HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-01-16 Public Comment - A. Banwart - Law & Justice Center �I . QA
95 Sir Arthur Dr
Bozeman MT 59718
October 31, 2016
Dear Sirs Skinner and Taylor,
While the effort to pass the ballot measures for a new Law and Justice Center and well done it
is not looking very promising. With upcoming school bond issues, the near future is also not
very promising, but not all is lost.
Some 30 years ago I was working in Wyoming when law enforcement throughout the state
needed a much better computer system/data files but they were confident that the state
legislator would not approve the millions needed. The state Supreme Court added an
enhanced court cost to nearly all actions involving almost any court in the state. The same
principle could be used by Gallatin County and Bozeman. Interestingly there was almost no
citizen opposition in Wyoming.
While different bodies would need to take action to enhance court fees, to include overweight
truck;, speeding, illegal turns, etc. tickets to divorces, DUls, dog at large, public disturbances,
etc., this is another way to gain funding, and one which would likely have little opposition.
With the action there would be a steady stream of funds for paying off loans. Thirty years ago
in Wyoming the additional fee was, I think, $30. Given inflation,just that amount would be
about$66. Stronger enforcement of use of hand-held cell phones, speeding, failure to signal
turns (including lane changes) and public disturbances, with more tickets given versus warnings,
would increase the rate of payments while making Gallatin County and Bozeman safer and a
more pleasant area.
Sincerely,
v
Albert L. Banwart
Cc: Joe Skinner & Carson Taylor