County Commissioner Steffen urges community engagement in local government review efforts

The Government Study Commission meeting held on June 2, 2025, in Butte-Silver Bow, Montana, focused on strategies for conducting a thorough review of local government operations. County Attorney Enruth provided insights on how the commission could enhance its impact and effectiveness.

Commissioner Steffen emphasized the importance of community participation in the review process. He noted that while there are residents eager to engage, the overall turnout has been low. Steffen pointed out that decisions made by the commission could face backlash from those who did not participate in the discussions, highlighting a disconnect between active participants and the broader community.

To address this challenge, Steffen suggested leveraging social media platforms, particularly Facebook, to reach a wider audience. He believes that utilizing these tools could help engage more residents and encourage their involvement in local governance discussions.

The meeting underscored the need for effective communication and outreach strategies to ensure that the voices of all community members are heard in the decision-making process. The commission aims to foster a more inclusive environment where diverse perspectives can contribute to shaping local government policies.