration, what hair I have left in full fury and flames, regarding a particular matter of the City.  You didn’t talk me down or explain how I was overreacting, instead, you explained the options for a path forward and promised, not as much an outcome as a course of action that would attempt to douse the flames. For that, I thank you Mayor Bzdok…and, don’t think that because you are no longer mayor that I won’t be showing up at your doorstep seeking similar council.

Thank you for your service!

Mayor Chris Bzdok & "first lady" Colleen Masterson-Bzdok in the Cherry Festival Parade

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What’s your message for the Mayor?

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