HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-15-20 Public Comments - BudgetFrom:Catherine Ebelke
To:Agenda
Subject:Fwd: PLEASE POSTPONE BUDGET DECISIONS!
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 12:02:10 PM
Typos corrected!
Sorry!
---------- Forwarded message ---------From: Catherine Ebelke <cathebelke@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Jun 15, 2020 at 11:59 AMSubject: PLEASE POSTPONE BUDGET DECISIONS!
To: <agenda@bozeman.net>
Dear Honorable Mayor Mehl and Bozeman City Commissioners,
This is a unique and momentous time in the history of our city and the nation that calls for extraordinary
considerations and actions. I strongly request tha you postpone making budget decisions pending a
robust discussion of these matters involving community members.
PLEASE - at a minimum consider holding some public meetings and hearings that would determine if
now is the time to either shift some funds from the police budget to social services and community
programs, or increase funding for social services and community needs that would:
reduce or prevent crime
reduce recidivism
reduce some currently required policing services
enhance other current policing services
provide services for the underserved members of our community
Please consider the above in terms of both racial and social justice for all members of our community.
Similar to many of you, I've been in Bozeman since 1998, working full time and being involved in manyaspects of our community. I have witnessed the growing disparities that have resulted in numerousnegative changes and have very significant concerns.
NOW is our opportunity to revisit the proposed budget with public hearings and input from thecommunity.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Catherine Ebelke1280 Story Mill RoadBozeman, MT 90715406-599-1727
From:Lewis McCallister
To:Agenda
Subject:[SENDER UNVERIFIED]Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 12:01:56 PM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Lewis McCallister
lewis@mountainswalking.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Sarah (SJ) Keller
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 12:01:34 PM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
Dear Bozeman City Commission,
As a downtown homeowner and active community member, I am concerned that the proposed
municipal budget for 2021 allots too much money for policing and too little for other initiatives
that strengthen our community. Specifically, I am interested in more resources for behavioral
health response. The experience of calling 911 for a friend experiencing a mental health crisis
in Bozeman years agom and expecting EMS to show up, only to watch him be restrained by
multiple officers is what I envision every time I hear a news story about funding first
responders besides police.
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 murder of George Floyd, 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.
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. 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.
I would like to see this years police budgeting delayed so the community can have a
constructive discussion about other solutions.
Thank you,
Sarah Keller
Sarah (SJ) Keller
sjanekeller@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Tucker Bowman
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 12:00:59 PM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Tucker Bowman
bowmantucker@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Megan Wong
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 12:00:22 PM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Megan Wong
nutmegwong@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Michael Duntsch
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:58:48 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Michael Duntsch
michaelLuvchandler@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Erin Knight
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:58:37 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Erin Knight
erin.elizabeth.knight@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Bailey Derby
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:58:08 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
Why is the reaction to protests against police overfunding, police brutality, and justice for black
lives being met with an intent to RAISE the police budget? Did you not get the message?
Meanwhile HAVEN, Bozeman’s ONLY shelter for women and chidlren seeking refuge from
domestic violence shut down due to lack of funding. We the people of bozeman will not stand
for this. Invest in us, NOT the police.
Bailey Derby
bailey.derby7@gmail.com
Big Sky, Montana 59716
From:Caitlynn Gaston
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:57:27 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Caitlynn Gaston
caitlynngaston59@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Jessica Brito
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:57:03 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Jessica Brito
jessicahhbrito@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Kendrick Schell
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:56:55 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Kendrick Schell
kendrickschell32@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Marilyn Guggenheim
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:56:09 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
Dear Mayors Mehl and Andrus, Commissioners Cunningham, Pomeroy, and Wallner:
As you consider your proposed municipal budget for 2021, I ask that you keep the following
points in mind:
" 'There is a definite need for safety measures, but we want to redefine what safety looks like
in our communities.' says Kate Hamaji, research analyst at the Center for Popular Democracy.
'Investment in things like mental health, housing, youth development, living wages – these are
the things that stabilize and make communities healthy and full and in some cases are
arguably more effective than policing and jail,' " (US News and World Report, July 7, 2017)
I respectfully ask that you consider more investment 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.
Thank you for your consideration.
Marilyn Guggenheim
Marilyn Guggenheim
mb.guggenheim@gmail.com
419 N. Brady Ave
Bozeman, Montana 59715-3756
From:Emma Bode
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:56:05 AM
Dear Bozeman City Commission,
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,
Emma Bode303 S 6th Ave Apt A
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:Hannah Guidry
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:55:26 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Hannah Guidry
hcguidry4@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Jocelyn Kent
To:Agenda
Subject:Budget Reconsiderations
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:55:07 AM
To whom it may concern,
I'm a sixth generation Gallatin Valley resident, was born and raised in Bozeman. I don't agree
with allocating more money to the police in the upcoming budget. Invest that money in othercommunity services, like affordable housing, the food bank, HRDC, free school lunch
programs, etc. Please open your hearts to what our community is asking for, more caring andsupport, less police. (remember the bearcat....we don't need to waste more community funds
on unnecessary purchases like that). We have a peaceful and generally safe community, morepolice won't make it safer or more peaceful. More community support will.
Thank you for your time,
Jocelyn Kent
From:Taylor McClelland
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:54:57 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Taylor McClelland
taylor.mcclelland@att.net
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Kenzie Davis
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:54:24 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Kenzie Davis
kenziedavis259@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:agenda@bozeman.net
To:Agenda
Subject:Thank you for your public comment.
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:53:44 AM
A new entry to a form/survey has been submitted.
Form Name:Public Comment Form
Date & Time:06/15/2020 11:53 AM
Response #:430
Submitter ID:27635
IP address:69.163.81.152
Time to complete:6 min. , 8 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 Anne
Last Name Thompson
Email Address nonniet@gmail.com
Phone Number 4065879594
Comments
Please reconsider allocating 32% of the 2021 budget toward policing, and redistributing funding to essential
services like mental health care, affordable housing, and employment programs.
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:Don Jackson
To:Agenda
Subject:Budget Pause Please!
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:53:37 AM
Dear Honorable Mayor Mehl and Commissioners,
Right now is the most opportune time in the history of our city and the nation to take a pausein finalizing the budget.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE at a minimum consider holding some public meetings andhearings that would determine if now is the time to either shift some funds from the police
budget to social services and community programs, or increase funding for social services andcommunity needs that would:
reduce or prevent crimereduce recidivism
reduce some currently required policing services enhance other current policing services
provide services for the underserved members of our community
Please consider the above in terms of both racial and social justice for all members of our
community. Similar to many of you, I've been in Bozeman for virtually all my adult life (39 ofmy 66 years) and watched the growing disparities that have resulted in numerous negative
changes.NOW is the time to take the opportunity to revisit the proposed budget with public hearings
and input from the community. Sincerely,
Don Jackson406 451-3653
406Jackson@gmail.com
From:Emma Kerins
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:53:01 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Emma Kerins
eekerins@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Olivia Bulis
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:50:38 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Olivia Bulis
oliviabbulis@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Hailley Luehrs
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:49:18 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder of COUNTLESS BIPOC 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. 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. 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.
We need to protect our biracial, indigenous, and disabled People of Color in our community. I
beg you to reconsider the allocation of funds in order to protect our community.
Hailley Luehrs
hai.lley@yahoo.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Michael Odermann
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:48:33 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Michael Odermann
michaelodermann@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Christine Upton
To:Agenda
Subject:Proposed Budget Concerns
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:47:40 AM
To whom it may concern:
As the new budget cycle comes about for the community of Bozeman, I am
concerned by the proposed allocation to the police department. Wake up and realize
that what our community needs is more resources aimed at bolstering community
health, mental health, social work, affordable housing, ending food deserts,
substance abuse rehabilitation, and homelessness to name a few. Bozeman does notneed any more money going towards a band of ill-trained paramilitary zealots
chomping at the bit to attack the citizens who are most at risk. To quote Angela Davis,
"safety, safeguarded by violence, is not really safety". It has been proven, time and
time again, all across the nation that police forces do not exist to keep theircommunities safe, but to rather reinforce fear and domination through senseless
violence.
You, as an elected official of this city, have a duty to protect and serve yourconstituents. Listen to us. We do not want any more money going towards the police
department. Furthermore, we demand that a large portion of their budget is cut and
allocated to community resources that are actually needed. If you cannot protect and
serve your community, then you are failing at your job and should make room forsomeone who can serve their community.
In closing, the most recent data suggests that 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(1). 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(2). Take this opportunity to invest in us, the citizens who live, work, and play in this community. Invest in people.
Thank you,
Christine Upton
Citations
1.
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-
clear-now-you-can-find-out
2.
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Josi Hinds
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:47:26 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Josi Hinds
jzhinds@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Bryce Hanna
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:47:18 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Bryce Hanna
brycehanna2@gmail.com
Boise, Idaho 83712
From:Franklin Greener
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:47:02 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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.
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. 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. 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.
I must also bring to your attention just how unnecessary it is for this amount of funding by
pointing out a specific purchase made by the Bozeman PD in 2014. The police department
bought a Lenco Bearcat. I am not aware of how it was purchased as the avenue of obtainment
is not transparent. If you know what that vehicle is, you know that there is no reasonable
person that believes such a purchase is warranted in this city. If you do not know what vehicle
I am talking about, I suggest you inform yourself in an unbiased way by visiting the wikipedia
page about the vehicle here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lenco_BearCat
Thank you for your time.
Franklin Greener
fgreener85@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Stephanie Schneider
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:46:56 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Stephanie Schneider
schnides21@hotmail.com
Belgrade, Montana 59714
From:Kendall Sewell
To:Agenda
Subject:Hello! I have 2021 Budget Concerns
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:46:49 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
Hello!
I am a Bozeman resident. I am deeply worried that the recommended municipal budget for
2021 will allocate way to much money for police compared to other programs and
departments. We need funds allotted to programs that will actually strengthen and empower
the 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 murder 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. Bozeman
has a role to play. Bozeman can be the example for cities of similar size!
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. 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. 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.
Thanks for your time,
Kendall Sewell
Kendall Sewell
ksewell647@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:wills pitcher
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:46:32 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 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 concerned member of your community,Wills Pitcher
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:Amélie Toler
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:44:18 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Amélie Toler
toleramelie@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Justice Geddes
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:43:11 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Justice Geddes
justice.geddes@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Clara Thamke
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:43:02 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Clara Thamke
cjthamke@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Sara Blessing
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:42:47 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:Bailey Davis
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:42:29 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Bailey Davis
Davisbailey06@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Benjamin Wollant
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:42:11 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Benjamin Wollant
bicyclebenj@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Nathan Fusselman
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:41:31 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Police departments must act in so many different capacities; enforcers, mental health experts,
community builders, etc.. To build a more harmonious community, ask less of the police and
spread our resources in a more effective manner, fund the organizations who specialize in
these roles. Stop crime at it's source. Build a Just future. Invest in the community.
Thank you for your efforts in this difficult time and thank you for your consideration.
Nathan Fusselman
Nfuss94@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Ryan Williams
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:40:24 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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, reduced, so that this city can more properly invest in other
necessary services. Let’s focus on the maximization of tax dollars as it relates to honoring the
public contract the government exists to fulfill.
Ryan Williams
ryandewilliams@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Sarah Budeski
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:39:56 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Sarah Budeski
sarah.budeski@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Jamie Hurd
To:Agenda
Subject:[SENDER UNVERIFIED]Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:39:03 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Jamie Hurd
jamie@jamiehurd.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Julie Dobbins
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:37:19 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Julie Dobbins
judobbins@gmail.com
Belgrade, Montana 59714
From:Brie
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:36:37 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 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).
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
-Brie B.
From:Suzy McElrath
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:36:29 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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.
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. Please
invest our resources in ways that both prevent crime and enhance the lives of the most
vulnerable and marginalized among us.
Suzy McElrath
mave0013@umn.edu
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Kyle Melton
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:36:15 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 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 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).
Sincerely,
Kyle Melton
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:Caroline Whisman-Blair
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:35:42 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Caroline Whisman-Blair
carolineblair85@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Cora Neumann
To:Agenda
Subject:[SENDER UNVERIFIED]2021 Budget: Investing in community programming
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:35:22 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
Dear Bozeman City Commission,
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots a disproportionate amount
to policing, and too little to programs that address the root causes of inequality, poverty and
crime in our community.
What keeps communities safe from crime is 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 call on the commission to review the
Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up ⅓ of the city’s proposal, and strongly consider
redirecting funds to invest in other necessary services that address the root causes of
inequality.
Cora Neumann
cora@coraneumann.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Elia Sauer
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:34:55 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Elia Sauer
eliafsauer@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Alex Wolsifer
To:Agenda
Subject:2021 Bozeman Police Budget Concern
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:34:33 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Alex Wolsifer
alexwolsifer@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Elizabeth French
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:34:29 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Elizabeth French
elizabethfrench1@gmail.com
Livingston, Montana 59047
From:Spencer Puckett
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:33:38 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Spencer Puckett
eternal.spencer@yahoo.com
Livingston, Montana 59047
From:Chrys Kirkwood
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:32:06 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Chrys Kirkwood
christopher.kirkwoodii@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Nicholas Hostetler
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:32:02 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Nicholas Hostetler
nickhostetler2016@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Connor Joseph
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:31:50 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Connor Joseph
conlach@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Dan Ettman
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:31:20 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Dan Ettman
emtman.daniel@gmail.com
Livingston, Montana 59047
From:Sara Kaull
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:31:11 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Thank you for considering my thoughts.
Sara Kaull
Sara Kaull
kaullsara@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Madison Ambrose Hall
To:Agenda
Subject:[SENDER UNVERIFIED]Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:31:05 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Madison Ambrose Hall
maddielaurel@msn.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Maddie Loucy
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:30:46 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Maddie Loucy
mloucy310@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:galen eldridge
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:30:34 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
galen eldridge
geldridge99@hotmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Chris Clark
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:30:18 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
-I (Christopher Clark) actually took some time to read through the 200 page proposed budget
for the FY2021. The Seven strategic vision statements seem like the very initiatives bozeman
as a community should consider when constructing a budget. I would like to point out, a lot of
statistics may have been skewed by my colleagues who are objecting to the current budget
allocation. Obviously the police are not receiving 32% of the proposed budget. That is the
general fund estimated at around $34mil. IF that were true, obviously the citizens have a right
to be concerned. Not everyone has a technical degree. I apologize on their behalf.
Being apart of the budget process for an entire city and community cannot be easy. Especially
in these trying times. However, I believe the sentiment amongst citizens is the similar and
therefore should be considered. After all, it is our money that's tangled up in the budget. So,
the point is the police department does serve some purpose. People understand that here.
Police have been apart of urban and rural Montana communities for all of our history.
However, that being said, the police here literally do generate revenue from enforcing
infractions of the law. And statistically they are essentially traffic violations. While they are here
to protect and serve, many of us who have lived in bozeman are fully aware of the cops
behavior. Where they are looking to exploit every infraction they can find. This behavior is
pretty much the same across the nation. We are all aware the cops stop drunk drivers here in
bozeman and are first responders on the scene at accidents. And we truly appreciate that
aspect of their service. But a constant fear of being ticketed for minor violations builds a
distrust amongst the people. Ultimately, this contest of the FY2021 budget is purely a check of
whether or not the budget allocated to the police is absolutely necessary. I believe it is worth
reviewing this and accepting the possibility it can be done differently. This money, can
absolutely be allocated to other beneficial aspects of the community.
In summary, we the citizen's thank you for your service and time. This is a simple request, to
ensure that you all have done the absolute most with your responsibility, to fairly allocate
funding in a manner that is truly beneficial to the people. Bozeman has a lot of work to do
being one of the fastest growing small cities in the USA. I hope you will all consider the
general consent of wanting more transparent budget that optimizes the benefit to the citizens it
seeks to serve. Thank you for time, God bless.
Chris Clark
cclark1028@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Kayte Kaminski
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:29:59 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 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
Kayte Kaminski
From:Kaitlyn Wernik
To:Agenda
Subject:Proposed FY2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:28:09 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
Good morning,
I'll be honest, I'm not usually one to write to my representatives. In fact, I never have. Today,
however, I feel it is imperative. I am sure you have received messages from several
community members who share my concerns over the proposed FY2021 municipal budget. I'll
spare you the pre-written template and get to the point.
I have had largely positive relationships with BPD and MSUPD. I'm also a meek white woman
who understands that my experiences are not universal, especially among BIPOC (Black,
Indigenous, People of Color) individuals and communities. I offer respect and humble
appreciation for specific officers who admirably serve, but I believe that we must vehemently
criticize the broader institution.
I do not believe that reform is the answer. I do not believe in the effectiveness of additional
trainings, body cams, or policies. Reform has never discouraged the police from continuing to
disproportionately murder and brutalize Black people. I want to see systemic change, and to
that end, I plead that we decrease and reallocate Bozeman Police Department funding. Please
invest in our communities--in low-income housing efforts, public education, social services,
and mental health resources. Strengthening community support systems with higher funding is
a must if we wish to see our local police serve in a capacity that truly protects and serves the
people of Bozeman.
Take care,
Kaitlyn Sky Wernik
Kaitlyn Wernik
kaitlyn.wernik@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Anastasia Schultz
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:27:42 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Anastasia Schultz
stasia606@gmail.com
, 315 S Bozeman Ave
From:Janie Munson
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:27:24 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Janie Munson
janiemunson4@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Seth Hershman
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:27:15 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Seth Hershman
sethdh@me.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Rasha Darra
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:26:35 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Rasha Darra
rashadarra@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Kate O"Neill
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:26:15 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Kate O'Neill
Kateoneill.vt@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Karin Kirk
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:25:46 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
Dear City Commission,
Bozeman is a fabulous place to live and visit. You are all doing a wonderful job balancing all
the needs of the community.
I'd like to echo the calls to re-imagine what our police force looks like. I had no idea the police
department was one-third of our city budget. I'd like to see the Commission look at allocating
some of that money into community investments of well-being and proactive public safety.
Please consider investing more money into things like mental health care, safety from
domestic violence, support for those with unstable living situations, and outreach to
marginalized populations. These investments will help create a safer Bozeman that needs less
policing.
You have been incredibly supportive and forward thinking so far. Thank you! Please keep it up
by allocating money in a way that reflects our community priorities and well-being.
Thank you all for the awesome job you are doing. I appreciate all of you!
- Karin Kirk
Bozeman, MT
Karin Kirk
karinkirk@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Rhys rob
To:Agenda
Subject:2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:25:20 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
To whom it may concern,
I'm 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 murder 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. 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. 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
Rhys rob
sailorj@outlook.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Rasha Darra
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:25:11 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Rasha Darra
rashadarra@gmail.com
Fishers, Indiana 46037
From:Reo flock
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:25:09 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Reo flock
riverwolf1012@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Katy Dolan
To:Agenda
Subject:City budget ACTION
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:25:03 AM
---------- Forwarded message ---------From: Katie Meyer <inktail752@gmail.com>Date: Mon, Jun 15, 2020 at 10:34 AMSubject: Fwd: Concerns regarding proposed budgetTo: Jessica Hays<jessicahaysphotography@gmail.com>, imwinemiller1420@gmail.com<imwinemiller1420@gmail.com>
Send to agenda@bozeman.net by noon today!!
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for policingand far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are probably aware, therehas been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this country in response to themurders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the police, and the acts of policebrutality 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 arearrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a drug that is lessdangerous than either alcohol or tobacco(1). Additionally, police solve a small percentage of violentcrimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD solves less than 30% of violent crimesin 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 wouldvery 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
Katharyn Dolan
From:Kristi Vance
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:24:22 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Kristi Vance
kcv406@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Kyle Kulseth
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:24:17 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Kyle Kulseth
miklosselkirk@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Riley Steele
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:24:03 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Riley Steele
steelefamily.riley@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Jenna Fallaw
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:22:00 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Jenna Fallaw
jenna_grimm@hotmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Sahra Beaupre
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:21:46 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
30%+ of the city's budget for the police seems like an amount that needs to be vetted for
functionality (how are those funds allocated? Are there stipulations as to how they are spent?).
There are other services for the people that include resources for housing and counseling that
could be bolstered by trimming the police budget.
Sahra Beaupre
sahra@echoarts.net
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Laurel Yost
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:21:07 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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.
I believe we need 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.
Laurel Yost
laurelelise.yost@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Megan Ratz
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:20:12 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Megan Ratz
meganratz46@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Anastasia Schultz
To:Agenda
Subject:POLICE BUDGET!!!!
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:20:01 AM
Good morning,
The city council is voting today on the budget. I am requesting that the police budget be reappropriated and
reinvested into the community. 28% of the general fund is used for the police. I believe this to be unnecessary.
Please reappropriate these funds!
Best,
AS
From:Olivia Andrus
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:19:58 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Olivia Andrus
oandrus3@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Kayla Bedey
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:19:55 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Kayla Bedey
k.bedey@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Charlotte Gunning
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:18:59 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Charlotte Gunning
char.gunning15@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Eva Horgan
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:18:56 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Eva Horgan
evakh406@gmail.com
Gallatin Gateway, Montana 59730
From:Denver waclawski
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:18:20 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Denver waclawski
waclawskiden@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Galen King
To:Agenda
Subject:Bozeman resident concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:18:00 AM
To whom it may concern:
I am writing because we need to see actual change in the systems responsible for protectingthe people of this country. Money speaks, and I believe that Bozeman should allocate more of
its budget to social services that help and uplift people rather than increasing its monetarysupport of the punishment based police system. I know several officers in Bozeman’s police
force and I respect them as individuals, however I see the institution as needing radicalrestructuring. This is not the time to increase the police budget.
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
Regards,
Galen King
-- Galen King
galen.e.king@gmail.com406-570-1621
From:Laura Selby
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:17:59 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Laura Selby
livingcreative@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Morgan Olsson
To:Agenda
Subject:[SENDER UNVERIFIED]Supporting our community by modifying 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:17:56 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
To whom it may concern,
My name is Morgan Olsson and I work at a local nonprofit that supports children and families
in Gallatin County. Since I work closely with a wide demographic of families in the area, I know
firsthand that many of the needs of individuals are not being met, specifically due to domestic
violence, homelessness and affordable housing. 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 murder of George Floyd and
Breonna Taylor at the hands of the police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon
peaceful protesters 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. 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. 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. I know by working together and looking objectively at what will make
Bozeman strong as a whole, we can make significant and positive changes for our community.
With all due respect,
Morgan OIsson
Morgan Olsson
molsson@allthrive.org
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Sonia McLain
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:17:51 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Sonia McLain
smclain532@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Rachel Bauman
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:17:11 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Rachel Bauman
rachel.l.bauman@gmail.com
Belgrade, Montana 59714
From:Matt Dammann
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:17:09 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Matt Dammann
mdammann@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Sydney Fisher
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:15:57 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Sydney Fisher
Squidafisher@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Monika Kwapisz
To:Agenda
Subject:2021 Budget Police Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:15:57 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
Dear City Commission,
I know there are a lot of pressures for serving as leaders in our community. However, I think
that you would all think of yourselves as more than enablers to the police. Why do you
appropriate such large amounts of money to them? It would be much more noble to stand up
for the people in our community that are hurt by policing and incarceration.
Last summer I volunteered at the jail and was told in the trainings and observed firsthand that
upwards of 90% of the inmates there have fallen upon hard times and did't have anywhere
else to go. For the most part they aren't bad people. Reallocating funds away from police and
into social workers as first responders, low-income housing, drug use prevention and
rehabilitation, infrastructure, and other systems that serve the people of Bozeman more
holistically is where police funding should move.
Bozeman is progressive. Let's be progressive on this issue too and go down in history as
taking a stand against systematic racism.
Thank you,
Monika Kwapisz
Monika Kwapisz
monikablueowl@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Tia Goebel
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:13:17 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 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,
Tia Goebel
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
--
Tia Goebel
pronouns: she, her, hers
Cell: (605) 440-1452
From:Katie Alvin
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:13:00 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Katie Alvin
katiealvin@gmail.com
Big Sky, Montana 59716
From:Isabelle Pearson
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:12:23 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Isabelle Pearson
chilapoks@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Olivia Lieb
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:11:29 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Olivia Lieb
oliviarlieb@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Amy Peerlinck
To:Agenda
Subject:2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:11:29 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
Good morning dear city commission officer,
I am a PhD student at the university, and I see first-hand how many students get treated
poorly due to prejudice in our community. While I do believe it is necessary to fund protective
forces to a certain extent, I am also convinced it would be much more useful to expend some
of the, somewhat absurdly large, allocated budgets to the underlying reasons of violence.
Improving general education is one of the most important things we can do as a community. I
am not talking about the university here, but about high schools, kindergarten, middle schools
... Showing children from a young age that equality matters and actually giving every single
child the same opportunities regardless of socio-economic status is what will help shape all of
our futures for the better.
What follows is the message I am sure you have received many times. I just wanted to add in
a more personal note.
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Yours truly,
Amy P.
Amy Peerlinck
amy_linck@outlook.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Jerico Cummings
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:11:14 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 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
All the best,Jerico Cummingshe/him/his
605.939.5613
From:Alice Robison
To:Agenda
Subject:Time to take a look
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:10:43 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
To the Bozeman City Commission,
I agree with everything the letter below has to say about the high percentage rate of funding
the police here in town. I have been living and working and raising a family in Bozeman for
over 30 years. Bozeman has changed A LOT in those decades, and thankfully the population
is getting more diverse. (Though it is painfully blatant that every day most people do not
acknowledge the Indigenous land we are on that was stolen.) Diversity is a strength and the
key to a thriving community and our survival on this planet. Considering the changes
happening all over the nation theBozeman City Commission needs to do some homework
around white supremacy and privilege and the systems that are in full swing to marginalize
people of color, LGBTQ community and disabled folks.
There are ways to set up systems that are inclusive and clearly that is to seriously address
Bozeman's #! problem AFFORDABLE HOUSING, mental and physical health resources, an
equal education, and make a concerted effort to invite people of color onto the city
commission etc so that we are a truly thriving and diverse community where all feel safe and
included seen and heard.
The change is NOW not later. What statement can the CIty Commission come out with that
will have plan and a community discussion around defunding the militarization of the police
force and supporting all the other systems that are sorely underfunded to support marginalized
folks in Bozeman. Please sit up and pay attention. WE are in a different time and it ?IS time to
stop them murder of our African American and Indigenous citizens.
Thank you.
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Alice Robison
alicebprobison@gmail.com
16 E Villard St
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Caitlin Dahl
To:Agenda
Subject:[SENDER UNVERIFIED]Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:10:30 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Caitlin Dahl
CMD166@pitt.edu
Belgrade, Montana 59714
From:Nate Harris
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:10:05 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Nate Harris
nateha@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Kelsey Ross
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:09:24 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Kelsey Ross
kelseyross123@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Sydney Anderson
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:09:21 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Sydney Anderson
sydneyanderson98@hotmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Severn Sienkiewicz
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:08:47 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Severn Sienkiewicz
severn.clare@gmail.com
Livingston, Montana 59047
From:Lulu McMahon
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:08:24 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Lulu McMahon
lulukate@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Yimei Shao
To:Agenda
Subject:Defund the Police (2021 Budget)
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:08:04 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Yimei Shao
maria.yimei.shao@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Justin Hsu
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:07:48 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
To the City Council of Bozeman,
I’m new to the idea of lowering police budgets, myself, but I have to admit that I’ve been
finding the idea surprisingly convincing since it was brought to my attention a few days ago.
Two articles that I found engaging and convincing were Slate’s “Confessions of a Former
Bastard Cop” (much less lurid than the headline would suggest) and “Are Prisons Obsolete?”
by Angela Y. Davis. Thank you for your time.
Justin Hsu
justin.l.hsu@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Marley Robb
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:07:43 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
To whom it may concern,
I am deeply concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots 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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Marley Robb
marleyrobb@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Beth Shirley
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:07:25 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Beth Shirley
beth.j.shirley@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Mackenzie Stone
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:07:11 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Mackenzie Stone
mac.j.stone@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Veronica Black
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:06:03 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Veronica Black
black.ronnie54@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Sara Boom
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:05:52 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Sara Boom
yellowrayban@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Bonnie Sheehey
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:05:50 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Bonnie Sheehey
bonniesheehey@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Jamie Herzog
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:04:04 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Jamie Herzog
jamielherzog@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:agenda@bozeman.net
To:Agenda
Subject:Thank you for your public comment.
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:02:42 AM
A new entry to a form/survey has been submitted.
Form Name:Public Comment Form
Date & Time:06/15/2020 11:02 AM
Response #:429
Submitter ID:27630
IP address:63.153.15.167
Time to complete:1 min. , 3 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 Marianne
Last Name Filloux
Email Address marianne@filloux.net
Phone Number 4066006976
Comments
Dear Bozeman, City Commission,
Lead the way, Bozeman! This is our chance to become leaders for fundamental change! It is alarming to
learn that the Bozeman 2021 Budget favors policing (over 30 % or the total budget) over preventative
measures such as access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and adequate
mental health services. These services will minimize our need to use top-down policing and actually
strengthen our community!
It has become more than abundantly clear that the police force, as presently organized, is not effective and
contributes to fundamental societal disfunction. This has been made crystal clear by the massive protests
locally, nationally, and internationally!
Bozeman Commissioners, please consider cutting the PD budget and investing in lasting reform!
Thank you so very much for your service to our community!
Sincerely,
Marianne Filloux
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:Isabella Hoffman
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:02:02 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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,
Isabella
Isabella Hoffman
ihoffie07@yahoo.com
4330 Sunset Beach Dr NW
Olympia, Washington 98502
From:Madisyn Yerges
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:02:02 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Madisyn Yerges
madisynyergess@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Anna Pierce
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:01:42 AM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too muchmoney 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” 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 peacefulprotestors 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 ourcommunities 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 drugarrests 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 mostrecent 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 investmentsin police, but their investments in programs that attack the underlying causes of
crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of opportunity. Access tolow-income housing, quality education, stable employment, and adequate mental-
health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like to see theBozeman 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) and allocated toprograms that serve our community in more efficient ways.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter,
Anna Pierce
Sent with Shift
From:Megan Mahoney
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:01:19 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Megan Mahoney
meganbrookemahoney@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Lindsay Ganong
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:01:18 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Lindsay Ganong
lganong@aeromt.org
Livingston, Montana 59047
From:Lane Eubanks
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:01:10 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Lane Eubanks
laneweubanks@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Clayleen Pipinich
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:00:59 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Clayleen Pipinich
neelyalc@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Nia Zilis
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:00:59 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Nia Zilis
niazilis12@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Amanda Aaker
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:00:37 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Amanda Aaker
aakeramanda@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Hannah Beckner
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:00:31 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Hannah Beckner
hannahmbeckner@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Jen Neville
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:59:52 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Jen Neville
jen.neville.mt@gmail.com
Pray, Montana 59065
From:Kathryn Borgenicht
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:59:24 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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 think it is imperative 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.
Kathryn Borgenicht
kborgenicht@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Kirsten Wise
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:59:01 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Kirsten Wise
kirstenjoannawise@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Matt Molzahn
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:58:15 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Matt Molzahn
impostersound@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Adam Henry
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:57:50 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Adam Henry
siradamhenry@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:J Montagne
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:57:11 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Thank you so much, & please reconsider the policing budget, & commit excess fund to our
communities mental health professionals & other resources.
Joslyn Montagne
J Montagne
montagnej14@yahoo.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Elizabeth Olsen
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:57:10 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Elizabeth Olsen
olsenelizabeth17@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Travis van Leeuwen
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:56:54 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Travis van Leeuwen
travisvanleeuwen@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Anaya Paschal
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:56:49 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Anaya Paschal
realloveneverends@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Kirsten Wise
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:56:31 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Kirsten Wise
kirstenjoannawise@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Kirsten Wise
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:56:31 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Kirsten Wise
kirstenjoannawise@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Ella Roe
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:56:16 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Ella Roe
ella3roe@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Katelyn Allen
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:56:07 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Katelyn Allen
katelynnallenn@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Genevieve Trygstad-Burke
To:Agenda
Subject:2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:55:49 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
To whom it may concern,
I have concerns that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots too much money for
policing at the expense of funds that actually strengthen our community. I am adding my voice
to the tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this country in response to the
murder 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. 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. 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, re-appropriated to services for mental health, affordable
housing, and social work.
Thank you.
Genevieve Trygstad-Burke
Genevieve Trygstad-Burke
gtrygstadburke@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Meta Naulita-Ellis
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:55:28 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Meta Naulita-Ellis
mnaulita@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Sam Brodston
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:55:23 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Sam Brodston
sambrodston@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Cole Chesley
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:55:02 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Cole Chesley
coleches1@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Brandy Hartley
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:54:53 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 city by supporting services
geared towards a diverse set of community and mental health services.
There has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all the U.S. after the murder of
George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the police. The brutal acts of police towards
peaceful protestors has only added more fuel to the fire. These calls are not, and should not
be, confined to large urban areas.
We still need police, but their mandate and the amount of related funding need to be
redefined. Police departments need to be de-militarized and their mission needs a clear focus.
Our emergency services should be equipped to call in the right people for the job. If someone
is having a mental health crisis and 911 is called, the police should not be the only first
responders. People trained to work with mentally ill citizens or with drug addictions and other
health issues need to be part of any response.
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.
Violent crimes have been dropping in major cities across the U.S. since the 1990s:
https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/takeaways-2019-crime-data-major-
american-cities.
The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD solves less than 30% of violent crimes in
our community. Focusing the PD's efforts to investigating and solving these crimes is a better
use of our police force than dealing with petty crimes like marijuana possession.
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 education and opportunity. The rapid growth of our city and the
increase in the cost of living is stressing our community, as many people's wages don't allow
them a good quality of life. Working poor are abundant here and we need ways to support our
residents who may be one step away from homelessness.
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 reduced as it is ⅓ of the city’s proposal. Please re-allocate some of these funds
to invest in other solutions so our city can better provide other necessary services.
Thank you for your time.
Brandy Hartley
silverhanded@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Michelle Hintz
To:Agenda
Subject:Public comment for council meeting Monday
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:54:53 AM
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. I am sure you are aware of the calls to
“Defund the Police” all across this country in response to the murders
of countless black citizens 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). A large part of what keeps
communities safe from crime are 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 like to see more research done and a delay in decision making
on the 2021 budget so that we allocate funding appropriately. If a
delay is not possible, I would like to see some of the monies directed
to Bozeman PD redirected to 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,
Michelle Hintz
From:Cara Underwood
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:54:30 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Cara Underwood
caraunderwood@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Charly Blackwood
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:54:13 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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. There has been a
tidal wave of calls across the nation to “Defund the Police” in response to the murder 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. Bozeman, too, needs reform.
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. 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. 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.
Charly Blackwood
charly.blackwood@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Olivia Bennett
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:54:10 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Olivia Bennett
helloodb@gmail.com
Amherst, New Hampshire 03031
From:Lauren Warner
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:54:05 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Lauren Warner
lwarner189@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Anastasia Dostert
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:54:00 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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,
Ana
Anastasia Dostert
amdostert@hotmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Rachel Park
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:53:54 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Rachel Park
rachpark96@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Jane Herzog
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:53:40 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Jane Herzog
janezog36@gmail.com
, Puerto Rico 901 w. Lamme
From:Dana Flatow
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:52:47 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Dana Flatow
danaflatow@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Emma Gannon
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:52:20 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
ALL LIVES CAN'T MATTER UNTIL BLACK LIVES MATTER
Emma Gannon
egannon21@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:SHANE DODD
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:52:11 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
SHANE DODD
shanedodd73@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Becca Brown
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:52:03 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Becca Brown
brownnonstop@yahoo.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Destini French
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:51:54 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Destini French
destinifrench1993@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Nicholas Westfall
To:Agenda
Subject:2021 Police Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:49:57 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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.
We need to transition to a system that has positions specialized to deal with different
situations, as police are ill equipped for the majority of the situations they find themselves
trying to solve. 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. 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. 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.
Nicholas Westfall
nicholascwestfall@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Scott Dohm
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:49:05 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Scott Dohm
scott.dohm14@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Mike Sander
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:48:52 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Mike Sander
sander.michael92@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Jacqueline Boben
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:48:34 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Jacqueline Boben
jboben@bowdoin.edu
Lancaster Twp, Pennsylvania 17603
From:Emily LaShelle
To:Agenda
Subject:[SENDER UNVERIFIED][SENDER UNVERIFIED]Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:47:50 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Emily LaShelle
emily@sunrisemovement.org
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Andrew Baranak
To:Agenda
Subject:2021 Budget Concerns
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:47:49 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
Dear Bozeman City Commission,
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for the
police 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 murder 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. 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. 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.
This is not about hating the police or anything else of the sort - police are simply asked to do
too much that is outside the scope of their training and expertise. Allow different groups to
address different issues that are in their purview and fund them accordingly. This is no
different than how we allow different types of doctors to address different types of ailments. It's
not a radical concept. Thank you.
Andrew Baranak
baranak29@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Lucinda Morris
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:47:16 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Lucinda Morris
lucinda.morris22@gmail.com
Belgrade, Montana 59714
From:Taylor Neumann
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:47:08 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Taylor Neumann
taylorneum@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Kanyon Cox
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:47:06 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Kanyon Cox
kanyonmoon@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Kelly Hockett
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:47:02 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Kelly Hockett
kellylhockett@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Isabel Uhrich
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:46:58 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Isabel Uhrich
isabeluhrich@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Marianne Filloux
To:Agenda
Subject:2021 Budget - Concern
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:46:50 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
Dear Bozeman, City Commission,
Lead the way, Bozeman! This is our chance to become leaders for fundamental change! It is
alarming to learn that the Bozeman 2021 Budget favors policing (over 30 % or the total
budget) over preventative measures such as access to low-income housing, quality education,
stable employment, and adequate mental health services. These services will minimize our
need to use top-down policing and actually strengthen our community!
It has become more than abundantly clear that the police force, as presently organized, is not
effective and contributes to fundamental societal disfunction. This has been made crystal clear
by the massive protests locally, nationally, and internationally!
Bozeman Commissioners, please consider cutting the PD budget and investing in lasting
reform!
Thank you so very much for your service to our community!
Sincerely,
Marianne Filloux
Marianne Filloux
marianne@filloux.net
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Luke Thompson
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:46:31 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Luke Thompson
lukeandrewthompson@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Mack Harris
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:46:29 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Mack Harris
brienne987@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Kayleen Cox
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:46:21 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Kayleen Cox
cutekayleen@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Whitney Hemingway
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:46:02 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Whitney Hemingway
pranachica@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Becca Holdhusen
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:45:25 AM
Dear Bozeman City Committee,
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 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).
As an employee of HRDC, I am well aware of the different programs and resources in our
community that serve as alternatives to policing. I believe we, as a community, should invest more
into community care systems that tackle the root problems that lead to crime and instability rather
than funding a police force that doesn't contribute to positive community transformation.
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
Best,
Becca Holdhusen
From:Katie Faith Leonard
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:45:06 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Katie Faith Leonard
katie.faith.hl@gmail.com
Ennis, Montana 59729
From:Ryan Davis
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:45:05 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Ryan Davis
fourlakes15@icloud.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Meske Bradford
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:44:52 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Meske Bradford
tracklover121@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Liv Weber
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:44:51 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Liv Weber
livweberbzn@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Mikayla Pitts
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:44:51 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Mikayla Pitts
mikaylapitts@yahoo.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Susanna Howe
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:44:22 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Susanna Howe
smhowe8@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Kayla Sawyer
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:44:13 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Kayla Sawyer
kaysawyerr@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Dylan Pine
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:43:52 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Dylan Pine
dylan.pine115@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Tonya andrews
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:43:34 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Tonya andrews
tonyaandrews@icloud.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Jessica Johns
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:43:02 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
As a native of Bozeman, I’m saddened, disgusted, and shocked at the behavior of the
planning department, and our local government. We don’t need fancy things here, we need
basics. Places for kids to go, affordable housing that doesn’t cater to the rich and those who
are from out of state… Your job is to serve the best interest of Bozeman, not who has the
deepest pockets.
Jessica Johns
jessica.onthemove@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Katie Banner
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:42:53 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Katie Banner
katharine.banner@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Kate French
To:Agenda
Subject:[SENDER UNVERIFIED]Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:42:38 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
Dear Commissioners,
I am extremely 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 murder 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. 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. 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.
As a start, please seriously consider launching a participatory budgeting initiative so that more
people in our community can engage with this funding re-prioritization. There are also many
models out there about how we can dispatch and utilitize other professionals and agencies to
address community safety -- and that these other entities and people do not have to be armed
with guns and riot gear.
You have a responsibility to respond decisively to this moment and the calls for long overdue
reorganization of our city's budget and administrative priorities.
I expect a prompt public response from your commission as well as a commitment to solicit
and incorporate public input on an ongoing and meaningful basis.
Thank you,
Kate French
Kate French
kfrench@worc.org
Livingston, Montana 59047
From:Dilan Simoneau
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:42:26 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
To whom it may concern,
I have worked as a Crisis stabilization Worker here in Gallatin valley at the Hope house. I have
seen patients come and go and repeat a cycle over and over again without the actual help
they need. While you use 1/3 of your general budget for policing I plea that the budget be used
for mental health care services. Most city’s have a whole wing in their hospitals for mental
health patients yet Bozeman does not have one and the mental health center is not equipped
to take on those patients because of under funding.
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Dilan Simoneau
dilan.riel.sim@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Marley Pine
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:42:24 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Marley Pine
marley.pine@yahoo.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Hannah Habermann
To:Agenda
Subject:2021 Budget – A Safe and Supportive Bozeman for All
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:42:19 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
To the Bozeman City Commission,
I write to you as a concerned Montana born-and-raised citizen. As a young, white woman,
growing up in Montana was nothing short of idyllic – space to explore, loving and supportive
communities, an abundance of opportunities in education, and an overarching sense of safety.
The recent murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, and the
countless others who have been killed at the hands of police, have shown how that version of
Montana is not accessible or available to all. As a state which prides itself on community and
valuing our neighbors, it is essential that Bozeman re-adjust its proposed municipal budget for
2021 to support a stronger, safer community for all.
I am concerned that the proposed budget allots far too much money for policing and far too
little for funds that actually strengthen our community, support education, and help neighbors
hold one another accountable and safe. I am deeply disturbed by the long history of police
brutality in this country, and the police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protesters in the
aftermath of George Floyd's death. The calls to "Defund the Police" that have been heard
across our country are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas. Black,
Indigenous, and people of color deserve to feel safe and respected in Bozeman and
throughout Montana as well.
Many claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities from crime
– however, I disagree, as do the statistics. 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. 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, which begs the question – what other solutions
can we collectively imagine and implement?
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 in education and employment. Access to low-
income housing, quality education, stable employment, and adequate mental-health services
are what keep a community safe, strong, and invested in the health and well-being of all. I
would very much like to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s
proposal, cut significantly and intentionally, so that this city can more properly invest in other
necessary services.
Thank you for your time, energy, and service.
Hannah Habermann
habermannhannah@gmail.com
Billings, Montana 59102
From:Megan Thompson
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:42:07 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Megan Thompson
megthompson113@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Erik Dale
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:40:57 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Thanks,
Erik Dale
Erik Dale
erik.m.dalemt@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Taffy McGrath
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:40:53 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Taffy McGrath
mcgrath2005@mac.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Laura Patten
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:40:13 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Thank you for your service.
Laura Patten
Laura Patten
laura.patten@gmail.com
87 E Fieldview Cir
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Tayte Kelly
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:39:50 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Tayte Kelly
taytekelly88@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Jessie Kozlowski
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:39:49 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Jessie Kozlowski
jesskozz@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Kellie Swanson
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:39:19 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Kellie Swanson
kelliemswanson@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Tyler Blue
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:39:13 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Tyler Blue
tyler.m.blue@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Ian Bailey
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:39:03 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Ian Bailey
ianjoebailey@hotmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Alex Sacco
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:38:39 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
To whom it may concern,
I implore you to listen to your constituents.
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Alex Sacco
alexandria.sacco@hotmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Jon Pine
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:38:39 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
To whom it may concern,
We are very concerned about the relationship of police with the community of people of color--
black, brown, and indigenous.
We do feel that our police are vital to our community. But in light of recent events, there needs
to be a serious overhaul before that relationship can be addressed.
The re-structure for policing expenditures is a solid start. The bottom line, we feel, is to invest
in prevention on the front end in order to reduce punitive costs on the back end. The way that
would look is to provide reduced rate nursery school and pre-school, provide mental health
services, and to co-ordinate social services to work in conjunction with police to better serve
our community.
I would even suggest the possibility of becoming a model city to try use sensors and cameras
to do the bulk of traffic ticketing to alleviate the negative outcome/relationship
consequence. There also needs to be intensive training for racial sensitivity and when to and
not to resort to violent measures. There also needs to be more representation of minorities in
police hiring practices. Commanding officers need to be accountable in rooting out and ridding
their forces of "bad" cops.
I think police have had to bear an unfair burden of domestic counseling, mental health support,
and negative interaction.
It's a win-win to de-fund and then re- fund our police.
Jon Pine
rptree5@yahoo.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Noelle Guernsey
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:38:30 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
To whom it may concern,
I am concerned about the ability of the 2021 municipal 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.
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. 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. 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, reduced, so that this city can more properly invest in other
necessary services.
Respectfully and thank you for your consideration,
Noelle Guernsey
Noelle Guernsey
guernoel@isu.edu
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Kit Frey
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:38:26 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Kit Frey
smalfrey@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Clare Hendricks
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:38:20 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Clare Hendricks
clare92010@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Aubrey LaBarre
To:Agenda
Subject:Police Budget Concerns
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:38:16 AM
I am afraid that the new budget proposed for 2021 will not do what it’s expected to do. I am
afraid that allocating MORE money to an already overfunded police force will not protect thebeautiful community of Bozeman from crime. It will lead to more arrests, sure - of nonviolent
drug offenses, of perpetrators of victimless crimes. It will lead to more bodies in cells andlives shattered, and if we’ve seen anything from the recent data and protests, it’s that these
bodies and lives will be disproportionately black and brown in color.
It will not clean up our street up our street of violent offenders, either, at least not in the mosteffective way. Violence is often reactionary - many people commit violent crimes not because
they are inherently bad, but because they didn’t have the resources to support them -education, housing, income, etc. As a former MSU student and current resident, I know the
struggle of finding affordable housing. I know the struggle of living in an expensive areaworking a minimum wage job, because most of Bozeman is expensive, and the areas that
aren’t are suffering in many other avenues previously mentioned. Luckily, I was raised in astable household, educated properly by the university, and have a backbone of financial
support if I need it. Thousands of low-income residents don’t have that. Adding more policeand a bearclaw (I remember the BPD’s push for one of those - in a peaceful town of less that
50,000, this seems extreme to say the least) will not keep people from being poor. It will notgive others quality education or stable housing. It will only continue to criminalize them, and
at higher rates than before.
I am lucky to live in a community where our peaceful protests on behalf of the Black LivesMatter movement were not only peaceful, but remained so due to a police force that did not
overwhelm or needlessly attack protesters with teargas and rubber bullets, leading topermanent damage and even death in major cities. It’s horrific, cruel, and degrades whatever
sliver of a positive relationship these big cities had with their police force. Bozeman does notneed this relationship. We do not need to be afraid of police, to see their military-grade fear
march through the streets. We don’t need to incentivize violence and allow police eveyopportunity to test out their new, destructive toys.
You may see the violence committed at these protests across the country and fear that
Bozeman will begin to riot and loot, and you may want to protect yourselves. That isunderstandable. But increasing this budget and fortifying the police will not make you stronger
- it will only make your citizens more afraid and more likely to fight back - aggressively andwith a fervor that would only convince you that this is why you needed the equipment in the
first place. If the police in bigger cities focused their forces on those acting in violence insteadof nonviolence, then there would be no need for teargas and rubber bullets and cruelty towards
the fellow citizen.
Bozeman PD is better than this. Please let us know today at noon.
Thank you.
-- Aubrey LaBarre
From:Will Sternberg
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:38:09 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Will Sternberg
wsternberg@comcast.net
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Emily Anderson
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:38:05 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Emily Anderson
emilyanderson0817@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Megan Ringoen
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:37:01 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Megan Ringoen
megan.ringoen@icloud.com
415 West Cleveland St
Bozeman , Montana 59715
From:Jenélle Dowling
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:36:06 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Jenélle Dowling
Jenélle Dowling
jenelledowling@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Sara Lewis
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:35:46 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
To whom it may concern,
Do not silence the public.
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Sara Lewis
lewsara23@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Lee and Glenn Allinger
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:35:46 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
We want a strong, well trained, socially conscious police department. Also, we appreciate the
many ways policer contribute to the safety and well-being of our Bozeman community. But we
also have other community needs.
Defunding is a terrible word. We prefer that you consider "shifting" some funds or at least
increasing funding for other community needs to address necessary social services that will
assist police in preventing and/or dealing daily with issues that arise from basic human needs
before they get to the "boiling point" e.g. mental health, drugs, poverty, etc.
Thank you for your consideration of these issues and your continued hard work in support of
Bozeman needs.
Lee and Glenn Allinger
gdallinger2@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Lucy Amsden
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:35:38 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Lucy Amsden
lucymerisa@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Alexander Bertram
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:35:22 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Alexander Bertram
iwantabigwheel@gmail.com
Livingston, Montana 59047
From:Lucy Rath
To:Agenda
Subject:Bozeman’s 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:35:04 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Lucy Rath
lrath606@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:McKinley Hall
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:34:49 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
McKinley Hall
mckinleyhall@gwu.edu
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Talia Hansen
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:34:49 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Such cuts will be necessary to maintain the beauty and creativity that Bozeman holds so dear.
Without a strong community we offer nothing but pictures for an instagram timeline and to me
that’s a disgraceful excuse of a “community”.
Do the right thing, be on the right side of history, and allow Montana to push forward into the
new world.
Talia Hansen
taliahansenc@gmail.com
Livingston, Montana 59047
From:Jordan Allen
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:34:22 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Jordan Allen
jordanpoky@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Liz Herring
To:Agenda
Subject:[SENDER UNVERIFIED]Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:34:04 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Liz Herring
elherrin@usc.edu
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Derek Verzuh
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:33:35 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
I have seen firsthand the complete waste of our tax dollars on BPD.
Derek Verzuh
derek.verzuh@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Mairan Smith
To:Agenda
Subject:2021 Police Budget!
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:32:24 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Mairan Smith
mairansmith@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Kali Wiggin
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:32:19 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Kali Wiggin
kaliw2018@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Lisa McNamee
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:31:12 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Lisa McNamee
lisa.a.mcnamee@gmail.com
Livingston, Montana 59047
From:Jennifer Forecki
To:Agenda
Subject:Please reconsider increasing police budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:30:10 AM
To whom it may concern,
I feel that the biggest needs in our community are support systems for those in need. We need
better access to affordable housing, better access to affordable food. Better treatment centersfor addictions. Bozeman for too long as gone without year-long emergency and homeless
housing.
I know the council has been hearing defund the police. What is meant by that is a shift infunding away from the police and towards other services, many people including officers
understand that they are being asked to fill roles they were not meant to do. I would likeinstead an investment in programs and positions that address the underlying causes of crime-
addiction, homelessness, access to mental health care/health care, affordable afterschool care,and activities. This valley desperately needs more affordable housing. We have a growing
population that needs a service industry workforce. Yet rent is SKY HIGH and buyinghousing is almost unachievable especially when older affordable housing is being replaced by
luxury homes and condos.
I hope you consider a change to the budget. Bozeman deserves to grow in a manner that servesall its inhabitants not just those who are wealthy. I would very much like to see theBozeman 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.
Please also allow more time for public comment on the budget.
Thank you,
Jennifer Forecki
From:Valerie Dewey
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:30:03 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Valerie Dewey
valdewey@yahoo.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Al Garnsey
To:Agenda
Subject:[SENDER UNVERIFIED]Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:30:00 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Al Garnsey
agarnsey@middlebury.edu
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Hannah Van Wetter
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:29:20 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Hannah Van Wetter
hvanwetter@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Taylour Wilson
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:29:17 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Taylour Wilson
taylourmwilson@gmail.com
Big Sky, Montana 59716
From:Lauren Woods
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:29:15 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Lauren Woods
lc.loves.vt@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Skyler Hollinbeck
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:28:58 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
To whom it may concern,
I am a home owner in Bozeman 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.
Although I am very grateful for everything police do in our nation state and county, I feel that a
balanced approach to discouraging criminal behavior and encouraging opportunity is
necessary. 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. 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. 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.
Best regards,
Skyler Hollinbeck
Skyler Hollinbeck
skyrhollinbeck@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Jeremy Nadison
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:28:57 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Jeremy Nadison
jeremy.nadison@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Simran Shah
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:28:53 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Simran Shah
simranshah2020.ss@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Willa Fouts
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:28:35 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Willa Fouts
willa.fouts@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Stephanie Hurn
To:Agenda
Subject:The 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:28:07 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Bozeman will not be 93% white forever. It will not be privileged forever. The foundation for
healthy growth begins today.
Stephanie Hurn
shurn14@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Cailin Ross
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:27:53 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Cailin Ross
cailin.ross@gmail.com
Big Sky, Montana 59716
From:Sarah St Claire
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:27:30 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Sarah St Claire
blaser.sarah48@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Stephanie Hutchison
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:27:28 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Stephanie Hutchison
spencersl814@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Hanna Naukkarinen
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:26:48 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Hanna Naukkarinen
h.naukkarinen92@gmail.com
Livingston, Montana 59047
From:Rachel Babbitt
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:26:41 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Our city needs affordable housing!!!!
Thank you for hearing this out.
Rachel Babbitt
r8chbabbitt@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59717
From:Rachel Matsko
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:26:31 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Rachel Matsko
matsko406@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Jessica Hays
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns about proposed budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:26:24 AM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and not enough 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 several black citizens, and the continuing acts of police brutality affecting peaceful
protestors in the aftermath. These calls to divest city budgets in to care and support based
community resources are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Massive police budgets are not necessary to protest our communities from crime. . The majority of
people arrested every year in the United States are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of
those drug arrests are for marijuana, a drug that is less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco,
and has been legalized for medical use in Montana(1). 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). Communities are kept safe by their investments in programs that attack the
underlying causes of crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of opportunity, not
obtuse investments in policing. Access to supportive and affordable mental health services, low-
income housing, quality education, stable employment, and general healthcare are what keep a
community safe. I am a lifelong resident of Bozeman, and would very much like to see the
Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full one-third of the city’s proposal, cut and divested, so
that the Bozeman community can more properly invest in other necessary services.
Citations
https://www.nytimes.com/…/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-s…
https://www.npr.org/…/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-…
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
Jessica Hays
406-581-5253jessicahaysart.com
From:Deborah Bruner
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:26:15 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Deborah Bruner
nittygritty116@gmail.com
Belgrade, Montana 59714
From:Hilary Eisen
To:Agenda
Subject:2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:25:45 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 social services. 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 murder 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.
I live just 1 block from the Law and Justice Center, and have a deep interest in ensuring that
the City Police have the resources they need to keep our community safe. However, the most
recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD solves less than 30% of violent crimes in our
community. Perhaps it is time to invest in other ways of keeping our community safe.
The saying "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" applies to public safety as well. I
believe it's more important to increase 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 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.
Hilary Eisen
hilary.eisen@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Camille Garnsey
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:25:12 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Camille Garnsey
camille.louise95@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Weston Arnold
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:25:05 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Weston Arnold
fishtail07@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Elise Behnke
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:24:47 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Elise Behnke
elisebehnke@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Betty Stroock
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:24:17 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Betty Stroock
bstroock@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Brooke Kervi
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:24:17 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Brooke Kervi
b_kervi@hotmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Cara Wilder
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:23:41 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Cara Wilder
wilder1world@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Brooke Swain Cantu
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:23:07 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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,
Brooke Swain Cantu
Brooke Swain Cantu
brooke.emily@yahoo.com
Belgrade, Montana 59714
From:Ethan Hoerr
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:22:47 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Ethan Hoerr
ethan.r.hoerr@gmail.com
1104 S Montana Ave F10
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Austin Schmitz
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:22:35 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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. It’s time to start
investing in the people. We need mental health counselors. We need housing assistance. We
need money diverted to our most vulnerable members. This is the time. What side of history
do you plan to be on?
Austin Schmitz
austinschmitz77@gmail.com
102 aylsworth ave
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Maddie Duffy
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:22:20 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Maddie Duffy
duffy.made12@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Emi Wilson
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:22:03 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Emi Wilson
emilialynn733@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Izaiha Veasey
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:21:48 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Izaiha Veasey
veasey2010@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Sarah Johnson
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:21:39 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Sarah Johnson
sarahrobinjohnson@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Iain Massucci
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:21:29 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Iain Massucci
imassucci@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Alisha Gill
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:21:27 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Alisha Gill
gillalisha10@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Drew Nelson
To:Agenda
Subject:City Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:20:58 AM
Hello,
My name is Drew Nelson. I have been a resident of Bozeman for most of my life. I went to
Morning Star Elementary, Sacajawea Middle School, and Bozeman High. Now I am a studentat MSU in Bozeman. Most of my family is still here too. Montana is my home, and Bozeman
is a huge part of it.
I am writing to express concern for the upcoming city budget. I am thankful we have firstresponders in our community. If I were ever in an emergency, I'd be glad the police, fire
department, and EMT's could respond.
However, these faculties are a response to issues, much like a cure helps a disease. There's anold phrase "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". %32 of the proposed budget
going to police is spending more on cures, while ignoring the possibility of prevention. Maybethere is some money going to minority support group, mental health services, child care, Pre-
K education, disability services, addiction treatment, and many other services that could helpthe poorest and most vulnerable members of our community. But compared to police budgets,
these support services, which could help ameliorate future risks, and not getting nearlyfunding.
Please reconsider reallocating some of the police budget to help other services try to prevent
problems before they arise. If one of your family members was having a mental health crisis,would you want gun toting cops to be the first person to respond?
Thank you for your consideration.
Drew Nelson
From:Meredith Lambert
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:20:51 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Meredith Lambert
merelamb@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Chris Mehl
To:Agenda
Subject:FW: Email contact from City Of Bozeman
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:20:40 AM
Chris Mehl
Mayor, City of Bozemancmehl@bozeman.net406.581.4992________________________________________From: webadmin@bozeman.net [webadmin@bozeman.net]Sent: Monday, June 15, 2020 10:10 AMTo: Chris MehlSubject: Email contact from City Of Bozeman
Message submitted from the <City Of Bozeman> website.
Site Visitor Name: Vivienne Riseley,Site Visitor Email: vivienneriseley@gmail.com
Hi,Im seeking to learn about any proposed changes to the budget in line with the current political unrest, and I'mwondering where/how I can be involved. Id like to understand what are the forums where these issues are addressedie public input, voluntary or paid positions.My concern is the trend of including 'social workers' (this term is not protected in our state hence my somewhatobnoxious use of '') within the existing structure & systems of law enforcement, the damage this does, and theperpetuation of systems of oppression especially with those deemed "mentally ill". Other cities seem to be movingtoward funding community initiatives to address issues of homelessness, mental health, domestic violence etcthrough organisations that are separate or parallel to law enforcement. However a few months ago I saw manyemployment positions here in Bozeman seeking to be filled that incorporated social work into the criminal systemhence my concern.Thank you for your time, your service and your dedication to Bozeman. I look forward to a response.
Vivienne Riseley, MSW, SWLC
From:lindzee Hahne
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:19:56 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
lindzee Hahne
lindzee.hahne1122@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Danika Whitcomb
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:19:46 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Danika Whitcomb
danikaw18@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Zack Heinze
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:19:13 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Zack Heinze
zacharyheinze@hotmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Emily Kastor
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:18:53 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Emily Kastor
emily.kastor@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Amelia Brown
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:18:22 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Amelia Brown
amibrown725@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Sam Wooley
To:Agenda
Subject:2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:17:38 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
My name is Samantha Wooley and 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 murder 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. 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. 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 and truly reduce crime.
Sam Wooley
samantha010698@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Mike Uthe
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:17:29 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
Good morning,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Mike Uthe
uthemichael@yahoo.com
Belgrade, Montana 59714
From:Shannon Skinner
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:17:22 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Shannon Skinner
stardust.dreams22@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Kaydee Smith
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:17:18 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Kaydee Smith
kdj.smith98@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Kati Lueth
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:17:18 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Kati Lueth
katillueth@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Robert Bennett
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:16:50 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Robert Bennett
robert.bennett@montana.edu
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Trevor Frey
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:16:44 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Trevor Frey
trevor.b.frey@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Emmiliese vC
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:16:28 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Emmiliese vC
emmiliese.von.clemm@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Katy Sweeney
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:16:27 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Katy Sweeney
skaiscraper2345@hotmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Shane Johnson
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:16:17 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Shane Johnson
shanejohnson88@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Tracy Sterling
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:16:14 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 such as education
when our public educators must use personal funds to adequately fund their classrooms.
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Tracy Sterling
tracysterling2@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Alanna Shetter
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:16:01 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Alanna Shetter
alannashetter@hotmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:lydia witter
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:15:25 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
To whom it may concern,
As a tax paying resident, I highly suggest you reevaluate the proposed police department
budget increase. Police are forced to wear too many hats and these funds could better be
utilized if invested back into the community for education, affordable housing, healthcare and
mental health services, to name a few. Police are stretched too thin and improperly trained to
have to respond to every type of situation they currently tackle.
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Thank you,
Lydia Witter
lydia witter
lydiawitter@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Isabel Davis
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:15:25 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Isabel Davis
isabel.davis@tufts.edu
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Cassandra Hargrove
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:15:20 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Cassandra Hargrove
cassandrapriderainbow@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Candace McMann
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:15:17 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Candace McMann
candace.mcmann22@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Amber Sharon
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:14:55 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Amber Sharon
ambersharon95@gmail.com
Belgrade, Montana 59714
From:Robert Kwapisz
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:14:53 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Robert Kwapisz
coldsmokerider@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Jordan Garrett
To:Agenda
Subject:[SENDER UNVERIFIED]Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:14:51 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Jordan Garrett
joga9852@colorado.edu
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Lauren Sullivan
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:14:49 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Lauren Sullivan
sullivan.laurenm@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Mary Carson Brown
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:14:48 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Mary Carson Brown
marycarsonbrown@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Jordan Meyers
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:14:48 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Jordan Meyers
jordanmeyers1@aol.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Cassandra Brown
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:14:16 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Cassandra Brown
cassie.p.brown@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Bridgett Petritz
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:13:52 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Bridgett Petritz
petritzbridgette@gmail.com
Butte, Montana 59701
From:Nic Acker
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:13:35 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Nic Acker
nicacker@gmail.com
Belgrade, Montana 59714
From:Jill Scarson
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about Bozeman"s 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:13:22 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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 including affordable child care and after/out-of-school activities for
our children, 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,
Jill Scarson
Jill Scarson
jill.scarson@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Ellen Brandell
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:13:15 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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. Many people claim
that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities from crime. This is
simply not true. 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.
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.
Ellen Brandell
ebrandell08@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Riley Fink
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:12:59 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Riley Fink
rileyfink@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Nicholas Rustigian
To:Agenda
Subject:Police Budget "21 + my concerns
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:12:40 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
I want to express my concern for the police budget moving into 2021 after reading the
recommended budget plan.
My common sense tells me that spending an excessive amount of the budget on police is
taking money away from other important areas. I know this doesn't apply to everything the
police does, but policing in general feels a bit reactive rather than proactive--and that's never
good planning.
I read the FAQs from the police chief and great, seems like they're paying attention. However,
from those remarks, I don't have enough information to be confident that the training is actually
effective. Just saying that you do the training isn't proof that it's put into practice--or even
quality training. I'm not asking for proof, but I think the response could fall anywhere on the
spectrum from a total front to A+.
I'm skeptical. Police around the country are not serving the people with empathy and
understanding. We live in a good old boy state with active racism where politicians run on the
platform of 'less government'. My confidence is low, but I hope to be proven wrong.
Where I grew up, being a cop was an undesirable job. Those who became cops were (more
often than not) those who didn't know what to do after high school or college. I hope being a
police officer here is a more desirable and honored position than where I grew up. Though
based on how I feel and what I'm seeing, I don't think it's viewed that way by the people it's
serving... and that's not a good thing.
Therefore I ask you to reconsider those line items in the police budget and see where you
might be able to pull some funding that's set aside for a new car or something and put it
towards a program that will help educate our youth and proactively help our community.
All the best,
Nicholas 'Rusty' Rustigian
Nicholas Rustigian
nrustigi@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Joe Johnson
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:12:17 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Joe Johnson
joeybtown@yahoo.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Anne Dellwo
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:12:16 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Anne Dellwo
anne.dellwo@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Isabelle Gordon
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:12:15 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Isabelle Gordon
izygordon@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Kadie Heinle
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:12:04 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Kadie Heinle
k.b.heinle9@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Jax Maczewski
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:11:28 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Jax Maczewski
Buster.open.dk@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Madison Rixe
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:11:13 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Madison Rixe
witchofthewest615@gmail.com
Bellmead, Texas 95718
From:Sarah LaMoy
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:11:09 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
Hello,
The proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots too much money for policing and too little for
funds that actually strengthen our community. As you know, there has been a tidal wave of
calls to “Defund the Police” across the country, in response to the murder of George Floyd and
Breonna Taylor at the hands of 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 claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities from crime.
Wrong. 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. 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. 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 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.
Thank you.
Sarah LaMoy
sarahlamoy@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Nic Manship Manship
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:10:31 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Nic Manship Manship
bark97@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Samantha Duffey
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:10:08 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Samantha Duffey
duffey220@gmail.com
1708 tammany st
Anaconda, Montana 59711
From:Molly Cech
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns about proposed budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:09:58 AM
I am concerned that the proposed budget for 2021 allots far too much money for policing and far
too little for services that actually strengthen our community. Research has shown that the bestway to reduce crime is to increase social safety nets in communities.
What keeps communities safe from crime is not their investments in police, but theirinvestments 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. Iwould very much like to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full third of thecity’s proposal, cut, so that this city can more properly invest in other necessary services
Molly Cech
From:Alison Adam-Buskey
To:Agenda
Subject:[SENDER UNVERIFIED]Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:09:47 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Thank you for listening to my concerns.
Sincerely,
Alison Adam-Buskey
alison.a@hotmail.fr
Saint-Georges-la-Pouge, Creuse 59715
From:Lucy Burgess
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:09:47 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-- Lucy Burgess
Pronouns (She/Her/Hers)Montana State University
From:Autumn Clowes
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:09:46 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Autumn Clowes
autumnclowes@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Mason Parker
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:09:45 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Mason Parker
mason.s.parker11@gmail.com
Livingston, Montana 59047
From:Christopher Kennedy
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:09:45 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
To whom it may concern
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. 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. 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.
Christopher Kennedy
Chrisks384@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Robin Booher
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:09:44 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Robin Booher
booher.robin@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Cathy Mobley
To:Agenda
Subject:[SENDER UNVERIFIED]Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:08:54 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Cathy Mobley
cathy@fmgleading.com
Belgrade, Montana 59714
From:Britnee G
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:08:39 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Britnee G
ajkellogg.02@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Hilary Rosa
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:08:33 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Hilary Rosa
hil.rosa@yahoo.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Emily Van Genderen
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:07:51 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
To whom it may concern,
I am a community member, and vigilant voter. I am very very 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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Make the proper edits to this budget. We cannot continue to do BOZEMAN this disservice of a
massive budget with only 79 staff, and the sane budget for all of our schools put together.
Educate the youth. Defund the police.
Best, Emily Van Genderen
Emily Van Genderen
emilyvangen@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Vicky Williams
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:07:38 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Vicky Williams
vicky.raelynn@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:nell thalhamer
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:07:34 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
nell thalhamer
nthalhamer@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Pierce Fix
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:07:19 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Pierce Fix
jpiercefix456@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Isabelle Goodacre
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:07:11 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Isabelle Goodacre
isabellegoodacre@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Marshall Opel
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:07:08 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Marshall Opel
marshallopel@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Meredith Knowles
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:07:04 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Meredith Knowles
mlknowles2015@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Marie Bathelot
To:Agenda
Subject:[SENDER UNVERIFIED]Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:06:59 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Marie Bathelot
mariebathelot@hotmail.fr
, 39718
From:Garrett Orlando
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:06:54 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Garrett Orlando
gmorlando23@gmail.com
Manhattan, Montana 59741
From:Elle Barta
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:06:54 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Elle Barta
ellenbarta@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Sage Foss
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:06:44 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Sage Foss
sage.e.lewis@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Tuk VaughanKraska
To:Agenda
Subject:2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:06:26 AM
I am writing to demand a revision of the 2021 budget to decrease funding for the police and
reallocate those funds to education, health care, and social programs which will actuallybenefit this community.
Thank you,
Tuk Vaughankraska
From:Sidney Bryn
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:06:09 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Sidney Bryn
srbryn13@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Zachary McKinley
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:06:04 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Zachary McKinley
goldfish392@hotmail.com
Belgrade, Montana 59714
From:Quincy Balius
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:05:50 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Quincy Balius
qabalius@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Tyler Tennant
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:05:45 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Tyler Tennant
tylertennantwriting@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Tracee Hume
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:05:39 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Tracee Hume
tracee.hume@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Jennifer Hill
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:05:36 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Jennifer Hill
jenniferhill108@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59717
From:Georgia Robertson
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:05:30 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Georgia Robertson
georgiabyrd27@gmail.com
Lavina, Montana 59046
From:Frances Kim
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:05:27 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Frances Kim
frances.leekim@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Giffin Lax
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:05:15 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Giffin Lax
glax5588@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Jacqueline Pondolfino
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:05:12 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Jacqueline Pondolfino
jackie.pondolfino@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Anna Couch
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:04:51 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Anna Couch
annaofeliacouch@gmail.com
Morriston, Florida 3266 N 27th Unit 303 Bozeman Montana 59718
From:Ella Wvollet
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:04:48 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Ella Wvollet
elw_323@hotmail.com
Cokato, Minnesota 55321
From:Jacob Easterday
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:04:44 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Jacob Easterday
jakewoob@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Hannah Marshall
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:04:43 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Hannah Marshall
ehannahmarshall@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Cameron Kroetz
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:04:21 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Cameron Kroetz
cameron.kroetz@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Ann Rupert
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:04:11 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Ann Rupert
arupert13@hotmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Jake Worsfold
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:03:45 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Jake Worsfold
jake.worsfold@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Sam Bearzi
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:03:36 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Sam Bearzi
sam_13g@yahoo.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Kieran Ringel
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:03:36 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Kieran Ringel
ringel.kieran@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Anza Jensen
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:03:35 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Anza Jensen
anzajensen01@gmail.com
Belgrade, Montana 59714
From:Tom Rath
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:03:33 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Tom Rath
roswell.614@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Michaela Arneson
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:03:27 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Thank you for your time,
Michaela Arneson
Michaela Arneson
michaelaarneson@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:HAYLEY GLASSIC
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:03:15 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
HAYLEY GLASSIC
hcg0509@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Saunders Allen
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:03:13 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
To the Bozeman City Commision,
My name is Saunders Allen and 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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Saunders Allen
esaundersallen@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Nichole Piel
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:03:00 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Nichole Piel
chole.piel@yahoo.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Luke McKay
To:Agenda
Subject:2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:02:55 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 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 murder of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and many others at the hands of the police, as
well as 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. 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. 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.
Luke McKay
mcgucas@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Anne Gage
To:Agenda
Subject:concerns about budget proposal
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:02:52 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 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).
I would also like to see the city invest in its future citizens by moving this funding toenhance support services for children and their parents. With the current global pandemic,childcare facilities are closing permanently or operating at half capacity, leaving workingparents--who pay property taxes that keep schools afloat!--in a bind. It seems a much moreworthwhile investment to provide services to children and their parents than policing.Maybe, with that investment, we will have a better future that requires less policing.Sincerely,Anne Gage
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:Janet Njaa
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:02:51 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Janet Njaa
mtgrizzlygrl@gmail.com
Livingston, Montana 59047
From:Chloe Smytheman
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:02:44 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
To whom it may concern,
My name is Chloe Smytheman. 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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Chloe Smytheman
chloesmytheman@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Alana John
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:02:40 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Alana John
buterfli33@hotmail.com
Livingston, Montana 59047
From:Alana John
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:02:30 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Alana John
buterfli33@hotmail.com
Livingston, Montana 59047
From:Jillian Marcus
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:02:30 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Jillian Marcus
jillybug1@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Emma Ulvin
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:02:22 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Emma Ulvin
emmaulvin@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Amber Ikeman
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:02:14 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Amber Ikeman
amberikeman@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Skyler Thompson
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:02:09 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Skyler Thompson
skyrosethomp@gmail.com
1711 W. Koch #38
bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Ben Weiler
To:Agenda
Subject:[SENDER UNVERIFIED]Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:02:08 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Ben Weiler
ben@yellowstonecoffee.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Rebecca Vargas
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:02:06 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Rebecca Vargas
rlvargas313@gmail.com
Belgrade, Montana 59714
From:Ember Martenson
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:02:06 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Ember Martenson
martensonember@gmail.com
Manhattan, Montana 59741
From:Heather Johnson
To:Agenda
Subject:2021 Budget NEEDS TO CHANGE!
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:02:02 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Heather Johnson
heather@speartipmedia.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Dalayna Christenson
To:Agenda
Subject:[SENDER UNVERIFIED]Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:01:59 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Dalayna Christenson
dchristenson25@live.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Ken Houck
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:01:58 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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,
Ken Houck
Ken Houck
kenneth.houck@gmail.com
Belgrade, Montana 59714
From:Nina Funderburk
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:01:57 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Nina Funderburk
nina.funderburk343@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:August Schuerr
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:01:53 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
August Schuerr
augustschuerr00@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Mary O"Rourke
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:01:52 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Mary O'Rourke
maryorourke62@icloud.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Brian Sancchez
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:01:39 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Brian Sancchez
b1976s@hotmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Andrew Bridgers
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:01:29 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Andrew Bridgers
andrewdavidbridgers@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Jo Hadley
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:01:26 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Jo Hadley
johadley1972@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Lorea Zabaleta
To:Agenda
Subject:[SENDER UNVERIFIED]Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:01:16 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Lorea Zabaleta
lorea@maczab.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Lillie Delaney
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:01:16 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Lillie Delaney
lillie.delaney@gmail.com
3123 Warbler Way Unit A
Bozeman , Montana 59718
From:John Criscuoli
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:01:15 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
John Criscuoli
jcrisc3@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Molly Basta
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:01:12 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Molly Basta
molly.basta@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Clara Lieber
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:01:10 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Clara Lieber
clara.lieber@bsd7students.org
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Micaela Syversen
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:01:10 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Micaela Syversen
micaelasyversen@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Will Hodgson
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:01:02 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Will Hodgson
willhodgson11@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Camille LaShelle
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:00:54 AM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
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 murder 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. 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. 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.
Camille LaShelle
cslashelle@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Robin Gammons
To:Agenda
Subject:2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 9:58:14 AM
To the Bozeman City Commission,
I am writing to implore you to reconsider the budget allocations for 2021- 32% of the city
budget is an egregious amount to spend on police when social programs, education, andhealthcare are grossly underfunded. Bozeman has a responsibility to make this community
safer for all its members, and policing is not the way to do that.
Thank you for your time,
Robin Gammons
From:Meredith Knowles
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns over Police Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 9:52:24 AM
Good morning,
I was deeply upset to learn that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allocates so much
money for policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. I
would like to see the public comment period extended, and the proposed budget to reflect a
significant DECREASE in police spending.
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 a cut to the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s
proposal, so that this city can more properly invest in other necessary services(3).
Regards,
Meredith Knowles
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:Misty Rose
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 9:48:01 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/ShowDocum
From:Ann Rupert
To:Agenda
Subject:Redistribution of police funding
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 9:47:12 AM
Hello,
I request that the Bozeman City Commission redistribute police funding in the upcoming
budget. As organizers have so succinctly put it: "What keeps communities safe from crime is
not their investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack the underlying
causes of crime." As a Bozeman community member, I firmly believe that the 30% of our
general fund that goes towards funding police should in large part be redistributed to provide
services for those experiencing homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity.
Thank you for your time.
Best,
Ann Rupert
From:Robin Wilder
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 9:35:23 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 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
Sincerely,
Robin Wilder
M.Arch 2018
MSU Bozeman, School of Architecture
From:Mike Basile
To:Erik Nelson
Cc:Emily Cope; eric@360commercialmanagement.com; eric@owenhouse.com; frescocafe317@gmail.com;
Ileana@delaneynco.com; I-Ho Pomeroy; jolee@montanalingerie.com; Downtown Business Association; Agenda
Subject:Re: Downtown BID June Board Meeting Agenda
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 9:24:14 AM
I will be there at noon Wednesday.Mike
Sent from my iPad
On Jun 15, 2020, at 8:39 AM, Erik Nelson <erik@thinktankarchitects.com> wrote:
I plan on being there
Erik N
From: Emily Cope <Emily@downtownbozeman.org>
Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2020 11:04 AM
To: eric@360commercialmanagement.com; eric@owenhouse.com; Erik Nelson
<erik@thinktankarchitects.com>; frescocafe317@gmail.com; Ileana@delaneynco.com;
ipomeroy@bozeman.net; jolee@montanalingerie.com; mike.basile@bhhsmt.com
Cc: Chris Naumann <chris@downtownbozeman.org>; Agenda
<agenda@BOZEMAN.NET>
Subject: Downtown BID June Board Meeting Agenda
Attached and below is the agenda for the June meeting of the BID board.
Please note the time and location. The meeting is scheduled for two hours to allow
ample time to discuss and approve the FY21 budget. The meeting will be held at the
Bozeman Event Space to meet the City COVID in-person meeting social distancing
requirements.
Please respond if you are able to attend.
Thanks,
<!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Emily Cope
District Manager
Downtown Bozeman Partnership
222 East Main Street #302 | Bozeman MT 59715
406-586-4008 | www.downtownbozeman.org
Downtown Business Improvement District Agenda
Board Meeting
12:00pm-2:00pm Wednesday, June 17, 2020
Bozeman Event Space
14 S Tracy Ave, Bozeman
Call to Order
Public Comments
Review and Approve Minutes from May
Financial Report
District Manager’s Report
Discussion and Decision Items
Renewal Update
FY2021 Budget Approval- Action
Resolution to Create New BID- Action
Bylaw review
Next Meeting
12:00pm Wednesday July 15, 2020
**ADJOURN**
Public Meeting Protocols will be followed outlined in the City of Bozeman Order ED-12
Public Meeting Protocols Superceding ED-05.
Downtown Business Improvement District Board meetings are open to all members of
the public. If you have a disability that requires assistance, please contact our ADA
Coordinator, Mike Gray, at 582-3232 (voice), 582-3203 (TDD).
From:trl9890@gmail.com
To:Agenda
Subject:Budget concerns
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 9:23:33 AM
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
Sincerely,
Taylor Lewandowski
From:Nathaniel Bowen
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 9:23:00 AM
To whom it may concern:
In the past few years I have had many close friends tell me about their experiences workingwith organizations such as hope house, the warming center, and the food bank. They havedescribed their experiences as underfunded and mismanaged while still playing a pivotalrole in our community. These organizations and institutions play a key role in the success
and progress of the less fortunate in our community and should be better funded for thework they do. While police play a role in our society towards aiding in violent crimes, thetruth is Bozeman is not a violent city. The disproportion of wealth in Bozeman is what Ibelieve to be the city's greatest weakness. I believe that money should be allocated
towards the funding of programs that help poor communities and poor communities in ourcity.
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 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 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:ryan green
To:Agenda
Subject:Bozemsn city budget concerns
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 9:13:24 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 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
My best,
Ryan Green
1009 south black ave. Sent from my iPhone
From:Wyand, Rachel
To:Agenda
Subject:Budget Concerns
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 9:09:59 AM
To whom it may concern,
My name is Rachel Wyand and 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), not to mention completely
legal in some areas of the country. 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
Signed,
Rachel Wyand
From:Adrienne Huckabone
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 9:09:45 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
Sincerely,Adrienne
From:Greer Trefethen
To:Agenda
Subject:Proposed 2021 Budget Changes
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 9:09:44 AM
Dear Bozeman City Council Members,
I would first like to thank you all for the hard and often unrecognized work you do to
encourage responsible and meaningful growth in this wonderful town we call home. I know itis not an easy responsibility nor one that any of you take lightly.
With that in mind, I am writing to express my concern over the proposed budget changes for
2021 that seek to increase the amount of police funding in the wake of racial justice proteststhat have happened across the globe and right here in Bozeman.
Following the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, in addition to the countless
names lost to history in the last 400 years, protestors and racial justice groups have made theirvoices heard. We DO NOT need or want more police funding when the police are already
asked to do too much and provide too many services.
Defunding the police is not about removing officer's jobs, livelihoods or devaluing the veryreal and important contribution they make to keep our community safe. It is about reducing the
scope of what policing involves and then providing much needed funding to real outlets forchange and improvement including: low income housing, addiction treatment and recovery
centers, mental health works, domestic violence shelters, crisis-intervention counselors, ayear-round homeless shelter, etc. Crime is preventable, but only with the right tools. If we
want to see lasting change in our community that leads to fewer needless deaths of preventablecauses and fewer demonstrations against institutionalized prejudice, we have to start with
where money is being allocated.
Please DO NOT increase police funding in the 2021 budget. Please, instead, reallocateresources where they are really and truly needed to make this beautiful place we call home
even better.
Sincerely, Greer Trefethen
From:Cheryl Tusken
To:Agenda
Subject:Police Funding
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 9:08:15 AM
Dear Commissioners:
In yesterday’s (6/14/20) Bozeman Chronicle, the Bozeman United For Racisl Justice group
meet and has a list of demands they want to see. The article states
“Bozeman United invited attendees to participate in a canvassing campaign to
influence the city commission to redistribute police funding to social services.
Attendees interested in canvassing practiced having conversations with those
who oppose the idea of defunding police.
Organizers said they were still exploring options for developing an alternative
budget that redistributes police funding to social services, but their main goal is
to delay the budget’s timeline.“
I have lived in Bozeman for 20 years. I graduated MSU in 2003 and have raised
my family here. I have always appreciated law-enforcement and other first
responders. I have never once seen any racism here in Montana. My best friend
recently was A corrections officer at the county jail and her husband is a
Montana Highway patrol officer. I have first-hand information from them that
everyone is treated equally. We should not be making policies based on the color
of people skin, but we should be enforcing all laws equally.
I fully support the Bozeman police, the Gallatin County sheriffs department, the
fire department, and EMTs. The call to defund the police that is going
throughout the United States right now is abhorrent. Please do not give in to
illogical and unsound ideas that are coming out of an emotional response to a
horrible tragedy. The Bozeman police force it’s not represented by one bad cop in
Minneapolis or one bad cop in Atlanta. As a country, we need to stop choosing
“one-size-fits-all “solutions. Those bad cops have been fired, the one in
Minneapolis has been arrested and is awaiting trial. That is justice. Defending
the entire police force is injustice.
What are law abiding citizens to do? Who are they to call if someone robs them
on the street? Who do we call if there’s an ex-boyfriend with a gun trying to get
into our house? Who do we call if someone abducts our children? Will anybody
care? Will we descend into chaos and lawlessness to appease an emotional
response to a cop far far away from Bozeman? What are law abiding citizens to
do?
When the letters from the Bozeman United for Racial Justice start coming in
asking you to defend the police, I ask that you do the right thing: continue to
support and fund the police. Do not your turn your backs on the taxpayers and
and lead us down the road of lawlessness.
A very concerned citizen,
Cheryl Tusken
--
Cheryl Tusken
From:Naomi Vliet
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 8:49:43 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 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:Suzanne Colon
To:Agenda
Subject:Levels of funding for the police
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 8:43:01 AM
Dear Bozeman city commission,
I am writing in support of the request that our police funding be newly evaluated, in light of the national call to
reconsider how communities allocate resources for public safety.
I am not aware that our police budget is overly large or in need of reform, but I do think we are all called upon in
this moment to question whether more of our resources can go to community development, mental health and
addiction supports. Could we broaden the ways we respond to 911 calls? Could we mitigate the roots of crime and
social unrest with supportive development programs?
Thank you for your thoughtful reevaluation of our budget on behalf of the citizens of Bozeman.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Colon
602 W. Story St.
406-579-8399
From:Harlie Smith
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 8:31:54 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).
Harlie Smith
Sent from my iPhone
From:Kyle Ebenhoch
To:Agenda
Subject:2021 municipal budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 8:27:30 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 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. 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. 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.
-- Kyle EbenhochEcologistU.S. Geological SurveyNorthern Rocky Mountain Science Center
2327 University Way, STE 2
Bozeman, MT 59715
From:agenda@bozeman.net
To:Agenda
Subject:Thank you for your public comment.
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 8:25:33 AM
A new entry to a form/survey has been submitted.
Form Name:Public Comment Form
Date & Time:06/15/2020 8:25 AM
Response #:428
Submitter ID:27616
IP address:172.58.27.136
Time to complete:38 min. , 22 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 Clint
Last Name Farmer
Email Address cjjgmotorsports@gmail.com
Phone Number 406-539-7501
Comments
Hello,
I own multiple businesses in Bozeman and I would like to voice my concerns and outrage that you would
even consider "defunding" or "redistributing" funds to our police department. For the peace and safety of
our community it is important that we support our Police Department with the necessary funding for
training and continued education along with the necessary funds for operating effectively. Just recently i
have read of criminals in our community who have threatened bar staff with weapons, comiited sexual
assault, theft etc and all were quickly and efficiently apprehended by our police force. I am thankful for
their swift action and can not imagine an alternative where our police force would be made ineffective by
de-funding efforts. It is important that we consider the grave consequences of an under or un-policed
community.
Thank you
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:Rylee Dunn
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns Regarding Proposed Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 8:15:45 AM
To whom it may concern:
My name is Rylee Dunn, and 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,
Rylee Dunn
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:Logan Platt
To:Agenda
Subject:City Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 8:11:49 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 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:Abbey Olson
To:Agenda
Subject:[*** INSERT UNIQUE SUBJECT LINE ***]
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 7:47:01 AM
To the Bozeman City Commission,
My name is Abbey Boyer and I am a resident of MSU’s family housing. 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,
Abbey Boyer
108 Paisley Court apt H
801-673-0708
Abbeymolson@gmail.com
Sent from my iPhone
From:Devin Wilson
To:Agenda
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 7:16:24 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 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
--Devin Wilson
From:Arthur Gutierrez
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 7:09:23 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).
Thank you,
Arthur S. Gutierrez
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:Ralph and Linda McCormick
To:Agenda
Subject:Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 7:07:10 AM
To Whom it may concern:
In your budget deliberations, please consider reallocating some of the police force budget to services that will helpalleviate crimes in our city, such as mental health services, etc.
Thank you for your attention.
Linda J. McCormick1120 W. Babcock St, #17Bozeman, MT
From:Breault, Josie
To:Agenda
Subject:Commission Meeting Letter
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 6:54:14 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
Thank you for considering our huge concern. Please take the time to listen to the people of
Bozeman on this issue. Things must change. And the change can start with you.
Thank you.
Josie Breault 1142 New Holland Dr
Bozeman, MT 59718
From:Travis Boyer
To:Agenda
Subject:From a veteran, father and husband!
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 6:24:26 AM
To the Bozeman City Commission,
My name is Travis Boyer I am a resident of Bozeman, MT and 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,
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS]
[YOUR PHONE]
[YOUR EMAIL]
Thanks,
Travis Boyer
From:Aaron Knoebel
To:Agenda
Subject:Public budget feed back
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 6:21:20 AM
Hello,
My name is Aaron Knoebel. I live at 1104s Pinecrest.I am writing today as a concerned citizen regarding the budget proposal that will be voted on
today.I think far to much money is being given to the police and that the money could be far better
spent on other things that ACTUALLY would keep the citizens of Bozeman safe. 8% is absurd when we have
-uncontrolled intersections on our streets. This is unsafe for bike pedestrians and drivers on adaily basis.
-most common call in Bozeman is a noise complaint that pose no actual threat to anyone. -militerazation is not a reasonable allocation of resources for our town. Sell the damn tank,
that was a mistake, it’s time to admit it.
The Bozeman police is not doing a good job with what they have, so maybe it’s time torethink what they are doing and how we can do better as a community. Please consider
rethinking the policing system. I do not think “defunding” the police is the answer nor the goalof this movement. It is more about putting pressure on public officials such as yourself to
rethink what the police do and how they do it. By effecting their budget you can tell thecurrent police to do so.
Does it require weapons and tanks to deescalate a fight at the bar? Does it take a tank or a gun
to do DUI enforcement? To break up a party?
Please Aaron
From:agenda@bozeman.net
To:Agenda
Subject:Thank you for your public comment.
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 5:42:35 AM
A new entry to a form/survey has been submitted.
Form Name:Public Comment Form
Date & Time:06/15/2020 5:42 AM
Response #:426
Submitter ID:27611
IP address:174.45.106.216
Time to complete:58 min. , 27 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 Lisa
Last Name Weaver
Email Address weaver5mt@msn.com
Phone Number 406-522-0038
Comments
It has come to my attention that the city will be considering the demands of protesters to defund the
police. Our officers do an excellent job and are not paid well enough as it is. With an average of 3 people a
day moving to Bozeman from other cities, the work load and demand will only increase. Our officers should
be given a raise instead.
As we can see through the example of the “autonomous zone” in Seattle. Without the trained police
available, people will police themselves with semi-automatic guns and baseball bats. There is no due course
and No rule of law. Businesses suffer and Innocent people are hurt. As we see in Chicago, businesses are
leaving in droves because there is no protection for their Investment in the community. Families are
hightailing out of the area looking for safer places to live. Defunding the police is a terrible idea. With all the
people moving here and the added tax revenue they are bringing with them, let’s Hire more officers, get
them trained and equipped in non-lethal alternatives, raise their salaries and keep Bozeman the peaceful,
beautiful, respectful city that it is! Thank you!
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:angela yonke
To:Agenda
Subject:Budget Concerns from a resident
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 1:02:01 AM
To whom it may concern,
I am deeply saddened by recent light shown on to the city’s budget priorities. When funding is
shifted to social programs for all such as food security, healthcare, education and affordablehousing we all benefit and the need for a police force decreases. When these basic human
needs are met everyone’s physical and mental health goes up. Studies have shown that whenaccess to social programs such as these are met crime, vandalism and abuse go down. Below
are links to several such studies;
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.brookings.edu/blog/up-front/2018/01/03/new-evidence-that-access-to-health-care-reduces-crime/amp/
https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles/172210.pdf
https://www.unlv.edu/news/article/reform-defund-or-abolish-police
https://www.google.com/amp/s/beta.ctvnews.ca/national/world/2020/6/9/1_4975958.html
One area I feel very strongly needs more funding is the need for a homeless center. Livingston
as well as Bozeman have also closed their mental health facilities over the years and left manyto fend for themselves or be forced to stay in unhealthy and often dangerous circumstances.
How many crimes are committed by those who have become desperate because they arehungry and have no reliable shelter? This isn’t ethical or kind. We can and must do better.
I strongly urge funding to shift from a majority going towards the police to a more ethical
concentration on social programs. It is the right thing to do and the community is focused onyour response to this issue.
Sincerely,
Angela Yonke(Bozeman Resident)
Sent from my iPhone
From:Erika Thompson
To:Agenda
Subject:Postpone finalizing current budget proposal
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 12:46:48 AM
To whom it may concern:
Postpone finalizing the current budget proposal for further private input!
PLEASE listen to all of the people that marched. REALIZE the time is upon us to step outside the
box of our current systems. Allow for there to be real work on changing the status quo. 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 protesters in the
aftermath. These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
We, in Bozeman, had overwhelmingly peaceful protests, but that does not mean we are
immune. Our city is growing in population and diversity, and the public service programs
need more funding to grow with the increase. 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(1).
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(2). 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(3).
Sincerely,
Erika D Thompson
Citations:
1.
https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
2.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-
statistics-say-no.htm
3.
https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-
now-you-can-find-out
From:Owen Burroughs
To:Agenda
Subject:Public Comment on Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 12:34:03 AM
Dear City Commission,
My name is Owen Burroughs and I have lived in Bozeman for the past 14 years. I am writing
to comment on the upcoming city budget, and to strongly urge the commission to vote againstthe increased police budget.
I have always considered myself lucky to live in a community that I can feel safe in, and I
respect the Commission's efforts to continue to make Bozeman a safe place to live. This beingsaid, I firmly believe that this commitment to public safety must take into account the lives of
ALL Bozemanites, not just our white majority. I think the recent protest action across thenation, including the largest protest in Bozeman history, has shown that our BIPoC
community is NOT reassured by an increased police presence and budget.
It is crucial that the commission listen to the Bozeman community and prioritize an investmentin health, education, and other valuable community outreach--not an increased police
presence.
Sincerely,
Owen Burroughs
From:Michael Lentini
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns regarding proposed 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 12:11:40 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
Thanks for your time.-Concerned Gallatin County ResidentSent from my iPhone