HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-13-20 Public Comments - BudgetFrom:Lauren Lenz
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 9:46:02 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that
this city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Thank you,
Lauren Lenz
Citations
1.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.html
2.
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-out
3.
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Nellie Brushaber
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 9:29:02 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities fromcrime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United States
are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a drug that isless dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a small percentage
of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD solves less than 30% ofviolent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe from crime is not their
investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack the underlying causes ofcrime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of opportunity. Access to low-income
housing, quality education, stable employment, and adequate mental-health services are whatkeep a community safe. I would very much like to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes
up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that this city can more properly invest in othernecessary services(3).
Citations
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.html
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
Thanks!Nellie Brushaber, Bozeman citizen.
Sent from my iPhone
From:Zoë Unruh
To:Agenda
Subject:Public Comment for Proposed Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 9:17:30 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am a nursing student at MSU and as such am invested in the public health of ourcommunity in Bozeman. I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots
far too much money for policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen ourcommunity. As you are probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund thePolice” all across this country in response to the murders of George Floyd and BreonnaTaylor at the hands of the police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful
protestors in the aftermath. These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urbanareas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Sincerely,
Zoë UnruhMSU ABSN 2020
Citations1.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.html
2.
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-out
3.
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.h
From:brittany plavetzky
To:Agenda
Subject:Support Your Community
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 9:07:27 PM
To the Bozeman City Commission,
My name is Brittany Plavetzky and I am a resident of Bozeman. I am writing to demand that
the City Commission adopts a budget that prioritizes community well-being and redirectsfunding away from the police.
Many Montanans may be tempted to think the unique nature of such a vast, yet sparsely-
populated state minimizes the likelihood of police brutality in our small city communities.However, as reported by the Billings Gazette last year, Montana ranked ninth in killings by
police per capita. In 2017, the Great Falls Tribune reported Montana police killings reached atotal higher than the previous six years. These figures are alarming, but don’t tell the full story.
Under Montana Code § 2-6-102 and Article II, Section 10 of the Montana Constitution, policedisciplinary records are exempt from disclosure if there is an “individual privacy interest that
clearly exceeds the merits of public disclosure.” Montana police forces operate within aculture of impunity, and as the members of the communities they are supposed to be
protecting, we can’t even begin to grasp the scope of their violence.
We are in the midst of widespread upheaval over the systemic violence of policing. Emptygestures and suggestions of “reform” are inadequate and unacceptable. I am demanding that
real change be made to the way this city allocates its resources.
Support for communities in need is necessary now, more than ever. I am demanding that theCity Commission meaningfully defund the Bozeman Police Department. I join the calls of
those across the country to defund the police. I am demanding a budget that adequately andeffectively meets the needs of at-risk Bozeman residents during this trying and uncertain time.
I am demanding a budget that supports community wellbeing, rather than empowering thepolice forces that tear them apart.
As the City Commission, the budget proposal is in your hands. It is your duty to represent
your constituents. I am urging you to completely revise the budget for the 2020-2021 fiscalyear, and to fund the social programs proven to be more effective than policing at promoting
community safety and equity. Have the courage to be a leader of the change this city, state,and country desperately needs.
Thank you for your time,
Brittany Plavetzky
3725 Galloway St Bozeman, MT 59718
(949) 554-3497brittanyplavetzky@gmail.com
Sent from my iPhone
From:Emi Wilson
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 7:38:35 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that
this city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Sincerely,
Emilia Wilson
Citations
1.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.html
2.
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-out
3.
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Alena Haugo
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 7:34:56 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that
this city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
I believe Bozeman can set an example for the rest of the state in regards to allocating appropriate
funds to the social services that play a critical role in keeping our citizens happy, healthy and
educated instead of law enforcement.
Alena Haugo
Citations
1.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.html
2.
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-out
3.
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Jordyn Davis
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 7:12:46 PM
Concerns regarding proposed budget
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that
this city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Lydia Crowder
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 7:03:27 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that
this city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Sincerely,
A very concerned Bozeman resident
Citations
1.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.html
2.
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-out
3.
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Maeve
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 6:44:33 PM
To whom it may concern,
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that
this city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Thank you.
Citations
1.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.html
2.
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-out
3.
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:John Kudrna
To:Agenda
Subject:Proposal for City of Bozeman Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 6:26:50 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much
money for policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen ourcommunity. As you are probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to“Defund the Police” all across this country in response to the murders of George
Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the police, and the acts of police brutality
inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath. These calls are not, and shouldnot be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our
communities from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrestedevery year in the United States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of
drug arrests are for marijuana, a drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or
tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a small percentage of violent crimes. The
most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD solves less than 30% of violentcrimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe from crime is not their
investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack the underlying
causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of opportunity.
Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and adequatemental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like to
see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so
that this city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citations
1. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.html
2. https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out
3. https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
Thank you for considering my input.
Redirecting
Sincerely,
John Kudrna409.W Harrison
Bozeman, MT 59715
406-581-3516
From:Kanyon Moon
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns with proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 6:01:28 PM
To Whom it may concern,
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots too much money for policing and far too
little for funds that could strengthen our community. What keeps communities safe from crime is not their
investments in police, but their investments in programs that address the underlying causes of crime;
homelessness,addiction,discrimination, and lack of opportunity. Access to low income housing, quality education,
stable employment, and adequate mental health services are what keep a community safe. I would like to see the
Bozeman Police Department budget cut and invest in other necessary services.
Thank you,
Kanyon Cox
From:Robyn Lauster
To:Agenda
Subject:Defunding Police
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 5:53:58 PM
Bozeman City Commission:
It seems to me that 1/3 of the city's budget for a police force is excessive. As the mother of a
police sergeant, I realize it is a specialized and dangerous job. However, if funds cut from thepolice force were to be used for counseling, drug rehabilitation programs, mental health
services, and other such preventive services, this would lessen the scope of policing duties andlower the stress on them. Hiring a therapist to accompany calls involving mental health is a
step in the right direction and thank you for that.
I would also like to see the term "peace officer" used instead of "police officer." If there is nottraining currently required for sensitivity regarding implicit race bias, then it definitely should
be established. Simply educating potential officers about the history of policing in thiscountry -- the connection to Indian-fighting militia and slave-hunting slave patrols -- would
help to raise their awareness of possible ingrained attitudes and practices.
It might be wise to table this issue for a later time in order to gather more input from theBozeman community.
Thank you for your consideration.
Robyn Lauster
410 W Story StBozeman 59715
907 306 5162
From:Nick Hill
To:Agenda
Subject:Please Consider Reallocating Funding for the Proposed Budget for the Budget Hearing
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 5:17:35 PM
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that strengthen our community. As you are probably
aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this country in
response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the police,
and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath. These
calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that
this city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
I believe that funds more proportionally allocated to agencies working in mental health, addiction
services, homelessness, and counselling have the potential to benefit our community by
addressing issues proactively and solving issues before they get to a point where police
intervention is needed. We can begin to act proactively for the health and well-being of our
citizens, or we can continue in reaction without solving the roots of the issues.
Citations
1.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.html
2.
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-out
3.
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Bailey Derby
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 5:06:54 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-outhttps://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Elena Johnson
To:Agenda
Subject:Change the budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 4:45:04 PM
To the Bozeman City Commission,
My name is Elena Johnson, and I am a resident of Bozeman. I demand that the City
Commission redirect funding away from the police and prioritize social programs proven to bemore effective.
As the City Commission it is your duty to adopt a budget that reflects the people's best
interests. Now is the time to support real change.
Thank you for your time,Elena Johnson
411 N 15th Ave, Bozeman MT 59715(406)551-0801
1337elena@gmail.com
From:Sarah Lorch
To:Agenda
Subject:Public comment on Policing Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 4:43:56 PM
Hello,
My name is Sarah Lorch and I am a nursing student at MSU who wants to see more of the budget in Bozeman goingtowards social improvement agencies for mental health and medical services rather than increasing the policebudget. Police shouldn’t be the one responding to crisis that are better for EMS, mental health professionals andhousing, transportation and food support.Thanks,Sarah Lorch
From:Remy Sexton
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 4:40:03 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that
this city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citations
1.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.html
2.
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-out
3.
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
Sent from my iPad
From:Lilly Schwartz
To:Agenda
Subject:City budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 4:31:08 PM
City commission,
In the interest of Bozeman moving forward and becoming a modern city that truly cares about its citizens I believe
that the police budget should NOT be increased in Bozeman. The police already seem like they do not have many
real issues that they take care of as most times I have interacted with police is simply for college parties, where there
will be 6 or 7 officers that pull up when in reality the party could easily be shut down by one. The police certainly
have a role in our community but I believe that they could still operate on a much smaller budget. The city
commission should redirect and allocate some of that funding toward community resources like mental health,
shelters for the homeless , and more resources for Bozeman’s BIPOC citizens.
Consider this and the fact that most citizens of Bozeman do not support the police receiving more funding.
Thank you,
Lilly Schwartz
From:agenda@bozeman.net
To:Agenda
Subject:Thank you for your public comment.
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 4:17:38 PM
A new entry to a form/survey has been submitted.
Form Name:Public Comment Form
Date & Time:06/13/2020 4:17 PM
Response #:418
Submitter ID:27588
IP address:184.167.144.35
Time to complete:10 min. , 1 sec.
Survey Details
Page 1
Public comment may be submitted via the form below, or by any of the following options.
Public comment may also be given at any public meeting.
Email:
agenda@bozeman.net
Mail to:
Attn: City Commission
PO Box 1230
Bozeman, MT 59771
In-person delivery to:
Due to City Hall's closure in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, in-person delivery of comments is not
available until further notice.
First Name Sara
Last Name H
Email Address trisarasaur@gmail.com
Phone Number Not answered
Comments
Decrease the police budget and invest in other things!
Bozeman citizens came together in numbers never before seen in this community last week to protest
police brutality against minority communities here and everywhere.
The city commission’s response to this was somehow apparently to propose increasing the police budget. I
believe you have completely missed the point of why we were all out last week.
We need to instead invest in education, libraries, supporting the homeless community, and affordable
housing.
Every dollar we spend on further militarizing our police force takes away a dollar that could be better spent
serving the real needs of our community.
Maybe they should sell the BearCat if they are so hard up for more cash. If it is left languishing in their
possession, who exactly do you suppose they will use it against?
If you would like to submit additional documents (.pdf, .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .gif, .jpg, .png, .rtf, .txt)
along with your comment, you may alternately address agenda@bozeman.net directly to ensure
receipt of all information.
Thank you,
City Of Bozeman
This is an automated message generated by the Vision Content Management System™. Please do not reply
directly to this email.
From:Mike Polsak
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 3:49:58 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands ofthe police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in theaftermath. These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in theUnited States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are formarijuana, a drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally,police solve a small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that theBozeman PD solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keepscommunities safe from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments inprograms that attack the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction,discrimination, and lack of opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education,stable employment, and adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe.I would very much like to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of thecity’s proposal, cut, so that this city can more properly invest in other necessaryservices(3).
Sincerely, Mike Polsak
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-outhttps://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
Sent from my iPod
From:Sage Bennett
To:Agenda
Subject:In response to 1/3 of our cities budget going to Police
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 3:40:59 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.html
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-outhttps://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Ansel Mills
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 3:33:30 PM
To whom it may concern:
My name is Ansel Mills, an I do not believe that the proposed budget will serve ourcommunity.
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citations (1)https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.html
(2)https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out(3)
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Emily Allison
To:Agenda
Subject:Budget questions
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 3:29:11 PM
Dear members of the Bozeman City Council,
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
I work for a local nonprofit who gets no funding currently from the city. I would love to seethat change, and see the city actively investing in into local organizations that work to liftpeople up and help everyone thrive.
Thank you for your service and taking these concerns seriously,
Emily
Sent from my iPhone
From:Personal
To:Agenda
Subject:Decreasing police budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 3:16:28 PM
To whom it may concern,
I am writing as a concerned Bozeman citizen, interested—as so many others are—in decreasing the police budget to
better support a greater diversity of services needed to address the variety of issues that may arise within our
community. This is both in support of all members of our community and BIPOC individuals.
Thank you for your consideration and continued conversation,
Naomi Worob
Sent from my iPhone
From:Rachel Park
To:Agenda
Subject:Police Budget Concerns
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 3:12:24 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably
aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this country inresponse to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the police, and
the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath. These calls arenot, and should not be, confined to large urban areas. Many people claim that massive police
budgets are necessary to protect our communities from crime. This is simply not true. Themajority of people arrested every year in the United States
are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a drug that isless dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a small percentage
of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD solves less than 30% ofviolent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe from crime is not their
investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack the underlying causes ofcrime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of opportunity. Access to low-income
housing, quality education, stable employment, and adequate mental-health services are whatkeep a community safe. I would very much like to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes
up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that this city can more properly invest in othernecessary services(3).
Citations
1. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.html
2. https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out
3. https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Dally Up
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 3:08:58 PM
Subject: Concerns regarding proposed budget
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor (among others) atthe hands of the police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors inthe aftermath. These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, andrepurposed so that this city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-outhttps://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
Sincerely,Sam Taylor
From:kindra kirsch
To:Agenda
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 2:59:26 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much moneyfor policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands ofthe police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in theaftermath. These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in theUnited States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for
marijuana, a drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally,police solve a small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that theBozeman PD solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keepscommunities safe from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in
programs that attack the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction,discrimination, and lack of opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education,stable employment, and adequate mental-health services are what keep a communitysafe. I would very much like to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ ofthe city’s proposal, cut, so that this city can more properly invest in other necessaryservices(3).
Thank you.
Kyla Kirsch
From:Erin Shenk
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 2:56:40 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.html
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-out
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:justice.geddes@gmail.com
To:Agenda
Subject:Police funding
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 2:54:08 PM
I write to share my strong disapproval of the proposed increases to the police department budget. Why should our
police funding grow faster than our population? Who does a bigger and more militarized police truly serve?
Especially given the truth of police violence and racism, this seems thoughtless—don’t participate in oppression.
Justice Geddes
From:Flock Schoep
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 2:22:27 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.html
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-outhttps://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Karen Johnson
To:Agenda
Subject:Defund the police
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 2:22:03 PM
To the Bozeman City Commission,
My name is Karen Johnson, and as a resident of Bozeman I demand the reallocation of budgetfunds away from the police so that we may better promote our community's wellbeing.
Across the nation the flaws of our brutal and inadequate police system have long beenapparent, and at a time when community is more important than ever I urge the City
Commission to revise the 2020-2021 budget to move funds to more beneficial programs suchas those geared towards youth development and social services. There is overwhelming
evidence to show social programs like these are more effective at reducing crime rates thanpolice and prisons.
Gestures of good will and empty promises mean nothing. Now is the time for real change.
Thank you for your time,
Karen Johnson
411 N 15th Ave, Bozeman MT 59715
(406)599-1225
karenannej29@gmail.com
From:Markita Williams
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 2:17:23 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community.
As you are probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” allacross this country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the
hands of the police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in theaftermath. These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities from
crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United Statesare arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a drug that is
less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1).
Additionally, police solve a small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells usthat the Bozeman PD solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2).
What keeps communities safe from crime is not their investments in police, but their
investments in programs that attack the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction,discrimination, and lack of opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education,
stable employment, and adequate mental-health services are whatkeep a community safe. I would very much like to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes
up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that this city can more properly invest in othernecessary services(3).
Citations
1. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.html
2. https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out
3. https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Ellianna Wester
To:Agenda
Subject:Defund the police please!
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:59:21 PM
Please cut 83% of the police funds!
From:Paul Schmidt
To:Agenda
Subject:Request to Lower the PD Budget and Invest in the Livelihood of Communities of Color
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:48:25 PM
To the Bozeman City Commission,
These past couple weeks, our nation has been gripped by protests calling for a rapid and meaningful reconsideration
of the role of policing in communities, as well as an end to racism and anti-Blackness in America. I am writing to
demand that the City Commission adopts a budget that prioritizes community well-being and redirects funding
away from the police.
Many Montanans may be tempted to think the unique nature of such a vast, yet sparsely-populated state
minimizes the likelihood of police brutality in our small city communities. However, as reported by the Billings
Gazette last year, Montana ranked ninth in killings by police per capita. In 2017, the Great Falls Tribune reported
Montana police killings reached a total higher than the previous six years. These figures are alarming, but don’t tell
the full story. Under Montana Code § 2-6-102 and Article II, Section 10 of the Montana Constitution, police
disciplinary records are exempt from disclosure if there is an “individual privacy interest that clearly exceeds the
merits of public disclosure.” Montana police forces operate within a culture of impunity, and as the members of the
communities they are supposed to be protecting, we can’t even begin to grasp the scope of their violence.
We are in the midst of widespread upheaval over the systemic violence of policing. Empty gestures and
suggestions of “reform” are inadequate and unacceptable. I am demanding that real change be made to the way
this city allocates its resources.
Support for communities in need is necessary now, more than ever. I am demanding that the City Commission
meaningfully defund the Bozeman Police Department. I join the calls of those across the country to defund the
police. I am demanding a budget that adequately and effectively meets the needs of at-risk Bozeman residents
during this trying and uncertain time. I am demanding a budget that supports community wellbeing, rather than
empowering the police forces that tear them apart.
As the City Commission, the budget proposal is in your hands. It is your duty to represent your constituents. I am
urging you to completely revise the budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year, and to fund the social programs proven
to be more effective than policing at promoting community safety and equity. Have the courage to be a leader of
the change this city, state, and country desperately needs.
Thank you for your time,
Paul Schmidt
From:James Davidson
To:Agenda
Subject:Plea to Redirect PD Money to Education and Social Services
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:47:08 PM
To the Bozeman City Commission,
These past couple weeks, our nation has been gripped by protests calling for a rapid and meaningful reconsideration
of the role of policing in communities, as well as an end to racism and anti-Blackness in America. I am writing to
demand that the City Commission adopts a budget that prioritizes community well-being and redirects funding
away from the police.
Many Montanans may be tempted to think the unique nature of such a vast, yet sparsely-populated state
minimizes the likelihood of police brutality in our small city communities. However, as reported by the Billings
Gazette last year, Montana ranked ninth in killings by police per capita. In 2017, the Great Falls Tribune reported
Montana police killings reached a total higher than the previous six years. These figures are alarming, but don’t tell
the full story. Under Montana Code § 2-6-102 and Article II, Section 10 of the Montana Constitution, police
disciplinary records are exempt from disclosure if there is an “individual privacy interest that clearly exceeds the
merits of public disclosure.” Montana police forces operate within a culture of impunity, and as the members of the
communities they are supposed to be protecting, we can’t even begin to grasp the scope of their violence.
We are in the midst of widespread upheaval over the systemic violence of policing. Empty gestures and
suggestions of “reform” are inadequate and unacceptable. I am demanding that real change be made to the way
this city allocates its resources.
Support for communities in need is necessary now, more than ever. I am demanding that the City Commission
meaningfully defund the Bozeman Police Department. I join the calls of those across the country to defund the
police. I am demanding a budget that adequately and effectively meets the needs of at-risk Bozeman residents
during this trying and uncertain time. I am demanding a budget that supports community wellbeing, rather than
empowering the police forces that tear them apart.
As the City Commission, the budget proposal is in your hands. It is your duty to represent your constituents. I am
urging you to completely revise the budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year, and to fund the social programs proven
to be more effective than policing at promoting community safety and equity. Have the courage to be a leader of
the change this city, state, and country desperately needs.
Thank you for your time,
Nathan Barone
From:Nathan Barone
To:Agenda
Subject:Please Reduce the PD Budget and Invest In Communities of Color
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:44:45 PM
To the Bozeman City Commission,
For centuries, our nation has upheld and perpetuated persistent racist and oppressive policies
against Black communities. And during this past week our nation has come together to mourn,and mobilize against the chokehold of white supremacy in law enforcement. I am writing to
demand that the City Commission adopts a budget that prioritizes community well-being andredirects funding away from the police.
Many Montanans may be tempted to think the unique nature of such a vast, yet sparsely-
populated state minimizes the likelihood of police brutality in our small city communities.However, as reported by the Billings Gazette last year, Montana ranked ninth in killings by
police per capita. In 2017, the Great Falls Tribune reported Montana police killings reached atotal higher than the previous six years. These figures are alarming, but don’t tell the full story.
Under Montana Code § 2-6-102 and Article II, Section 10 of the Montana Constitution, policedisciplinary records are exempt from disclosure if there is an “individual privacy interest that
clearly exceeds the merits of public disclosure.” Montana police forces operate within aculture of impunity, and as the members of the communities they are supposed to be
protecting, we can’t even begin to grasp the scope of their violence.
We are in the midst of widespread upheaval over the systemic violence of policing. Emptygestures and suggestions of “reform” are inadequate and unacceptable. I am demanding that
real change be made to the way this city allocates its resources.
Support for communities in need is necessary now, more than ever. I am demanding that theCity Commission meaningfully defund the Bozeman Police Department. I join the calls of
those across the country to defund the police. I am demanding a budget that adequately andeffectively meets the needs of at-risk Bozeman residents during this trying and uncertain time.
I am demanding a budget that supports community wellbeing, rather than empowering thepolice forces that tear them apart.
As the City Commission, the budget proposal is in your hands. It is your duty to represent
your constituents. I am urging you to completely revise the budget for the 2020-2021 fiscalyear, and to fund the social programs proven to be more effective than policing at promoting
community safety and equity. Have the courage to be a leader of the change this city, state,and country desperately needs.
Thank you for your time,
Nathan Barone
From:Sarah Flach
To:Agenda
Subject:Budget Concerns
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:39:44 PM
Dear Council Members,
As a part of the bozeman community I wanted to express my concerns about budgetary allotments and distribution.
It has been brought to my attention that the city plans to increase funding to the city police. This action is not only
dangerous but insulting to our community. Increasing funding to the police does not correlate to increasing safety of
the community which should be the city’s primary goal. Education, public health, and equity programs should
receive the most funding as they directly improve our community. I and many others want an extension on the
budget deadline so our community can have a greater participation in city funding so our money shows how and
what we care about.
Thank you
From:Jason Taylor
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns about city budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:39:01 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that
this city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Jason Taylor (140 Rocking Bear Circle)
Citations
1.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.html
2.
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-out
3.
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Demi Feder
To:Agenda
Subject:Invest in Humans, Fund Social Services, Defund the Police
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:38:49 PM
To whom this may concern,
I would like to live in a place where I respect the values of the officials and people of power.
Seeing as money is the most overt expression of power and values, I would like to see theunjust proportion of our budget to be adjusted. I do not believe that a reactive solution to
social injustices is the low-level thinking that this Bozeman community should be striving for.I think that by being strategic and proactive with our investments, we can prevent the
unnecessary loss of many lives. Treating humans like humans is something I expect ourcommunity to pride itself on. The disproportional amount of money invested in our police
relative to social services does not exhibit this.
Please think deeply about the implications of your decisions. Please act with extreme selflessintentionality. I hope that you can reckon with your political decisions and the greater impact
of them on the lives of all of those that you represent.
In solidarity,
Demi--
Bowdoin ‘17518-396-9462
Demifeder@gmail.com
From:Mason Weber
To:Agenda
Subject:City budget allocation public comment
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:38:33 PM
I'm writing to you today with a comment regarding the city's budget for the upcoming fiscal
cycle. I support the cessation of the increase in police funding without scaling other socialservices and programs at a greater rate. A healthy and vibrant city requires that we can
address problems with the appropriate resources. More and more is being asked of our policefor which they are not always the best equipped to handle, such as mental health crises. A
militarized police force responding with force in mind is not the ultimate solution. It's time forBozeman to evolve and be a model for the nation on how to address racial and economic
inequality.
Thank you,Mason weber
4567 Brisbin St apt A 59718
From:Dan Sandberg
To:Agenda
Subject:Bozeman city police budget: please defund the police and reinvest in our community
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:38:22 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community through theproviding of other essential social services.
I am excited about the changes the city has already committed to that strengthen ourcommunity and respond to racial justice. This is the next step and is ABSOLUTELYessential to a safe and just Bozeman.
I am excited to be a part of this process to help guide how we as a community spend thistaxpayer money. Please allow more time and involve the taxpayers and citizens more tohelp dictate the 2021 budget. We have all learned in the past months how complicit in
systemic racism we all are; please be a part of the solution and work together with therising wave for racial equity and justice.
Thank you for your consideration,
From:Ellary Kramka
To:Agenda
Subject:Re: increase in police budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:38:12 PM
To whom it may concern:
I have heard that the city commission has proposed an increase in the police budget as a response to the peaceful
protest for racial justice. I have many concerns regarding this suggestion.
There are critical issues in this community such as homelessness, drug addiction, and economic disparity that all
contribute to pain, violence, and unrest in our beautiful valley. THESE are the issues that need more funding, and
that would in turn care for our population and END the vicious cycles that require police involvement.
The rally demonstrated, if anything, NOT that we need more force, but that our community is willing to support
each other peacefully (including de-escalating aggressive counter protesters, again, done peacefully), and we want a
community where everyone is listening to each other and responding with love and compassion.
I urge you to delay this budget increase until more of the community can properly express their opinions and get
involved. Now is the time for our community to show up for each other, so that we have no more homelessness, no
more drug addiction, no more rape, fear, abuse, RACISM, and the countless other diseases that plague our
community that result in violence and problems. Police are important, but increasing the police budget is NOT the
answer.
Thank you,
Ellary Kramka
From:Allison Howe
To:Agenda
Subject:Defunding the Bozeman police
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:37:59 PM
To whom it may concern:
I would like to express my concern for the proposed municipal budget for 2021 and the
excessive portion of that budget that is set to be allocated to the police. I am a Master of
Social Work student and one thing that is very consistent in the field of social work is the
lack of resources and money for social services in our communities. I would like to propose
a reallocation of a portion of the almost a third of the budget that is proposed to go to police
to be put toward other preventative measures such as funding social services like HRDC. I
strongly believe that reallocating these funds to invest in our community rather than
reactionary (and inherently racist) tactics such as policing.
Thank you for your time,
Allison
From:Michael O"Reilly
To:Agenda
Subject:City Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:37:42 PM
To whom it may concern:
As a long time local of bozeman, and an American citizen watching our nation’s Black,
Indigenous, and People of Color be brutalized by police departments and our racist society in
general, I am DEEPLY concerned to hear that the city commission has the intention of increasing
our city’s police department budget. This is in DIRECT opposition to what Black people around
the world are calling for, and our local community is no different. We, the people of Bozeman
who will not stand for injustice, demand that the Bozeman Police Department be defunded and
have those funds reallocated to local social work, counseling, crisis intervention, deescalation,
and anti racist trainings for the PD. If you choose to go forward with increasing police funding in
our town, you had better be prepared for the backlash, because we, the thousands who gathered
and marched down Main Street, are a mighty united force who will NEVER relent until we see
our city taking steps that put us on the right side of history.
I, Michael O’Reilly, DO NOT support an increase in the police budget. I support defunding the
police and putting that money where it is actually needed in our community. You will not stop
hearing from me and my many friends until this happens.
Do the right thing.
Sincerely,
Michael O’Reilly
907 Twin Lakes Ave.
Bozeman, MT
Get Outlook for iOS
From:andyglear@gmail.com
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns about budget proposal
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:37:32 PM
City Council Members,
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots too much money for policing and too little for
funds that actually strengthen our community. I would like more time for other residents that are wanting to engage
in our community process and budget.
Please confirm receipt of this email.
Andy G Lear, MSW, LCSW, SEP
Sent from my iPhone
From:Audrey Moss
To:Agenda
Subject:Comment on City Funding
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:37:18 PM
Hi there,
I'm writing to let to City Commission know that I'm concerned about the amount the
municipal budget allots to the police force and the proposed increase in that amount. I find thisuntenable and would ask that the Commission consider reserving that funding for community-
building institutions, like the Warming Center and HRDC. I believe Bozeman should workharder to invest in actual crime prevention by addressing the underlying issues, like
homelessness, addiction, and mental illness through investment in low-income housing,quality education, stable employment, and mental health counseling. I would like to see the
City Commission reconsider the police funding in favor of services that build up ourcommunity. Thank you,
Audrey Moss
From:agenda@bozeman.net
To:Agenda
Subject:Thank you for your public comment.
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:36:49 PM
A new entry to a form/survey has been submitted.
Form Name:Public Comment Form
Date & Time:06/13/2020 1:36 PM
Response #:417
Submitter ID:27584
IP address:174.45.249.103
Time to complete:16 min. , 54 sec.
Survey Details
Page 1
Public comment may be submitted via the form below, or by any of the following options.
Public comment may also be given at any public meeting.
Email:
agenda@bozeman.net
Mail to:
Attn: City Commission
PO Box 1230
Bozeman, MT 59771
In-person delivery to:
Due to City Hall's closure in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, in-person delivery of comments is not
available until further notice.
First Name Sarah
Last Name Wahrer
Email Address sarahrahalwahrer@gmail.com
Phone Number Not answered
Comments
Hello City Commission,
With the upcoming budget approval, I ask more scrutiny be placed upon where funding within our
community goes. Social disparities are a major cause behind chronic health diseases, alcoholism, abuse,
and crime. While these issues impact our entire community, specific groups such as the black and
indigenous population are disproportionately affected. For every $100 the average White, American family
makes, an African-American family makes $5.03.
Having a strong economy is not helping bridge the disparities created and perpetuated by slavery and laws
within the United States. While laws have been changed (not that long ago, I might add) the implications
have persisted. It is up to us as a community to come together and equalize the playing field so our
community can thrive. Not empowering people to be their best leaves our community vulnerable to
missing opportunities of great leaders, nurses, teachers, giving back to Bozeman and making it the best it
can be.
While I do not know the answers, I also do not expect you to. I do challenge your bias of how you view race
and have been impacted by the history of our country. Thankfully, Bozeman has access to local researchers
who have done wonderful research on community health, social disparities and other excellent topics.
Utilize resources we have. Experts of the field are waiting to act. Find ways to spend our money on
education, social programs, community health.
Stop spending money on fear. We do not need to disband policing in Bozeman, but it can shift to become a
part of our community instead of against our community. Join me in making Bozeman a safe place for ALL
members. Our indigenous and minority populations make the community a wonderful place to live in
Montana. Our history is intertwined and so should our community. Please stand up for the betterment of
our community and not specific interest groups in our community by building a budget supporting our
community and not tearing it apart.
Thank you for your service and time taken to properly lead our community.
Sarah Wahrer
If you would like to submit additional documents (.pdf, .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .gif, .jpg, .png, .rtf, .txt)
along with your comment, you may alternately address agenda@bozeman.net directly to ensure
receipt of all information.
Thank you,
City Of Bozeman
This is an automated message generated by the Vision Content Management System™. Please do not reply
directly to this email.
From:Hillary Robison
To:Agenda
Subject:Social change & police funding
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:36:41 PM
Hi Bozeman Commission,
As you go into this budget approval process, please divert funding from police programs and,
instead, fund support programs (e.g, social programs, counseling, crisis intervention,deescalation, diversity training). By doing this you foment a culture change and help create a
Bozeman that’s inclusive and safe for all.
Thank you,
Hillary
From:Metta Counseling LLC
To:Agenda
Subject:Decrease Police Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:36:31 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am writing to demand that city counsel decrease the budget for policing and redirect thosefunds to services that strengthen the community and decrease distress that leads to crimein the first place. As a licensed clinical professional myself, I am clear that the police are notthe appropriate avenue to deal with socioeconomic stressors, homelessness, and mental
health concerns all of which they are the current go-to in the community.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Please respond with a conformation that you will work to redirect funds to more appropriatechannels that actually strengthen and stabilize the safety of the community as a whole.
Sincerely,
Stasia Owen
Stasia M. Owen, MS, NCC, LCPC, SEPMetta Counseling Services, LLC
2415 West Main Street, Suite 2Bozeman, MT 59718
(406) 579-4248
PLEASE NOTE the following important information regarding the use of email:
Although my computers are password protected, emails are not encrypted. Therefore, I cannotguarantee confidentiality of any email communication. If you choose to communicateconfidential information with me via email, I will assume that you have made an informeddecision and I will view it as your agreement to take the risk that email may beintercepted. ALSO, PLEASE BE AWARE THAT EMAIL IS NEVER AN APPROPRIATEMEANS OF COMMUNICATION FOR EMERGENCIES. If you require immediate oremergency assistance of any kind, please call 911, go to the nearest emergency room, orcontact The Help Center at (406) 586-3333.
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The information contained in this transmission may beprivileged, confidential and protected from disclosure under Federal Confidentiality Laws (42CFR Part 2 and 45 CFR Parts 160-164). Any dissemination, distribution, or duplication of thiscommunication is strictly prohibited without the consent of the writer. If you are not theintended recipient, or you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender
immediately at the email address above or delete this email.
From:Cassie Andrews
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposal budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:36:21 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am choosing to use words that another wrote, however, I am using these words becauseI believe it encapsulates the truth and articulates it well. Please read:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-outhttps://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Ian Sobol
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:36:13 PM
To the city council,
As a person who has called bozeman home for more than 10 years, i am extremely
shocked to hear that you are looking to increase funding for the police in these times. I am
concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that
this city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citations
1.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.html
2.
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-out
3.
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Matteo Björnsson
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding the proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:36:11 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
The answer to crime and policing in Bozeman is not more funding for policing, but rathermore funding for services that prevent the need for policing. It is clear that prevention is notonly less violent, but it is also cheaper in the long run!!
The proposed increase in the policing budget is not the answer.
Sincerely,
Matteo Bjornsson1703 W Olive St
From:Mickey Tommins
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget for policing
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:36:06 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am troubled that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the
United States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for
marijuana, a drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally,
police solve a small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the
Bozeman PD solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps
communities safe from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in
programs that attack the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction,
discrimination, and lack of opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education,
stable employment, and adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe.
I would very much like to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the
city’s proposal, cut, so that this city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citations
1.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.html
2.
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-out
3.
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Kat Bentley
To:Agenda
Subject:Budget Conment
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:36:00 PM
Hello,
My name is Kat Bentley, and I am a member of the Bozeman community. I am sending thisemail in regards to the budget, in particular the funding of the Bozeman police department. I
would like to comment that the police department budget should be reduced and NOTincreased as planned. The money currently intended to be added to the police department
should go to more vital areas in the community, like education, health services and support forthe homeless. The police in Bozeman and throughout the US have abused their power and
financial support. As a citizen of Bozeman I expect this cities leadership to re-route the budgetincrease away from this corrupt system to alternative community investments. Feel free to
reach out to me via email or at 746142878 for additional comment.Thank you for your time.
Kat Bentley
From:joseph marin
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern Regarding Proposed Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:35:48 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities fromcrime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United States
are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a drug that isless dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a small percentage
of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD solves less than 30% ofviolent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe from crime is not their
investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack the underlying causes ofcrime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of opportunity. Access to low-income
housing, quality education, stable employment, and adequate mental-health services are whatkeep a community safe. I would very much like to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes
up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that this city can more properly invest in othernecessary services(3).
I hope that the City Commission delays the approval of the budget so that bozemanites have
more time to offer opinions on how best to structure the budget.
Citations
1. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.html
2. https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out
3. https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
Regards,
Joseph Marin
From:Alzada Roche
To:Agenda
Subject:Police funding public comment
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:35:42 PM
Dear Council members,
1/3 of the budget is currently allocated to policing, with less than one percent for affordable
housing, homelessness, or sustainability?
This seems wrong to me. Our community does not have a lot of violent crime. We leave our doors unlocked. We don’t
need more police.
What we do need is upward mobility for our poor, sensible, affordable housing for ourworking class, shelter for our homeless and most vulnerable, and investments in the health of
our environment.
Those are the values that I want to see reflected in our city’s budget.
Thank you for your service,
Alzada RocheS Black Ave.
-- Alzada Roche
(406) 270-1576
From:Daeryl Holzer
To:Agenda
Subject:Budget public comment
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:35:36 PM
Please delay your decision about funding to receive more public comment.
As a citizen I am concerned about funding necessary human services rather than
police force. Please prioritize funding services for homeless, hunger, education and
mental health services.
Thank you for your consideration.
Daeryl HolzerBozeman resident
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
From:Isabel Shaida
To:Agenda
Subject:City Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:35:33 PM
To whom it may concern,
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots too much money for
policing and too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. What can Bozeman
do to shift funds toward programs that address lack of affordable housing, that support
mental health care services, that offer addiction counseling rather than criminalizing drug
possession?
As you are probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police."
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
The majority of people arrested every year in the United States are arrested on drug
charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a drug that is less dangerous
than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a small percentage of violent
crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD solves less than 30% of violent
crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe from crime is not their
investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack the underlying
causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of opportunity. Access
to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and adequate mental-
health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like to see us make
our priority investing in people not policing (3).
Thank you for your time,
Isabel shaida
621 N Bozeman Ave
Citations
1.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-
drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.html
2.
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-
crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out
3.
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?
id=10356
From:Katie Home
To:Agenda
Subject:City budget- police dept
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:35:32 PM
I am writing to ask that any changes to set or increase the Bozeman police budget be put on hold to allow for a
community discussion on alternative supports and services that would increase the well being of all Bozeman
citizens. I do not support increasing the police budget. I would like the city of Bozeman to add programs that invest
in all of us.
Thank you,
Theresa Arnold
Sent from my iPhone
From:Michael Close
To:Agenda
Subject:Re-invest
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:35:22 PM
Dear City Council,
My name is Michael Close and I am a resident of Bozeman, Montana. I heard that you raised the police budget.
WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING?
We need to be investing in healthcare, education, the black community, the indigenous community, etc. NOT THE
POLICE. The police are only beneficial to white folks and not protective of anyone else. If you do not start being
anti racist these protests will just go on. Change needs to happen. DEFUND THE POLICE AND REINVEST IN
THE BLACK COMMUNITY. WHY THE FUCK DOES BOZEMAN POLICE HAVE TANKS???
Thanks,
Michael Close
From:Braelyn Standish
To:Agenda
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:35:18 PM
Good afternoon,
Based on current national events, Bozeman's racial equity project is helping bring to light theincreased funding for the policr following the public rally(s) & I am here to ask that policr
funding be decreased and shared with other Bozeman resources including, but not limited toHealthcare, Bozeman's BIPOC community, and other mental health services. Bozeman's
nonprofits are a vital source to our community for our fellow neighbors and friends that mayexperience hardships and need additional resources.
Thank you
Braelyn Standish
From:Marco
To:Agenda
Subject:Public comment - City budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:35:15 PM
Good afternoon,
My name is Marco Huot and I am a bozeman resident and I am extremely concerned about the
amount of the city’s budget being allocated toward the police.
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.html
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:CJ Williams
To:Agenda
Subject:Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:35:14 PM
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-outhttps://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Laurie Berg
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:35:13 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Sincerely,Laurie Berg
From:Barbara tylka
To:Agenda
Subject:Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:35:12 PM
The police are too often asked to perform duties for which they are not qualified. Rather than
increasing the police budget the community would experience greater benefit from fundingprograms for food security, low income housing, addiction treatment, and de-escalation
training. These changes would result in both a happier, healthier community and a happier,healthier police force.
Barbara Tylka3109 Autumn Grove St, Bozeman, MT 59718
From:Lily Wright
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:35:07 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citations
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-outhttps://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
Sincerely,
Lily Wright
From:Evan Schehrer
To:Agenda
Subject:2021 Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:35:04 PM
To whom it may concern:I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably
aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this country inresponse to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the police, and
the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath. These calls arenot, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities fromcrime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United States
are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a drug that isless dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a small percentage
of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD solves less than 30% ofviolent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe from crime is not their
investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack the underlying causes ofcrime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of opportunity. Access to low-income
housing, quality education, stable employment, and adequate mental-health services are whatkeep a community safe. I would very much like to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes
up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that this city can more properly invest in othernecessary services(3).
Citations1. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-sa
y-no.html2. https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-
you-can-find-out3. https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Petria R.
To:Agenda
Subject:City budget public comment
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:34:58 PM
I’m am writing to request a reconsideration of the city budget. Police receive a
disproportionate amount of public funding and represent a heavily armed force within ourcommunity. An increase to the Bozeman police budget is unacceptable. The police budget
should instead be reduced and money to be reappropriated to other services like social work,homeless services and other services that benefit the community without resorting to armed
force, the threat of violence or violence itself. Thank you.
Petria
From:Emma Foster
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:34:50 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Thank you for your time,
Emma Foster406-431-1599Fosteremt@gmail.com
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.html
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-outhttps://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:elizabeth french
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns re: proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:34:48 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Sincerely,Elizabeth French
From:Nicolas Pichette
To:Agenda
Subject:Budget comments
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:34:48 PM
Hello,
As a active and concerned citizen of Bozeman, I believe the funding for law enforcement is more than adequate and
funds should be diverted more into community welfare programs. There is a growing number of homeless people
and the drug crisis still rages across our town. I ask the city to re-evaluate spending and consider what would best
help our town.
Thank you
Nicolas Pichette
From:Matt Westendorf
To:Agenda
Subject:City council aganda
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:34:48 PM
Dear city council,
I’ve heard that the council is considering increasing the police budget for Bozeman. I oppose
this action and call on city leaders to actually decrease police funding & redirect those funds tocommunity based support programs that will better support all the members of our
community. I and others will be happy to make proposals and suggestions for how those fundscan be better utilized to serve the safety and well-being of Bozeman.
Matt Westendorf
2200 W Dickerson St #3Bozeman, MT 59718
Thank you!
From:Michelle Vered
To:Agenda
Subject:Decrease the Police Budget and Invest in Other Services
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:34:48 PM
Hi,
I am a Bozeman resident and upset at the idea the current police budget may be increasing
while other critical community services remain underfunded. Calling the police is not theanswer to every issue in the city. Calling the police actually makes some members of our
Bozeman community feel less safe, rather than more safe. If we instead invested inalternatives to the police then all members of our community would truly be safer.
Thanks,
Michelle Vered
From:amelia fountain
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:34:48 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe.
A community involves people of ALL colors, ALL levels of education, and ALL economicconditions. Our current system of law enforcement serves only a small portion of our
community. I would like to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of thecity’s proposal, cut, so that this city can more properly invest in other necessary services,like HRDC, the food bank, and Haven.
Thank you,
Amelia Fountain
From:Skylar Lofing
To:Agenda
Subject:Postpone Budget Decisions
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:34:47 PM
Hello.
My name is Skylar Lofing, and I am concerned about the city’s budget plans. It has come to my attention that 33%
of Bozeman’s funding goes to the police department, while the homeless population and many other sectors of the
budget are being completely ignored. I urge you to reconsider your budget, decrease the police budget, and put that
money towards something that will actually help people. Thanks.
Skylar Lofing
she/her
From:michaela.alvers@gmail.com
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:34:47 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-outhttps://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
As a member of Bozeman’s nonprofit community, I am well aware of what individuals and
organizations in this community are capable of accomplishing with the right support. Please
consider expanding the social programs we have already built the foundations for.
Thank you,
Michaela Alvers
Sent from my iPhone
From:Jewel Christensen
To:Agenda
Subject:Police Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:34:46 PM
Good afternoon,
I am aware that the Bozeman City Counsel is considering increase the police budget in response to the community
outcry for more just policing. I want to express my concern for this response as this signals that the counsel is not
hearing what we are asking for.
I would like to see the counsel work to reappropriate and balance the budget to other services that can be better
equipped to deal with issues police officers are not trained to deal with. I would like to see the bear cat sold and that
funding used to implement crisis response teams to intervene in mental health crises. I hope we can find a creative
and productive way to serve and protect the community that does not rely on aggressive policing tactics.
Kind regards,
Jewel Christensen
Sent from my iPhone
From:Erik Bonnett
To:Agenda
Subject:Reallocate funding
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:34:46 PM
I am emailing to voice my opinion as a citizen of Bozeman that the city government should be
investing more in social services like social work and affordable housing. It is myunderstanding that at this time of budget contraction the budget calls for an increase in the
police budget. This is the wrong time fiscally, socially, and politically to increase policefunding. This is especially important in the context of national police violence and widespread
overt acts of racism in our community. Please revise the budget now!
-Erik Bonnett914 W Babcock
-- -Erik Bonnett
651-336-0394erik.bonnett@gmail.com
From:Ava Tolliver
To:Agenda
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:34:46 PM
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Please allocate more of your budget toward improving the community including funding forour homeless population and education.
Ava Tolliver and Sage Meyer
From:Emma Roberts
To:Agenda
Subject:Decrese the police budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:34:46 PM
Dear ma'am or sirs
I would like to request a decrease in the police budget in favor of funding more services that
are community building and inclusive, and whoch will help to create a better Bozman. Mentalhealth services, serivces that help support the homeless, and services that help keep bozeman
accessible to all would be much better uses of public resources.These alternative services are more just, and more in line with the wishes of the population of
Bozeman.Thank you for your consideration.
From:Samantha Calley
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns Regarding Proposed Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:34:46 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that
this city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Signed,
Sami Goodman
Citations
1.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.html
2.
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-out
3.
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Madi Grubb
To:Agenda
Subject:Decrease the Police Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:34:45 PM
Hello my name is Maddy Grubb, I live in Bozeman Montana.
I’m urging the city commission to NOT increase the police budget, but rather decrease the spending of the Police
department and use the funding for social/reconstructive programs. Increasing the budget at a time like this sends the
wrong message about where Bozeman’s priorities are, and is a direct threat towards black and brown lives living in
this town.
Thank you for reading over this and I truly hope you reconsider the budget increase.
Maddy Grubb
From:Becky Armstrong
To:Agenda
Subject:Decrease the Police Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:34:15 PM
Subject: Concerns regarding proposed budget
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal
budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually
strengthen our community. As you are probablyaware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to
“Defund the Police” all across this country inresponse to the murders of George Floyd and
Breonna Taylor at the hands of the police, andthe acts of police brutality inflicted upon
peaceful protestors in the aftermath. Thesecalls are not, and should not be, confined to
large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets
are necessary to protect our communities fromcrime. This is simply not true. The majority of
people arrested every year in the United Statesare arrested on drug charges, and the majority
of drug arrests are for marijuana, a drug that isless dangerous than either alcohol or
tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a smallpercentage of violent crimes. The most recent
data tells us that the Bozeman PD solves lessthan 30% of violent crimes in our community(2).
What keeps communities safe from crime is nottheir investments in police, but their
investments in programs that attack theunderlying causes of crime; homelessness,
addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing,
quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep
a community safe. I would very much like to seethe Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full
⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that this citycan more properly invest in other necessary
services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.html
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-outhttps://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
- Becky A. of Bozeman MT
From:s.mucker
To:Agenda
Subject:Changing the Bozeman budget allocation
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:34:11 PM
To whom it may concern,
I believe that Bozeman should reallocate its budget away from the police department, which
already receives 33% of the overall budget, and put said budget towards other programs suchas helping the homeless and the drug crisis.
Sincerely,
Sharon Mucker
From:Noelle
To:Agenda
Subject:Budget for Bozeman
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:34:03 PM
Hello,
I respectively respect for a delay with finalization of the city’s budget to adequately address the issues that are being
discussed with fervor across the nation (and world). Discriminatory practices that have been historically and
currently linked with police tactics are at the forefront of the society’s consciousness and Bozeman is not an
exception.
A serious look at the current general fund that goes to the Police needs to be evaluated, particularly a call for
increased funding directed to the police department. Invest in people not police. Invest in social programs not police.
Invest in mental health not police. In addition to serious review of police approved tactics and processes, funding
should be invested into the community.
Thank you,
Noelle Guernsey
From:Mikayla Wood
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns about proposed city budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:34:03 PM
Hello,
I am sharing this with you as a registered voter in Bozeman and as someone who is extremely
worries about the direction Bozeman is headed if changes are not made.
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities from
crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United Statesare arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a drug that is
less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a small percentageof violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD solves less than 30% of
violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe from crime is not theirinvestments in police, but their investments in programs that attack the underlying causes of
crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of opportunity. Access to low-incomehousing, quality education, stable employment, and adequate mental-health services are what
keep a community safe. I would very much like to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takesup a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that this city can more properly invest in other
necessary services(3).
Or if you want to keep the police budget high, then increase your total budget to invest inother services!!!! But either way we need investment in other areas than police!!!
Citations
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-
no.html
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
Thank you,
Mikayla Wood
From:Ruthie Barbour
To:Agenda
Subject:Fiscal year 2021 Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:34:01 PM
Dear city commissioners,
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Please invest in MORE than the police, we need more funding for other organizations, notthe police.
Thank you,-Ruthie Barbour616 S 8th Ave, Bozeman
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-outhttps://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Amanda Miller
To:Agenda
Subject:Re: proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:33:55 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that
this city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Concerned citizen,
Amanda Miller
Citations
1.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.html
2.
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-out
3.
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Florence Doyle
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:33:52 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that
this city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Regards,
Florence Doyle
Citations
1.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.html
2.
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-out
3.
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:katie.moyer@gmail.com
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:33:52 PM
To whom it may concern:
After watching 13th (documentary on Netflix) and reading more about the history and
modern impacts of policing, I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021
allots far too much money for policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our
community. As you are probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the
Police” all across this country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna
Taylor at the hands of the police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful
protestors in the aftermath. These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban
areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that
this city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Thanks,
Katie
Citations
1.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.html
2.
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-out
3.
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
Sent by twenty-first century, touch screen technology.
From:jackieswan62@q.com
To:Agenda
Subject:Decrease police budget now
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:33:49 PM
I believe Bozeman needs more funding for services for the homeless, the mentally ill, and less
for policing. Transformative change to a more just and peaceful community requires a shift inpriorities.
Jackie Swanson
83 Ricky DrBozeman, Mt 59718
406-539-8985
Get Outlook for iOS
From:Dori Calley
To:Agenda
Subject:The proposed municipal budgets concerns
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:33:47 PM
Subject: Concerns regarding proposed budget
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-outhttps://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Quinn G
To:Agenda
Subject:Proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:33:47 PM
As a citizen of Bozeman, I am concerned with the proposed budget put forth. A large chunk of
this spending is going towards the Police department. I feel other avenues of spending must beinvestigated. Police department spending is not correlated to an increase in public wellbeing.
I'd suggest funding the homeless shelter or mental health facilities.
Thank you for your time,Quinn Gianarelli
From:Alyssa White
To:Agenda
Subject:Reallocating Police Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:33:47 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community, and the human
rights issues that we should have ALWAYS been focused on. As you are probably aware,
there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this country in
response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the police,
and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
We believe massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities from crime.
This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United States are
arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a drug that is
less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a small
percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD solves
less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe from
crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack the
underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that
this city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Thank you for listening to the voices of your citizens.
Sincerely, Alyssa M. White
Citations
1.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.html
2.
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-out
3.
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Natalie Wilkinson
To:Agenda
Subject:Too Much Money For Police in Municipal Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:33:46 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the 2021 budget allocates too much money for the police in Bozeman,rather than for other much needed social services. In the wake of local and nationalprotests fighting for Black lives, I stand with the call to defund the police, rather than put
more money to the police.
As an employee at Fork and Spoon, Montana’s only pay what you can restaurant, I believeBozeman needs less money for police enforcement for vulnerable communities and more
money allocated to supporting food, health and education services.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.html
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-outhttps://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Jennifer A Lachowiec
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:33:46 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. What keeps communities safe from crime is not their
investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack the underlying causes
of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of opportunity. Access to low-
income housing, quality education, stable employment, and adequate mental-health
services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like to see the Bozeman PD’s
budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that this city can more properly
invest in other necessary services.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Lachowiec
614 S 6th Ave
Bozeman
From:Marguerite Gaillard
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns Regarding Proposed Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:33:45 PM
To whom it may concern:
As a 19 y/o born and raised in Bozeman MT, I am concerned that the proposed municipal
budget for 2021 allots far too much money for policing and far too little for funds thatactually strengthen our community. As you are probably aware, there has been a tidal waveof calls to “Defund the Police” all across this country in response to the murders of GeorgeFloyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted
upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath. These calls are not, and should not be, confinedto large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
By cutting the police budget, it allows Bozeman to provide the resources for everyone tolive the life that they deserve in this beautiful valley.
Thank you for your time, and I hope you will make a decision in favor of our Bozemanpopulation as a whole.
Marguerite Gaillard
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-outhttps://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
-- Margo Gaillard
(406) 551.0375gaillardmargot@gmail.com
From:Amy Armstrong
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern over local budget allocation for police
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:33:44 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Given the community conversation happening right now. I would like to see the commissiondelay the final budget decision until there is more time for a community dialogue around howour budget reflects our values.
Thank you for your consideration.
Amy Armstrong Bozeman homeowner and resident
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-outhttps://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
Sent from my iPhone
From:Paul Hegedus
To:Agenda
Subject:City Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:33:43 PM
To whom it may concern,
I am submitting feedback concerning the city budget, specifically the proposed increase of the Bozeman Police
Department budget. I would like to express my position against this proposed plan of action and suggest that rather
than increasing the budget of the department, other departments and programs receive the proposed funds allocated
for the police department.
Thank you,
Paul Hegedus
From:Justin Allred
To:Agenda
Subject:Budget delay
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:33:41 PM
It had come to my attention that there have been requests to increase the police budget in
Bozeman. Please consider delaying the vote on the budget to discuss other options. Forinstance increasing services for homelessness and medicine in the valley. I believe that police
have too many responsibilities as it is, they are not counselors, or paramedics, or socialworkers but they are called before these specialists can get involved. This deserves the time to
debate and come to a better solution that works for all. Thank you for your time.
Justin Allred.Bozemanite.
From:Ellie Nolan
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:33:40 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-outhttps://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
Ellie Nolan
Enviado desde mi iPhone
From:India Maxwell
To:Agenda
Subject:Please consider decreasing police budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:33:35 PM
Dear City Council,
I’m writing to ask that you decrease the budget for Bozeman’s police by a third and funnel
that money towards more underfunded programs like addressing and improving homelessnesssituations and drug abuse rates in our community.
We do not need to be spending that much of our taxpayer dollars on the police when a smaller
amount would be sufficient for our safety and we would use that extra money to addressunderlying problems in our community.
Thank you,
India Maxwell
From:Kristi chester vance
To:Agenda
Subject:Invest in community services and decrease police budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:33:34 PM
Dear Bozeman leaders,
Please adjust our annual city budget to reflect the global movement to stand for the safety and rights of black, brown
and indigenous people of color by shifting some of the proposed increased funding for the police toward critical
other services including dealing with homelessness, dealing with drug and alcohol dependency, fighting gender
violence and most critically, training law enforcement to make bozeman a safe community for BIPOC.
Thank you, Kristi Chester Vance
From:kenzie davis
To:Agenda
Subject:Decrease police funding in Bozeman MT
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:33:34 PM
Hi I’m writing this email to ask to decrease bozeman PDs funding and fund more
organizations that will help people before situations result in having to call the PD. Moreaccess to free health care, mental and emotional health care, andcheaper public housin
From:Francie Hammer
To:Agenda
Subject:Redistribution of funds
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:33:33 PM
To whom this may concern,
I bet you to please decrease the police fund. There are better places for the money to go to rather than the boys in
blue. They’re service is important, but not nearly as important as mental health officials, homelessness issues, and
other socially beneficial organizations. What you are doing is promoting racism and not listening to the community
who is speaking to you.
Decreasing the police budget is critical.
This is on you.
Francie Hammer
From:Malia Bertelsen
To:Agenda
Subject:City budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:33:32 PM
I am emailing because I would like to see Bozeman use funds that would otherwise go towards
the police department to instead fund other needs that lift up the community such as nonprofits like bridger care, or back into public schoolS, or for increasing testing of the
coronavirus.
Best,
Malia Bertelsen
From:Preston Holmgren
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:33:31 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities fromcrime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United States
are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a drug that isless dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a small percentage
of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD solves less than 30% ofviolent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe from crime is not their
investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack the underlying causes ofcrime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of opportunity. Access to low-income
housing, quality education, stable employment, and adequate mental-health services are whatkeep a community safe. I would very much like to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes
up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that this city can more properly invest in othernecessary services.
Frankly from a personal level, I’m appalled that an increase in Bozeman PD’s budget is even
on the table. I see this decision as tone deaf and complacent to the larger issues that plague ourcountry.
I look forward to seeing changes in the proposed budget soon.
Thank you for your time,
Preston Holmgren
Citations
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-
no.html
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out
https://wwwbozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
-- -Preston Holmgren
From:Ciel Ciel
To:Agenda
Subject:City Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:33:28 PM
Hello City of Bozeman,
I would like to request that the city of bozeman decreases the budget for the bozeman police
department. It is my opinion that these funds could be better used to combat homelessness,drug addiction, and mental health concerns, all of which are issues we face in our community
that need greater funds to solve. In order to keep our communities safe, we should also investin commjnity based safety programs, which cities like Minneapolis are now trying. Thank you
for hearing the people of bozeman.
Sincerely, a Bozeman resident who works in the mental health field here in Bozeman.
From:Scott McGann
To:Agenda
Subject:Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:33:23 PM
I feel the city budget should be allocated in a way that focuses more on education and social
programs that help the members of our community, rather than to increase the funds for thepolice force.
From:Tim Jones
To:Agenda
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:33:22 PM
Hello!
I am writing to ask city council to rethink the city budget for next year.
I believe that Bozeman taxpayer dollars can go better places than being allocated to the policedepartment which would only militarize our local police and put our black and indigenous
people at a disadvantage.
Please reconsider the allocation of funds for more noble purposes.
Thank you,Tim Jones
Bozeman Citizen
From:Owen Wolfe
To:Agenda
Subject:Public Comment on Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:33:22 PM
to whom it may concern,
In the current political climate it is absurd and offensive to allocate so much of our limited
budget to policing. We are nearing a crisis of housing and public health and those things arefar more deserving of my tax money than policing.
-Owen WolfeDisappointed Bozeman Resident
From:Minah Choi
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget: police funding
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:33:18 PM
Dear Bozeman City Council,
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities fromcrime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United States
are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a drug that isless dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a small percentage
of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD solves less than 30% ofviolent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe from crime is not their
investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack the underlying causes ofcrime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of opportunity. Access to low-income
housing, quality education, stable employment, and adequate mental-health services are whatkeep a community safe. I would very much like to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes
up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that this city can more properly invest in othernecessary services(3).
Thank you for your time and I hope that the council can consider other options that will truly
protect and value the safety of our community.
Best,Minah Choi
Citations:
1. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.html
2. https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out
3. https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Nic Manship
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:33:13 PM
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities from
crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United Statesare arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a drug that is
less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a small percentageof violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD solves less than 30% of
violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe from crime is not theirinvestments in police, but their investments in programs that attack the underlying causes of
crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of opportunity. Access to low-incomehousing, quality education, stable employment, and adequate mental-health services are what
keep a community safe. I would very much like to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takesup a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that this city can more properly invest in other
necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-
no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-
you-can-find-outhttps://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
Nic Manship
-- Nic Manship
From:Katie Meyer
To:Agenda
Subject:Bozeman Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:33:13 PM
Hello!
My name is Katelyn Meyer and I am writing today to OPPOSE that 30% of our cities budget
goes towards funding our police while programs that aid homelessness and the drug crisis inBozeman go underfunded. This money should be redistributed to programs to help Bozeman’s
wellbeing. I am calling that you delay the passing of Bozeman’s budget on Monday to a latertime to rethink how we find bozeman.
-- Katelyn Meyer
From:Madison Mathiasen
To:Agenda
Subject:Bozeman City Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:33:10 PM
Greetings,
As a citizen of Bozeman, I urge you to decrease your police budget and rather invest in social
services such as mental health supports, homelessness supports, and crisis prevention services/ education instead of punishment. Giving more money to the police will send the wrong
message to our community, and show that you are against the many of us that are workingtowards being anti-racist! Please make the decision to be on the right side of history and set an
example for the rest of the state and the nation. Our community is relying on you.
Madi Mathiasen
From:Gmail
To:Agenda
Subject:Please Update the Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:33:09 PM
City Council,
Thanks for your work. I would like you to consider shifting budget from the police to homeless, housing, food and
other needs in the community. Also please continue to change the police into community support instead of
punishment.
Cheers,
Scott
Scott Bryant
Professor of Management
Jake Jabs College of Business & Entrepreneurship
Montana State University
Jabs Hall 222
Bozeman, MT 59717
bryant@montana.edu
scottbryant@gmail.com
Office: 406-994-6191
Cel: 406-581-6470
"Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you."~Saint Augustine
From:Josephine Strand
To:Agenda
Subject:Decrease Bozemans budget on the PD
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:33:08 PM
Please decrease Bozemans budget on the police department and use that money for other
resources.
Thank you
From:Wendy Stanley
To:Agenda
Subject:Decrease the Police Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:33:07 PM
Now is the time to evaluate our spending as a city.
Instead of putting more money into police consider other more important resources such as our homeless population.
Or support such as social services and affordable housing.
I’ve been trying to buy a house for 3 months. I’ve been outbid with cash offers for 4 houses, over $450,000. If I
can’t find a house, others cannot.
Support the police by adding social workers to help keep violence away.
Sent from my iPhone via magic ♂
From:Zack Ehrhardt
To:Agenda
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:33:06 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Sincerely, Zack Ehrhardt
Citations
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Brian Mellott
To:Agenda
Subject:Police budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:33:06 PM
Hello,
I firmly believe the police budget here in Bozeman needs to be reconsidered. Instead of
providing more money for police and punitive measures we should allocate funds topreventative and more relevant measures. Social work for homelessness and drug abuse for
example helps people instead of incarcerates them. Before you pass any police budget stronglyconsider the ramifications and alternatives.
Thank you kindly,
Brian Mellott
Get Outlook for iOS
From:Tierney Strandberg
To:Agenda
Subject:Upcoming Meeting
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:33:05 PM
Hello,
I am writing to request that you delay the final budget decision that is slotted to be made on Monday. I am aware
that the public comment period on this budget is ending on Monday and would like to add my request for this time
period to be extended. As you know, the way that our community chooses to allocate resources has major impact on
the lives, safety, and well-being of community members. There are resounding concerns being raised in Bozeman
since the release of the intention to increase the budget for policing in this community, during a time when so many
communities are resolving to re-allocate those funds to organizations better equipped to make lasting change.
Thank you in advance,
Tierney Strandberg
From:mayarain
To:Agenda
Subject:Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:33:05 PM
Dear board members,
we, the people of Bozeman, demand a decrease in the police budget for Montana state.Distribute the funds to more pressing matters like homeless funds and the drug crisis, etc.
Thank you for putting what the people want and need first,
Sincerely Maya Arnold.
From:Kelly Hockett
To:Agenda
Subject:MUNICIPAL BUDGET CONCERNS
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:33:04 PM
Template for public comment to send to agenda@bozeman.net
Subject: Concerns regarding proposed budget
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas, they apply to ourtown as well.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-outhttps://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
Sent from my iPhone
From:Meryl Pawlick
To:Agenda
Subject:Budget Concerns
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:33:01 PM
To whom it may concern:
I, Meryl Pawlick, am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far toomuch money for policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community.As you are probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” allacross this country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at thehands of the police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the
aftermath. These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Sincerely,Meryl Pawlick
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.html
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-outhttps://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Hil Rosa
To:Agenda
Subject:Decrease the budget for Bozeman Police Dept.
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:33:01 PM
Hello,
I am writing as a long-time resident of Bozeman to express my wish that the budget of the Bozeman
Police Department be decreased so that other services (such as services for homeless populations,
HRDC funding, etc.) may be increased.
-Hilary Rosa
From:cassiekolman
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:59 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that this city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3)
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
From:Hallo Chump
To:Agenda
Subject:decrease police budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:54 PM
Dear board members,
The people of Bozeman demand a decrease in the budget being dedicated to the Police
department in Montana, and rather distribute the funds to better matters, such as homelessfunds, drug crisis, etc.
Thank you for your putting what the people want first,
Kyah Hegreberg
From:Meghan Lockner
To:Agenda
Subject:City budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:54 PM
I am submitting feedback in regards to the city budget. I am calling for the police budget to be
decreased and more funding to go to other areas of the city. --
Meghan LocknerShe/Her/Hers
Events and Communications Manager | HAVENGraduate Student | Concordia University
651-442-0481
From:lane kadish
To:Agenda
Subject:Municipal budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:53 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Katie Dolen
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:53 PM
Subject: Concerns regarding proposed budget
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Sent from my iPhone
From:Matt Kirby
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:52 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
Thank you,
Matt Kirby
From:Aja
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:52 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Nolan Hall
To:Agenda
Subject:City Commission Budget Concerns
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:51 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that
this city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citations
1.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.html
2.
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-out
3.
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Margaret Murdoch
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:50 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.html
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-outhttps://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Eliza Donahue
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:50 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities from
crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United Statesare arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a drug that is
less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a small percentageof violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD solves less than 30% of
violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe from crime is not theirinvestments in police, but their investments in programs that attack the underlying causes of
crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of opportunity. Access to low-incomehousing, quality education, stable employment, and adequate mental-health services are what
keep a community safe. I would very much like to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takesup a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that this city can more properly invest in other
necessary services(3).
Thanks,Eliza Donahue
Citations
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.html
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Anna Campbell
To:Agenda
Subject:Public comment
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:48 PM
Hi,
My name is Anna and I am a resident of Bozeman. I am demanding more time for publiccomment on the issues at hand for the city commission. I want our police to be defunded,
using that money instead for education, housing and other areas that will actually help reducecrime and protect our communities.
Why would we overfund the police instead of trying to solve the problems at their roots? Anna
From:Tatum Meyer
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:47 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out
Thank you, Tatum Meyer
From:Travis Boyer
To:Agenda
Subject:Decrease police budget and divert funds to other public services
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:46 PM
Hey there,
I’d like to express my wishes as a resident of Bozeman and a veteran to decrease The police budget invest in other
public services! Please listen and be on the right side of history!
Thanks,
Travis Boyer
From:Wyatt Thompson-Siporen
To:Agenda
Subject:Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:43 PM
Dear Bozeman agenda,
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath. These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that
this city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citations
1.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.html
2.
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-out
3.
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=103
From:Martha Buenrostro
To:Agenda
Subject:Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:43 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Amelia Pease
To:Agenda
Subject:Defund the Police, Invest in the Community
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:42 PM
Hello,
My name is Amelia Pease and I am an environmental science student at MSU. I am emailing to ask that you
consider divesting from the Bozeman police in your next city budget, and extend the period for public review. I also
want to let you know that the people of Bozeman are watching and care about this year’s budget and where our
public funds are going.
Thank you
Amelia Pease
From:Hannah Feltis
To:Agenda
Subject:City Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:41 PM
Hello!
I am writing to ask the city to rethink their budget for the next year.
I believe that there are other resources that folks in our city need more than an increased police
force.
Our march’s and rallies were not to ask for more police training or gear, they were to ask thatthe resources are allocated toward other need within the community.
If you are confused about defunding the police, I would invite you to look into abolition
groups and articles online.
Thank you,
-Hannah Feltis 2065509117
From:Ava Cecilia Snow
To:Agenda
Subject:Comment on the budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:41 PM
Hi there,
My name is Ava Snow, and I have grown up in Bozeman and lived here for over a decade. Iam now a Junior at Stanford University. I am reaching out to express deep concern over the
intent to increase the police budget. It is my belief as someone who cares deeply about racialjustice that the police budget should be decreased, and the money should be redirected to
support people experiencing homelessness or drug addiction. Best,
Ava
Get Outlook for iOS
From:Emily LaShelle
To:Agenda
Subject:[SENDER UNVERIFIED]Concerns about Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:40 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out
--
Emily LaShelle (She/They)
Sunrise Curriculum Manager
(406) 579-6844
From:Joey Morrison
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerning the Police Commission Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:40 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities fromcrime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United States
are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a drug that isless dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a small percentage
of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD solves less than 30% ofviolent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe from crime is not their
investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack the underlying causes ofcrime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of opportunity. Access to low-income
housing, quality education, stable employment, and adequate mental-health services are whatkeep a community safe. I would very much like to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes
up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that this city can more properly invest in othernecessary services(3).
Citations
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.html
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:jeana antle
To:Agenda
Subject:City budget commentary
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:39 PM
Hello,
I am writing to express my concern with the city council’s current budget and the current 30% allocation to the city
police.
I would like to see this percentage of the budget reduced and instead re-allocated to services that will reduce the
need for so many police forces, such as providing resources for mental health crises and people experiencing
homelessness.
Thank you,
Jeana Antle
304 S 3rd Ave
Bozeman, MT
Sent from my iPhone
From:Ollie Endicott
To:Agenda
Subject:Regarding the proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:38 PM
To whom it may concern:
I feel concern that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Thank you for your attention.
Citations https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Joi Gallant
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:34 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocum
From:McKeely Shannon
To:Agenda
Subject:[SENDER UNVERIFIED]Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:32 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
McKeely
From:Madison Perrins
To:Agenda
Subject:Budget concerns for city of Bozeman
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:31 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.html
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-outThank you,
Madison Perrins --
Madison Perrins
@mountainmoonphotomountainmoonphoto.com
From:Everett Johns
To:Agenda
Subject:Comment
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:31 PM
Good afternoon,
I am writing to express my disagreement with the proposal to increase Bozeman Police
Department’s budget. Our community needs to be invested in first and foremost. I trulybelieve that those funds would be better allocated toward community services, which in turn
can help decrease crime rates and increase overall community wellness.
With my best, Everett Johns
Everett A. Johns • He/Him/His Alexander Blewett III School of Law Cell: (406) 451 - 5574
--
Everett A. Johns • He/Him/His Alexander Blewett III School of Law Cell: (406) 451 - 5574
From:MeeHee
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:27 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that
this city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citations
1.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.html
2.
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-out
3.
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
Thank you, MeeHee Kirby
From:Lindsey Hove
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:25 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities from
crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United Statesare arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a drug that is
less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a small percentageof violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD solves less than 30% of
violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe from crime is not theirinvestments in police, but their investments in programs that attack the underlying causes of
crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of opportunity. Access to low-incomehousing, quality education, stable employment, and adequate mental-health services are what
keep a community safe. I would very much like to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takesup a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that this city can more properly invest in other
necessary services(3).
From:Lane Kadish
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns about municipal budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:24 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Liam Brown
To:Agenda
Subject:Defund the police
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:22 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Grace Bryant
To:Agenda
Subject:City Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:22 PM
Dear Bozeman City Commission,
Please consider decreasing the police budget in order to increase the budget for homelessness,
mental illness and drug abuse.
Thank you,
Grace Bryant
From:Charlie deCler
To:Agenda
Subject:We need a redistribution of funds
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:21 PM
Police are overfunded and we need to redistribute funds to other social services that promote equality, safety for all,
and a better society. This will not be done by force but rather by thoughtful implementation of community focused
initiatives. I want to see a positive change along with many others. Do not increase funding for police, it’s a slap in
the face to this just movement.
Best,
Charlie
Sent from my iPhone
From:Alex Tita
To:Agenda
Subject:Reconsider the budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:20 PM
To whom it may concern,
Please reconsider the 2021 budget. Please invest in social support networks like warmingcenters, crisis intervention, and family therapy. The police are involved in too many issues,
which they are wildly unprepared to intervene in. Treat the disease, not the symptoms, andinvest in citizens, not police.
Thank you,
Alex Tita
From:Eliza Gillilan
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding the proposed police budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:19 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citations1. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.html2. https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/39579941/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out3.https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
Eliza Gillilan
From:Logan Deutchman
To:Agenda
Subject:Defund police
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:18 PM
To whom it may concern,
It is with my—and many others’— utmost hope that the Bozeman’s police budget is decreased and actively invested
into community building and sustaining resources. Efforts need to be put into more social justice and restorative
efforts. It is also my hope the community voices are continued to be heard.
Regards,
Logan Deutchman
Sent from my iPhone
From:Jake O"Malley
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:17 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that
this city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
From:Anna Donch
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns Regarding Proposed Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:16 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco (1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community (2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services (3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-outhttps://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
Sincerely,
Anna Donch
Sent from my iPhone
From:Maddie Mettler
To:Agenda
Subject:Police budget decrease
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:15 PM
Hello,
I am writing to urge you to reconsider the police budget and rewrite the budget with a decrease in funding. The
funding could go elsewhere to other programs such as programs assisting the homeless, addressing drug addiction,
domestic violence, and hunger in our community. These programs are underfunded and with additional funding, the
need for police will decrease.
Thank you,
Maddie
From:Arthur Lebovitz
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:14 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.html
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-outhttps://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
I hope you and your family stay safe and healthy during these chaotic times.
Sincerely,Arthur
From:Dylan G
To:Agenda
Subject:Black Student Union
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:12 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Sincerely, Dylan Halverson
From:Lenna Johnson
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:12 PM
whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-outhttps://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
Please consider this,
Lenna Johnson
Sent from my iPhone
From:Saunders Allen
To:Agenda
Subject:Reduce Police Funding
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:12 PM
Hello,
My name is Saunders Allen and I have lived in Bozeman for 8 years. I would like to state thatI am opposed to the City Council Measure that will increase the budget of the Bozeman
Police. I would prefer to see the budget expenditures supporting public transit, low-income oraffordable housing opportunities, and other public services increase instead of continuing to
increase the budget of our police force.
Thank you for your time,Saunders Allen
From:Sophia Bielsky
To:Agenda
Subject:City budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:11 PM
whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities fromcrime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United States
are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a drug that isless dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a small percentage
of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD solves less than 30% ofviolent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe from crime is not their
investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack the underlying causes ofcrime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of opportunity. Access to low-income
housing, quality education, stable employment, and adequate mental-health services are whatkeep a community safe. I would very much like to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes
up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that this city can more properly invest in othernecessary services(3).
Sent from my iPhone
From:Peyton Semerad
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:11 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that
this city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Thank you for your time and your efforts.
Best,
Peyton Semerad
Citations
1.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.html
2.
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-out
3.
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Danielle Blanchette
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns over 2021 budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:10 PM
To whom it may concern:
I, a citizen of Bozeman, am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots
far too much money for policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our
community. As you are probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the
Police” all across this country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna
Taylor at the hands of the police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful
protestors in the aftermath. These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban
areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that
this city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citations
1.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.html
2.
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-out
3.
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
Sent from my iPhone
From:Michelle Kolodin
To:Agenda
Subject:City Budget Proposal
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:10 PM
Dear City Commission
I think it is extremely important to divest from the police department and use those resources towards funding social
workers, community counselors, homeless support services. The leaders of our community need to listen to the
underserved so that we can have a more just society that allows for the pursuit of happiness in a more equitable way.
Police officers cannot be expected to respond And handle the myriad of issues they are currently responding to.
All the best,
Michelle
From:Jon Mccracken
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:08 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities fromcrime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United States
are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a drug that isless dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a small percentage
of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD solves less than 30% ofviolent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe from crime is not their
investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack the underlying causes ofcrime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of opportunity. Access to low-income
housing, quality education, stable employment, and adequate mental-health services are whatkeep a community safe. I would very much like to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes
up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that this city can more properly invest in othernecessary services(3).
Citations
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.html
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Desiree Linder
To:Agenda
Subject:Decrease police budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:08 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that
this city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citations
1.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.html
2.
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-out
3.
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Joe Sullivan
To:Agenda
Subject:Reallocate Budget Funds
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:07 PM
As a Bozeman citizen and business owner, I would like to please express my dissatisfaction
with the current city budget's allocation for police. Please reallocate much of that budgettoward social programs and education that actually help people be better rather than funding
an organization that focuses solely on enforcement and punishment.
Thank you, Joe Sullivan
--
Joe Sullivan
jsully71@gmail.com
(406)-498-2758
From:Ian Winchester
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:02 PM
o whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Hailey Sinoff
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:01 PM
To whom it may concern,
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for policing and far too little
for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to
“Defund the Police” all across this country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the
hands of the police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath. These calls
are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities from crime. This is simply
not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United States are arrested on drug charges, and the
majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1).
Additionally, police solve a small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe from crime is not their
investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack the underlying causes of crime; homelessness,
addiction, discrimination, and lack of opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable
employment, and adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like to see
the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that this city can more properly
invest in other necessary services(3).
Citations
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.html
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
Respectfully,
Hailey Sinoff
Sent from my iPhone
From:Ken
To:Agenda
Subject:Decrease BPD Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:32:00 PM
To whom it may concern,
I’m writing to request you decrease the Bozeman Police Department budget moving forward.
Bozeman needs to instead invest their money into social services to increase care to vulnerable
members of the community. Decreasing police presence will allow treatment for commonincident types (drugs, mental health episodes, etc.) to occur, with proper funding.
Thank you,
Ken Houck
From:S. W.
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:58 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
Thanks for your time,Seth Whiteside
From:mtandberg23
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:57 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath. These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that
this city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citations1.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.html
2.
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out
3.
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
Thank you for your time and consideration.
-Madison Tandberg
From:Sarah Hale
To:Agenda
Subject:Agenda feedback
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:57 PM
Please decrease the amount given to the police from our budget. There are underfunded programs that need it. More
police will not make our black and brown community members feel safe here.
Sarah Hale
Sent from my iPhone
From:Liam Kelley
To:Agenda
Subject:Decrease police budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:56 PM
Growth in the BPD is outrageous. The hiring practices of the BPD is concerning. The training
police receive serves no one.
Please reinvest in non-violent community programs.
Sincerely,
Liam
From:Kaitlyn Reiman
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns Regarding Proposed Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:56 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that
this city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Best,
Kaitlyn Reiman
Citations
1.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.html
2.
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-out
3.
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Kristin Bryant
To:Agenda
Subject:Decrease police budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:52 PM
Please consider decreasing the police budget in order to increase budgets for homelessness, mental illnesses and
drug abuse.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best,
Kristin Bryant
Sent from my iPhone
From:Kevin Hale
To:Agenda
Subject:Decrease Police Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:51 PM
City Council,
Please decrease the police budget in Bozeman and re-invest or invest in other social services and preventative and
restorative services.
Thanks,
Kevin Hale
Sent from my iPhone
From:Lane Kadish
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns about Municipal budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:51 PM
Hello,
My name is Lane Kadish and I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021allots too much money for policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen ourcommunity. As you are probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the
Police” all across this country in response to the murders of George Floyd and BreonnaTaylor at the hands of the police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peacefulprotestors in the aftermath. These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urbanareas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-outhttps://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Sarah Kaelin
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding municipal budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:51 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citations1. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.html2. https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out
3. https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
Sarah Kaelin
From:Catherine Behme
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:49 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment,
and adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very
much like to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal,
cut, so that this city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citations
1.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.html
2.
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-out
3.
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
Thank you.
Katie Behme
From:Billy K
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about agenda
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:49 PM
Hi,
I’m really concerned about how high the police budget is. Why are you trying to increase it
when we could put that money into actually addressing the problems—homelessness andaddiction—directly??
Please reduce the police budget and invest in black and brown Bozeman
Luis marchese
From:Trine Ready
To:Agenda
Subject:Proposed Police Budget should be redirected
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:46 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Sincerely,Trine Ready
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.html
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-outhttps://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Siena Popiel
To:Agenda
Subject:Bozeman City Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:43 PM
There have been national calls to redirect funding from the police department to other public services that will better
promote public safety. Bozeman’s police department does not need more money; Bozeman needs more resources for
education, homelessness, and mental health.
Sent from my iPhone
From:Otto Thomas Neiler
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:42 PM
To whom it may concern:I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably
aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this country inresponse to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the police, and
the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath. These calls arenot, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities fromcrime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United States
are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a drug that isless dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a small percentage
of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD solves less than 30% ofviolent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe from crime is not their
investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack the underlying causes ofcrime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of opportunity. Access to low-income
housing, quality education, stable employment, and adequate mental-health services are whatkeep a community safe. I would very much like to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes
up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that this city can more properly invest in othernecessary services(3).
Citations1. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-sa
y-no.html2. https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-
you-can-find-out3. https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Ethan Hoerr
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:42 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Thank you,Ethan Hoerr
Citations1. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.html2.
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out
3. https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Jared Betz
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:40 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Michelle Connors
To:Agenda
Subject:Invest in services valuable to the community.
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:37 PM
Please decrease police funding and invest money into mental health services, addiction
counseling, crisis intervention, schools, etc. Please remove funding for the police!!
From:Mac Stone
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:36 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-outhttps://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
Thank you,
MacKenzie Stone
From:Phoebe Higgins
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:34 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that
this city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citations
1. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.html
2. https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-out
3. https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
Phoebe Higgins(415) 830-1970
From:Shane Des Enfants
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:31 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that
this city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citations
1.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.html
2.
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-out
3.
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
I hope you take these concerns into consideration,
Sincerely,
Shane Des Enfants
From:isaactaylor75@gmail.com
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:29 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:katie Wasilewski
To:Agenda
Subject:Police budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:28 PM
Hello!
Thank you for your time! I would like you to please decrease police budgets and invest more in other interests.
Thank you!!
Sent from my iPhone
From:Nell Thalhamer
To:Agenda
Subject:Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:27 PM
Please reconsider the budget and the increase to the police and think of other ways to allocate that money.
Helen Thalhamer
Sent from my iPhone
From:Joshua Phillips
To:Agenda
Subject:Public spending
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:27 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that
this city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Thank you,
Joshua Phillips
From:Molly Adams
To:Agenda
Subject:Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:26 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.html
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-outhttps://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Muy Lim
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed 2021 budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:24 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut so that
this city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Very Respectfully,
Muy Lim
Sent from my iPhone
From:Pat Jeffers
To:Agenda
Subject:Issues with the budget.
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:23 PM
Hello,
My name is pat Jeffers, and I would like to state that I am interested in the current suggestions
for new budget allocations. I feel as though there should be less money funneled towards thepolice department here in Bozeman, and more money sent towards the other issues that plague
our town.
Thank you
From:Isaac Winemiller
To:Agenda
Subject:City Budget!!! Defund the Police!
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:18 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that
this city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Isaac Winemiller
Citations
1.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.html
2.
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-out
3.
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:chris cunningham
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:18 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for policing and far too little
for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to
“Defund the Police” all across this country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the
hands of the police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath. These calls
are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities from crime. This is simply
not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United States are arrested on drug charges, and the
majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1).
Additionally, police solve a small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe from crime is not their
investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack the underlying causes of crime; homelessness,
addiction, discrimination, and lack of opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable
employment, and adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like to see
the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that this city can more properly
invest in other necessary services(3).
Citations
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.html
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Christa Mortimer
To:Agenda
Subject:Subject: Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:17 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-outhttps://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Perry Gottschalk
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns Regarding Proposed Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:11 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that
this city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citations
1. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.html
2. https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-out
3. https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Kenzie Lindemann
To:Agenda
Subject:Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:10 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
From:Annika Champe
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:08 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-outhttps://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
Sent from my iPhone
From:Zoe Pritchard
To:Agenda
Subject:Budget concerns
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:08 PM
To whom it may concern-
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-outhttps://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
Sent from my iPhone
From:Nathan Beers
To:Agenda
Subject:Reduce police funding
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:07 PM
Please do not further increase the Bozeman police budget. Instead invest in service for the
homeless communities, victims of domestic violence, and drug rehab. These will do FARmore to help keep Bozeman a safe place to live than additional police funding.
-- Nathan Beers
M: 678-640-9844IG: @the.nomadic.beers
From:Kyla Kirsch
To:Agenda
Subject:Police Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:06 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Thank you.
Kyla Kirsch
Citations
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:blhelstrom@gmail.com
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:06 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-outhttps://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Michelle Calderwood
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:04 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Michelle Calderwood
From:Franny Canine
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:01 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.html
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-outhttps://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356-- @frannyk9www.frannycanine.com
From:Maddie Miller
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:31:00 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that
this city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citations
1. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.html
2. https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-out
3. https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Sophia Bielsky
To:Agenda
Subject:Decrease police budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:30:55 PM
Decrease the police budget and funnel the money back into social services!!
Sent from my iPhone
From:Arianna Knight
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:30:51 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3)
Sincerely
Arianna Knight
Sent from my iPhone
From:Finn Sexton
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:30:46 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-outhttps://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:kellie albee
To:Agenda
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:30:37 PM
I would like you to revise the agenda for the budget of our city. In order to give the peoplemore of a voice in the community.
From:Claire Hinther
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns about budget distribution
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:30:18 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much
money for policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community.
As you are probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the
Police” all across this country in response to the murders of George Floyd and
Breonna Taylor at the hands of the police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted
upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath. These calls are not, and should not be,
confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our
communities from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested
every year in the United States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of
drug arrests are for marijuana, a drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or
tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a small percentage of violent crimes. The most
recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD solves less than 30% of violent crimes in
our community(2). What keeps communities safe from crime is not their investments
in police, but their investments in programs that attack the underlying causes of
crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of opportunity. Access to
low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and adequate mental-
health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like to see the
Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that
this city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
I believe that this restructuring of the budget is essential to create a community in
which we are investing in Black, indigenous, and other Montanans of color in our
communities. Let's invest in Black and Indigenous Bozeman through the movement
of funds away from police and towards education, public transportation,
infrastructure, education, sustainability, and other causes that actually impact our
community positively. I know that Bozeman's City Commission can do better than
this.
Yours in justice,
Claire Hinther
From:Sean Mihalko
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:30:15 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:christopher strzemp
To:Agenda
Subject:Budget Opinion
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:30:10 PM
Please consider decreasing the police budget and consider routing that money elsewhere.
Christopher Strzemp
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
From:Emily Stearns
To:Agenda
Subject:Decrease police budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 1:30:02 PM
Please decrease police budget and increase budget to other services
--
Emily Dara Stearns
Performance Coach at Lone Peak Performance
(610) 306-2010
From:Matthew Berman
To:Agenda
Subject:PLEASE ADDRESS THE FOLLOWING
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 12:05:32 PM
To the Bozeman City Commission,
My name is Matthew Berman and I am a resident of Bozeman. I am writing to demand that the City Commission
adopts a budget that prioritizes community well-being and redirects funding away from the police.
Many Montanans may be tempted to think the unique nature of such a vast, yet sparsely-populated state minimizes
the likelihood of police brutality in our small city communities. However, as reported by the Billings Gazette last
year, Montana ranked ninth in killings by police per capita. In 2017, the Great Falls Tribune reported Montana
police killings reached a total higher than the previous six years. These figures are alarming, but don’t tell the full
story. Under Montana Code § 2-6-102 and Article II, Section 10 of the Montana Constitution, police disciplinary
records are exempt from disclosure if there is an “individual privacy interest that clearly exceeds the merits of public
disclosure.” Montana police forces operate within a culture of impunity, and as the members of the communities
they are supposed to be protecting, we can’t even begin to grasp the scope of their violence.
We are in the midst of widespread upheaval over the systemic violence of policing. Empty gestures and suggestions
of “reform” are inadequate and unacceptable. I am demanding that real change be made to the way this city allocates
its resources.
Support for communities in need is necessary now, more than ever. I am demanding that the City Commission
meaningfully defund the Bozeman Police Department. I join the calls of those across the country to defund the
police. I am demanding a budget that adequately and effectively meets the needs of at-risk Bozeman residents
during this trying and uncertain time. I am demanding a budget that supports community wellbeing, rather than
empowering the police forces that tear them apart.
As the City Commission, the budget proposal is in your hands. It is your duty to represent your constituents. I am
urging you to completely revise the budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year, and to fund the social programs proven to
be more effective than policing at promoting community safety and equity. Have the courage to be a leader of the
change this city, state, and country desperately needs.
Thank you,
Matthew Berman
Mattberman30@gmail.com
(516) 306-5107
From:Kitty Donich
To:Agenda
Subject:City budget concerns
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 10:45:35 AM
I am shocked to learn that a full 33% of the proposed city budget for 2021 is for police.
That's appalling. No wonder we don't have funds for the services that make our community
a safer, stronger, more welcoming place for everyone who lives here. Affordable housing,quality medical care, accessible mental health care. These are the bedrocks we need to
make Bozeman continue to grow as the kind of community we want to live in, can feelproud of. The COVID shut down has made us all made how desperate and frightening it is
to be cut off from our doctors or the hospital when we need help. For the poor in ourcommunity, these sorts of problems are all the time.
In recent decades, we have seen all over the country vast increases in law enforcement
budgets and in their more and more brutal methods of policing. Choke holds are merelyone of these weapons. "Uniformed" police look more and more like warrior teams heading
into battle. These are the people we want to interact with our children and teenagers? Whatare they teaching young people? Violence?
And what has this accomplished in terms of crime reduction, decreasing drug use, keeping
people out of prisons? NOTHING. We have been going the wrong way.
As you know, people in cities all over the US have been calling for cities to “Defund the
Police”. Because the police are killing people with these tactics, innocent people. Innocent
black and brown people. Peaceful protesters. With no repercussions! We cannot sit idly byand pretend that this is happening only in big cities. We cannot pretend that Bozeman is
free of the underlying racism that produces these massive injustices.
A lot of people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested for non-violent crimes. And police solve a small percentage of violentcrimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD solves less than 30% of violent
crimes. We are not getting value for our money spent on cops.
We need to put our money in things that truly make our city safer. Access to low-incomehousing, quality education, stable employment, and adequate mental-health services are
what keep a community safe. Many of these services have seen far larger budget cuts inthe last three years than the police. Discrimination makes all these services harder to get.
Take note City Commission: Bozeman has repeatedly voted DOWN a new law & justice
center. We have voted FOR school tax increases. Surely this tells you Bozeman's mind set.And it is not to spend one-third of our city budget on policing that isn't working anyway.
Kitty Donich
Bozeman
she/her/hers
From:agenda@bozeman.net
To:Agenda
Subject:Thank you for your public comment.
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 10:30:01 AM
A new entry to a form/survey has been submitted.
Form Name:Public Comment Form
Date & Time:06/13/2020 10:29 AM
Response #:416
Submitter ID:27581
IP address:205.149.9.25
Time to complete:24 min. , 26 sec.
Survey Details
Page 1
Public comment may be submitted via the form below, or by any of the following options.
Public comment may also be given at any public meeting.
Email:
agenda@bozeman.net
Mail to:
Attn: City Commission
PO Box 1230
Bozeman, MT 59771
In-person delivery to:
Due to City Hall's closure in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, in-person delivery of comments is not
available until further notice.
First Name C A
Last Name Barrios
Email Address Eastern1723@yahoo.com
Phone Number 4065800533
Comments
My comments on city 2021 budgets
1 every mental health call needs to be received under Code Enforcement subcategory community
development
2 remove domestic violence calls from police to Code Enforcement subcategory community development
Use professionally educated mental health professionals who are trained for the response. If threatened
then call in “professionally trained” Police Service for protection for everyone involved in situation
3 use more health teleconferencing, telecommunications for situations. Being able to see situations might
help everyone
4 we are way heavy on parks and trails to the deteriment of our citizens other needs, as shown in the entire
budget
5 no Department should have more than 50% money going towards their budget and Sevices. 54-71% is
ridiculous
We own 2 rentals within the city. Unfortunately, we aren’t allowed to vote on how our taxes are spent,
however, I feel you need to know our opinions on how to distribute the monies.
Thank you for all you do everyday to keep us safe.
If you would like to submit additional documents (.pdf, .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .gif, .jpg, .png, .rtf, .txt)
along with your comment, you may alternately address agenda@bozeman.net directly to ensure
receipt of all information.
Thank you,
City Of Bozeman
This is an automated message generated by the Vision Content Management System™. Please do not reply
directly to this email.
From:Larissa Morales
To:Agenda
Subject:Proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 10:11:42 AM
To whomever it may concern,
Hello, I am writing in as a concerned citizen of Bozeman based on the recent information I read about the proposedbudget for Bozeman. I had come to my attention that almost a third of Bozeman budget is proposed for our policedepartment.
It has become apparent through the black lives matter movement that in America we have a problem withoverfunding our police and defunding important social programs. I have seen this personally, working for parks andrec and with many non profit groups in Bozeman who were created out of a need not filled buy our city.
I ask you to please reconsider this allocation of funds and place them in much needed places especially consideringthe recent pandemic. Covid has left so many individuals jobless and in need, where this money could do so muchmore good. Bozeman does not even have a full time homeless shelter. And there are so many other programsneeding help for our minority and at risk Bozeman populations.
Thank you,Larissa Morales
Sent from my iPhone
From:Elliot Harrison
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 9:39:33 AM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across thiscountry in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, adrug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attackthe underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citations:1.https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.html
2.https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out
3.https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
Please, let’s set an example for the for the rest of the country. I’d love to say that I live in a city
that is forward thinking, not stuck in the racist system of the past. We have a really great
community here in Bozeman, and I am confident that the people will continue to make a positive
impact and grow the community without the massive police funding. Let’s continue to move
Bozeman into the future, making it a city that supports it’s citizens even more because we support
Bozeman.
Thanks for your consideration,
Elliot-- -Elliot
From:Dagny Deutchman
To:Agenda
Subject:Budget Concerns
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 9:32:46 AM
To whom it may concern:
Hello! I am Dagny Deutchman. Although I grew up in Salmon, Idaho I have spent most of
my adult life as a Montana resident. I have taken much of my life to volunteer and pour time
and energy and money into community efforts to make sure that the Montana I live in now
is moving towards the Montana I would like to continue to live in for years to come.
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. Especially as
someone who has spent much of their own time, energy and money in community efforts—I
recognize the drastic imbalance.
As you are probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all
across this country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the
hands of the police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the
aftermath. These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas. In fact, we
should be a model for what the gold standard should be. I believe this is one of the ways
we can get there.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities
from crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United
States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a
small percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD
solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safe
from crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and
adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like
to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that
this city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Thank you so much for you time and energy towards our community.
I appreciate so much your role and look forward to working together for future solutions and astrengthened community.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have further questions on my stance.
Cheers,
Dagny
Citations
1.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.html
2.
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-out
3.
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Alexis DeJarlais
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns Regarding Proposed Budget
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 8:37:33 AM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you areprobably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of thepolice, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communitiesfrom crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the UnitedStates are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a
drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve asmall percentage of violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PDsolves less than 30% of violent crimes in our community(2). What keeps communities safefrom crime is not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack
the underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack ofopportunity. Access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, andadequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much liketo see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so thatthis city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Citationshttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Chris Mehl
To:Agenda
Subject:FW: Do not Defund our Police Dept
Date:Saturday, June 13, 2020 7:29:09 AM
Chris Mehl
Mayor, City of Bozemancmehl@bozeman.net406.581.4992________________________________________From: webadmin@bozeman.net [webadmin@bozeman.net]Sent: Saturday, June 13, 2020 7:05 AMTo: Chris MehlSubject: Do not Defund our Police Dept
Message submitted from the <City Of Bozeman> website.
Site Visitor Name: Mike ConnellSite Visitor Email: connellms@q.com
Dear Mr. Mayor,
As a citizen of Bozeman for 39 years and a BPD citizen volunteer I strongly urge you to kill the request of the verysmall group that’s asking you and the council to approve. As you know our PD is short of quality trained officersmore than not and it took a long time to get voter approval to fund badly needed additional staffing. No matter howmany programs the city offers there will always be those who are criminals. Your obligation along with the citymanager is to provide adequate protection for your tax paying citizens. Thank you for taking your time to read myemail and for making the decision you know Is right for all Bozemanites. Mike