HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-15-20 Public Comments - Budget (after noon deadline)From:agenda@bozeman.net
To:Agenda
Subject:Thank you for your public comment.
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:30:21 PM
A new entry to a form/survey has been submitted.
Form Name:Public Comment Form
Date & Time:06/15/2020 11:30 PM
Response #:440
Submitter ID:27677
IP address:97.121.213.161
Time to complete:9 min. , 24 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 Sonja
Last Name Benton
Email Address sonjaabenton@gmail.com
Phone Number 4254667743
Comments
As a quick statement of facts: Black and Indigenous people are overpoliced in Bozeman and across
Montana. Indigenous folks are murdered at twice the rate of white people by police. Black people
disproportionately fill jails in Gallatin County. Over 400 people have emailed expressing concern about the
budget. In just 2 weeks, over 50 businesses have committed to support ongoing anti-racism work in
Bozeman. And 5,000 demonstrated on June 5th. Many, many more haven’t gotten a chance to share their
voice.
On a more personal note: As a teacher, with a background in political science, I have often been and seen
others underserved by the police department. This has been an ongoing issue for the past ten years. Our
local officers do not treat minorities, especially racial minorities well. If you believe they do, I would
challenge this. I've taught over 1000 students and have heard many disturbing things about their
treatment. I have seen more. I'm consistently disappointed by the lack of training our police have in
handling minority populations. I ask that if you do not defund the police, that you at least prepare
appropriate training in deescalation and identity sensitivity. If you are unsure of how to implement this, the
private sector has plenty of practice.
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
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From:Maeve Musselman
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:05:30 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.
Maeve Musselman
maeve.musselman@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Aubrey LaBarre
To:Agenda
Subject:Police Budget Concerns
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 11:00:50 PM
My name is Aubrey LaBarre. My phone number is 575-707-2261. I am currently listening in
on the city council meeting, and I appreciate your continuation of the meeting late into thenight, although I am incredibly frustrated that it took four hours to address the most pressing
subject of the night. I struggle to understand why the crime rates for 2020 and 2021 arepredicted to be so high when last year’s rate is so low, and I’m not sure why $600,000 is
allocated for the employment of two officers, one part time and neither fully funded by thisbudget.
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 protectthe beautiful 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 incells and lives 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 themost effective 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. Itwill not give 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 doesnot need 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 and with 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 actingin violence instead of 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 postpone this decision for as many people aspossible to have their voice heard and rethink this budget.
Thank you.
-- Aubrey LaBarre
From:Lillian Ball
To:Agenda
Subject:Budget public comment
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:48:55 PM
Thank you City Council,
My name is Lillian Ball I live at 406 W Mendenhall St
Although we might like to believe that this is a big city problem, not a Montana problem, butwhen indigenous people are murdered at twice the rate as white people to the hands of police
and black people are disproportionately filling Montana jails and prisons, you can be restassured that this affects Bozeman, too.
In the wake of of Bozeman's two biggest protests and the over 400 emails expressing concert
about the current budget proposal, not addressing the police budget seems insensitive. A steptowards adding more funds to the police force will create distrust in the thousands of
Bozemanites vehemently against it. I understand the constraints of the budget but I believethere are areas that can improved upon. I urge the council to the delay the vote on the budget
to allow the voices of the community to be heard.
Thank you.
This was sent via text but I was told to email as well which is slightly confusing since text wasmentioned as a way to submit public comment.
From:Megan Good
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerns Regarding Proposed Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 10:15:47 PM
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for
policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As 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,
Megan Good
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
--
Megan GoodShe, her, hers
From:agenda@bozeman.net
To:Agenda
Subject:Thank you for your public comment.
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 9:42:36 PM
A new entry to a form/survey has been submitted.
Form Name:Public Comment Form
Date & Time:06/15/2020 9:42 PM
Response #:439
Submitter ID:27675
IP address:174.45.87.245
Time to complete:4 min. , 45 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 Abigail
Last Name Sampson
Email Address Sampson5712@gmail.com
Phone Number 406-539-7840
Comments
I am against defunding the police.
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:agenda@bozeman.net
To:Agenda
Subject:Thank you for your public comment.
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 9:35:47 PM
A new entry to a form/survey has been submitted.
Form Name:Public Comment Form
Date & Time:06/15/2020 9:35 PM
Response #:438
Submitter ID:27674
IP address:2600:387:1:803::91
Time to complete:2 min. , 20 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 Alice
Last Name Collins
Email Address Acc249@georgetown.edu
Phone Number 6174069798
Comments
Hi there, I am writing to request that you NOT allocate a disproportionate amount of funding to the police
department.
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:Andrea Hamre
To:Agenda
Subject:Re: Request for Oral Public Comment at Tonight"s Commission Meeting
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 9:24:29 PM
Good evening City Commission,
If possible, I would like to submit my comment in writing here as I'll be shutting down my
phone soon for the night.
My name is Andrea Hamre and I am a resident of the City of Bozeman. I moved to Bozemanjust over five months ago from the east coast, and the Streamline bus service is an important
part of my family's ability to remain a one-car household. In the winter months, Streamline'sYellowline was my main mode of transportation to work. The Bozeman community enjoys
public transportation service that is much better than many of its rural and small urban peers,and continuing to invest in this service supports the strategic goals our community has adopted
in terms of quality of life, economic development, affordability, and sustainability.
I am hoping you may consider meeting Streamline's entire $300,000 funding request, ratherthan the lower $150,000 included in the City Manager's Recommended Budget. One silver
lining to this challenging time is a strengthened appreciation of our essential workers, acrosssectors, as well as the vital role public transportation plays in many of their lives. Public
transportation is a vital public service, as vital as our library, community centers, and othersocial services. Low-income and non-white members of our community own private vehicles
at significantly lower rates, and an investment in public transportation is an investment inequity and social justice, as well as sustainability.
Thank you for this opportunity to provide comment on the City Manager's Recommended
Budget.
Sincerely,Andrea Hamre
746 Sanders AvenueBozeman, MT 59718
On Mon, Jun 15, 2020 at 8:21 PM Agenda <agenda@bozeman.net> wrote:
Yes I can
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 15, 2020, at 8:19 PM, Andrea Hamre <ahamre@gmail.com> wrote:
Would it be possible for you to call my phone when I could give comment on Action Item
#6? 406-304-5170.
Thanks,Andrea Hamre, Bozeman Resident
On Mon, Jun 15, 2020 at 12:31 PM Agenda
<agenda@bozeman.net<mailto:agenda@bozeman.net>> wrote:Yes, we will have both the general public comment period at the beginning of the meeting
and then a comment period related to each individual action item. You will only be affordedone opportunity to speak on a specific issue, meaning if you choose to comment during the
general period you cannot have a second bite of the apple during the action item. In WebEx,there is a feature that allows you to raise your hand to indicate when you would like to
comment. I announce the individuals and then will unmute them to give their comments upto 3 minutes. Mayor Mehl will announce the process during the meeting as well. Please let
me know if you any further questions.
Thanks,Mike
From: Andrea Hamre [mailto:ahamre@gmail.com<mailto:ahamre@gmail.com>]
Sent: Monday, June 15, 2020 12:26 PMTo: Agenda <agenda@BOZEMAN.NET<mailto:agenda@BOZEMAN.NET>>
Subject: Re: Request for Oral Public Comment at Tonight's Commission Meeting
Thank you - so once I connect, will you invite me to speak by name? (How will I knowwhen it's my turn?)
On Mon, Jun 15, 2020 at 10:38 AM Agenda
<agenda@bozeman.net<mailto:agenda@bozeman.net>> wrote:Andrea,
We prefer comments to come through the WebEx if possible, so I greatly appreciate that. I
am including the instructions for connecting here:
Via Webex:https://bozeman.webex.com/bozeman/onstage/g.php?
MTID=e191106ba6611b4920b906011f8dc6b50Click the Register link, enter the required information, and click submit.
Click Join Now to enter the meeting.Via Phone: This is for listening only if you cannot watch the stream or channel 190
United States Toll+1-408-418-9388
Access code: 146 529 0878
Thanks,
Mike Maas, MPA| City ClerkCity of Bozeman | 121 N. Rouse Ave. | Bozeman, MT 59715
D: 406.582.2321 | C: 406.599.0804www.bozeman.net<http://www.bozeman.net/>
<image001.jpg>
From: Andrea Hamre [mailto:ahamre@gmail.com<mailto:ahamre@gmail.com>]Sent: Monday, June 15, 2020 10:32 AM
To: Agenda <agenda@BOZEMAN.NET<mailto:agenda@BOZEMAN.NET>>Subject: Re: Request for Oral Public Comment at Tonight's Commission Meeting
Yes, I could, could you share the information/process? Should I connect at a certain time?
On Mon, Jun 15, 2020 at 10:29 AM Agenda
<agenda@bozeman.net<mailto:agenda@bozeman.net>> wrote:Good morning,
Are you able to connect to the City’s WebEx video conference?
Thanks,
Mike Maas, MPA| City Clerk
City of Bozeman | 121 N. Rouse Ave. | Bozeman, MT 59715D: 406.582.2321 | C: 406.599.0804
www.bozeman.net<http://www.bozeman.net/><image001.jpg>
From: Andrea Hamre [mailto:ahamre@gmail.com<mailto:ahamre@gmail.com>]
Sent: Monday, June 15, 2020 10:23 AMTo: Agenda <agenda@BOZEMAN.NET<mailto:agenda@BOZEMAN.NET>>
Subject: Request for Oral Public Comment at Tonight's Commission Meeting
Greetings,
I'm writing to request to provide oral public comment at tonight's Commission Meeting onAgenda Item #6 (general fund work session). My cell number is 406-304-5170.
Thank you,
Andrea Hamre746 Sanders Ave, Bozeman, MT 59718
City of Bozeman emails are subject to the Right to Know provisions of Montana’s
Constitution (Art. II, Sect. 9) and may be considered a “public record” pursuant to Title 2,Chpt. 6, Montana Code Annotated. As such, this email, its sender and receiver, and the
contents may be available for public disclosure and will be retained pursuant to the City’srecord retention policies. Emails that contain confidential information such as information
related to individual privacy may be protected from disclosure under law.
City of Bozeman emails are subject to the Right to Know provisions of Montana’sConstitution (Art. II, Sect. 9) and may be considered a “public record” pursuant to Title 2,
Chpt. 6, Montana Code Annotated. As such, this email, its sender and receiver, and thecontents may be available for public disclosure and will be retained pursuant to the City’s
record retention policies. Emails that contain confidential information such as informationrelated to individual privacy may be protected from disclosure under law.
City of Bozeman emails are subject to the Right to Know provisions of Montana’s
Constitution (Art. II, Sect. 9) and may be considered a “public record” pursuant to Title 2,Chpt. 6, Montana Code Annotated. As such, this email, its sender and receiver, and the
contents may be available for public disclosure and will be retained pursuant to the City’srecord retention policies. Emails that contain confidential information such as information
related to individual privacy may be protected from disclosure under law.City of Bozeman emails are subject to the Right to Know provisions of Montana’s
Constitution (Art. II, Sect. 9) and may be considered a “public record” pursuant to Title 2,Chpt. 6, Montana Code Annotated. As such, this email, its sender and receiver, and the
contents may be available for public disclosure and will be retained pursuant to the City’srecord retention policies. Emails that contain confidential information such as information
related to individual privacy may be protected from disclosure under law.
From:Jessi Mullowney
To:Agenda
Subject:[SENDER UNVERIFIED]Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 9:08:57 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.
Jessi Mullowney
JESSIMULLOWNEY@GMAIL.COM
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Lotta Rao
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 8:11:07 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.
Lotta Rao
lottaelisabetrao@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715]
From:Isabel Shaida
To:Agenda
Subject:Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 8:08:14 PM
To who it may concern,
My name is Isabel and I live in the northeast neighborhood. I am writing to comment on the
budget proposal. Our country is in a moment of confrontation. We are being called toreexamine where we invest our money. Where we invest our money, reveals our true
priorities.
I wish to live in a place that is committed to freedom, to relief, to collective care.
Public safety and policing are not the same. Bozeman must invest in access to low-incomehousing, quality education, stable employment, and adequate mental-health. This is what
created a safe, whole, and equitable community.
thank you for your time and consideration
Isabel Shaida
From:Beck Trebesch
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 7:59:19 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.
Beck Trebesch
becktreb18@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Kathleen Epstein
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 7:49:05 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.
Kathleen Epstein
kathleen.epstein@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Scott Isely
To:Agenda
Subject:Public comment
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 6:52:53 PM
I would like to comment that the police budget NOT BE reallocated. We need to support our
police and allocate more resources to them. They keep our Beautiful community safe for all ofus. Let’s not destroy our community by limiting our officers effectiveness to work.
From:Becca Frucht
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 6:38:54 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.
Becca Frucht
becca.frucht@gmail.com
Livingston, Montana 59047
From:agenda@bozeman.net
To:Agenda
Subject:Thank you for your public comment.
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 6:38:06 PM
A new entry to a form/survey has been submitted.
Form Name:Public Comment Form
Date & Time:06/15/2020 6:38 PM
Response #:437
Submitter ID:27671
IP address:63.153.15.34
Time to complete:5 min. , 2 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 Marjii
Last Name Wronko
Email Address mjwronko@gmail.com
Phone Number 4063888025
Comments
I strongly disagree with defunding our police.Bozeman needs the protection they provide. Our community
is growing and needs their strong presence.
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
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directly to this email.
From:Ryan Trefethen
To:Agenda
Subject:Budget decisions 2021
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 6:21:11 PM
Dear City Council Members,
I appreciate the work you put in to keep our exceptional town running, thank you for all of the
time and effort you put into the job.
I am concerned about some information that came to my attention today. That information wasthat the city council intended to increase the amount budgeted for our police department. I
don't believe that that would be a good use of our community's dollars, which could be betterspent on other community centered programs, such as: low-income housing, retraining for
displaced workers, mental health support, addiction counseling, et al.
This is Bozeman, our town. It is a good place, filled with good people from all walks of lifeand sides of the political spectrum. We don't need a police force equipped with military grade
weapons, armor, and vehicles. Those would, in my opinion, bring the town down severalnotches in it's appeal, both for natives/locals and for the tourist population that floods through
in the summers.
Please do not increase the police budget. Please instead, lower the amount we're using to fundour police department and use those dollars to effect positive changes in this town rather than
paying for the ability to 'cope with problems' that arise.
Again, thank you for your time and support.
Sincerely, Ryan Trefethen
406-570-2154
P.S. This is a resending of my previous email. The mayor mentioned that the email shouldcontain both our name and phone number, and the number was missing. I wanted to correct
that omission.
From:agenda@bozeman.net
To:Agenda
Subject:Thank you for your public comment.
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 6:00:52 PM
A new entry to a form/survey has been submitted.
Form Name:Public Comment Form
Date & Time:06/15/2020 6:00 PM
Response #:436
Submitter ID:27670
IP address:174.45.251.95
Time to complete:5 min. , 53 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 Siobhan
Last Name Gilmartin
Email Address siogilm@gmail.com
Phone Number 4065442846
Comments
Commissioners:
Thank you for taking the time to consider any insights I may offer, when considering the city budget.
Specifically, money allocated to support the School Resource Officers that work to serve our community
every single day. I, along with my husband, are teachers at Bozeman High School. I have personally seen the
role that our SRO's serve and seen them tirelessly advocate on behalf of our vulnerable populations, serve
as counselors to young people, speak in front of our classes and support our staff. I truly think of them as
educators. They are the first in our buildings and often the last to leave. Without the work of Mark and Hal,
I do not believe we would be serving our students to the best of our ability. Thank you for your
consideration of my first hand experiences. Please be in touch if you have any questions or would like
further information. Best,
Siobhan
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:Cyndy Andrus
To:Agenda
Subject:Fwd: Message from Naeher Katie (4064594819)
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 5:40:29 PM
Attachments:VoiceMessage.wav
ATT00001.htm
Cynthia Andrus|Deputy MayorCity of Bozeman
P:406.582.2383|E:candrus@bozeman.net|W: www.bozeman.net
Begin forwarded message:
From: Cisco Unity Connection Messaging System
<unityconnection@bozeman.net>Date: June 15, 2020 at 5:37:34 PM MDTTo: Cyndy Andrus <CAndrus@BOZEMAN.NET>Subject: Message from Naeher Katie (4064594819)
From:Alicia Digby
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 5:16:04 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.
Alicia Digby
aliciam.digby@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:agenda@bozeman.net
To:Agenda
Subject:Thank you for your public comment.
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 5:12:43 PM
A new entry to a form/survey has been submitted.
Form Name:Public Comment Form
Date & Time:06/15/2020 5:12 PM
Response #:435
Submitter ID:27663
IP address:69.163.85.18
Time to complete:5 min. , 18 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 Michael
Last Name Bergevin
Email Address Mike@Bergevins.net
Phone Number 853-2021
Comments
My family and friends support the police in Bozeman and want to see them remain at 100 percent funding,
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:Ana Brown
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 5:11:46 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.
Ana Brown
anabrown8@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Abraham Feigenbaum
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 5:08:28 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.
Abraham Feigenbaum
abefeig1@yahoo.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Grace Ridgeway
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 4:55:42 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.
Grace Ridgeway
ridgewayegrace@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:agenda@bozeman.net
To:Agenda
Subject:Thank you for your public comment.
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 4:53:55 PM
A new entry to a form/survey has been submitted.
Form Name:Public Comment Form
Date & Time:06/15/2020 4:53 PM
Response #:434
Submitter ID:27661
IP address:69.163.85.18
Time to complete:9 min. , 17 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 Kathy
Last Name Bergevin
Email Address kat.bergevin@hotmail.com
Phone Number 4068632026
Comments
I recently learned that the city of Bozeman May consider de-funding our police force?? One of the reasons
we love Bozeman is because it feels safe and we know that is because of the great work by our police force.
If Bozeman wants to continue its growth, people moving here from other states, I would hope that you as a
city council would vote against defunding the police! My family and I strongly oppose any measure to do
That and support out police force 100%! Thanks for your time!
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:Robyn Lauster
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 4:52:01 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.
Robyn Lauster
robynkcl@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Andrea Feige
To:Agenda
Subject:Regarding the 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 4:50:42 PM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
To the Elected Members of the 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 murder of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the police, and
the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath. These calls are
not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities from
crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United States
are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a drug that is
less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco. Additionally, police solve a small percentage of
violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD solves less than 30% of
violent crimes in our community. What keeps communities safe from crime is not their
investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack the underlying causes of
crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of opportunity. Access to low-income
housing, quality education, stable employment, and adequate mental-health services are what
keep a community safe. I would very much like to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes
up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that this city can more properly invest in other
necessary services.
Andrea Feige
feige.andrea@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:agenda@bozeman.net
To:Agenda
Subject:Thank you for your public comment.
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 4:49:09 PM
A new entry to a form/survey has been submitted.
Form Name:Public Comment Form
Date & Time:06/15/2020 4:49 PM
Response #:433
Submitter ID:27659
IP address:69.163.85.18
Time to complete:4 min. , 31 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 Kathy
Last Name Bergevin
Email Address kat.bergevin@hotmail.com
Phone Number 4068632026
Comments
I recently learned that the city of Bozeman May consider de-funding our police force?? One of the reasons
we love Bozeman is because it feels safe and we know that is because of the great work by our police force.
If Bozeman wants to continue its growth, people moving here from other states, I would hope that you as a
city council would vote against defunding the police! My family and I strongly oppose any measure to do
That and support out police force 100%! Thanks for your time!
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:Julia Petroff
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 4:40:41 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.
Julia Petroff
jpetroff92@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:agenda@bozeman.net
To:Agenda
Subject:Thank you for your public comment.
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 4:31:38 PM
A new entry to a form/survey has been submitted.
Form Name:Public Comment Form
Date & Time:06/15/2020 4:31 PM
Response #:432
Submitter ID:27658
IP address:205.149.11.1
Time to complete:15 min. , 35 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 Becky
Last Name Weed
Email Address becky@lambandwool.com
Phone Number 406-581-8543
Comments
I am a County Resident with many ties to Bozeman as well as Belgrade. I am writing in support of the
Bozeman United for Racial Equity group that is seeking reevaluate priorities for the City Budget. Like many, I
don't believe that complete obliteration of police is appropriate, but making sure that various social
support systems are addressed apart from police activities is vital...the police often are carrying too much
of the burden for problem prevention, and by the time things get to time, it's too often too late for
prevention. I don't think that redistributing law enforcement can or should be the only strategy for
remedying racial inequities, but it's a very good place to start, and can help lay the groundwork for other
things that are needed......I wont expand on that for the purposes of this note-with-a-deadline. for now I"m
responding to the immediate request for comments in saturday's newspaper, and I will talk further with
Judith Hellman about some other ideas.
thank you for attempting to start constructive work on this front.
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:Emma Nixon
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerning the budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 4:01:52 PM
To whom it may concern I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money forpolicing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you 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).
Sent from my iPhone
From:Jonathan Pine
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 3:58:16 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.
Jonathan Pine
rptree5@yahoo.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Lila Rickenbaugh
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 3:57:30 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.
Lila Rickenbaugh
littledrummergirl14@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Drew TygerTo:Agenda
Subject:Increase Budget For Bicycling Improvements
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 3:53:13 PM
Hi Bozeman City Commissioners,
First of all, I appreciate all the effort you put into improving our city. I request that you increase the Annual Bike PathImprovement Capital Improvement Program (CIP) line-item by $50,000 to a total of $100,000. Bicycling is a way to relievetraffic and parking problems that are a major topic of discussion in Bozeman. My wife and I live very close to City Hall and weuse bicycles as our primary mode of transportation. We have one car between the two of us. We would like to continue thislifestyle, however Bozeman's roads are becoming more dangerous for cyclists! Our city's bicycling (and pedestrian) infrastructureis not keeping up with the rate of development in our city. Simply adding bike lanes to new roads is NOT ENOUGH. We needproperly planned intersections that consider bicycle traffic and existing intersections need to be updated accordingly. Bozeman'straffic patterns are not unique and there are existing conventions for how our city can create proper bicycling infrastructure. Ultimately, Bozeman will need a Bicycling and Pedestrian Program with a full time Coordinator that reviews all transportationprojects to make sure they are properly considering bike/ped traffic.
If you're looking for a model of this type of program, look no further than Tucson AZ-
https://www.tucsonaz.gov/bicycle/about#:~:text=The%20mission%20of%20the%20Tucson,of%20all%20ages%20and%20abilities.
Tucson is anything but a wealthy city and somehow they afford to take care of their cyclists and pedestrians. Bozeman shouldfollow suit! Thank you for your time and consideration.
Drew Tyger717-324-0036
From:Dr Morelly Dr. Morelly
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 3:46:28 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.
Dr Morelly Dr. Morelly
lwpower.4@gmail.com
1627 W Main St, 126
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Molly Cross
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 3:41:06 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, Breonna Taylor, and many others at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities from
crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United States
are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a drug that is
less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco. Additionally, police solve a small percentage of
violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD solves less than 30% of
violent crimes in our community. What keeps communities safe from crime is not their
investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack the underlying causes of
crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of opportunity. Access to low-income
housing, quality education, stable employment, and adequate mental-health services are what
keep a community safe. I would very much like to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, 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 Cross
Molly.cross@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Mariah Turner
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 3:34:10 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.
Mariah Turner
mariahturner2015@gmail.com
Belgrade, Montana 59714
From:Chris Mehl
To:Agenda
Subject:FW: Support for Police department
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 3:20:34 PM
Chris Mehl
Mayor, City of Bozemancmehl@bozeman.net406.581.4992________________________________________From: webadmin@bozeman.net [webadmin@bozeman.net]Sent: Monday, June 15, 2020 2:51 PMTo: Chris MehlSubject: Support for Police department
Message submitted from the <City Of Bozeman> website.
Site Visitor Name: LUZANN BennettSite Visitor Email: luzannbennett@gmail.com
I am opposed to any defunding of the police department. Thank you
From:Pietro Castelli
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 3:14:49 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.
Pietro Castelli
pietro.castell@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Elaina Ruger
To:Agenda
Subject:2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 2:52:47 PM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
As someone who is graduating Montana State University with a degree in secondary teaching,
I am fully aware of the importance of education, which continues to receive less and less
funding. Why should funding be cut from public schools and not from the police department? I
request that funding be cut from
Elaina Ruger
elainar414@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Addison Thalhamer
To:Agenda
Subject:[SENDER UNVERIFIED]Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 2:48:40 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.
Addison Thalhamer
amthalh@umich.edu
Darien Town of, Connecticut 06820
From:Zach Wahrer
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 2:46:07 PM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
To the Bozeman City Commission,
I feel 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
to “Defund the Police” all across this country in response 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 like to see the Bozeman PD’s budget cut to a more reasonable amount, so that this
city can properly invest in other necessary services.
Zach Wahrer
zachtheclimber@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Cady Diamond
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 2:43:24 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.
Cady Diamond
cediamond910@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Alyce Larsson
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 2:38:33 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.
Alyce Larsson
alycelarsson@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Cyndy Andrus
To:Agenda
Subject:Fwd: Law Enforcement Budget Review
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 2:37:58 PM
Cynthia Andrus|Deputy Mayor
City of BozemanP:406.582.2383|E:candrus@bozeman.net|W: www.bozeman.net
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Bozeman, MT" <webadmin@bozeman.net>Date: June 15, 2020 at 2:09:38 PM MDTTo: Cyndy Andrus <CAndrus@BOZEMAN.NET>Subject: Law Enforcement Budget ReviewReply-To: "Michelle Abrams " <michelle.abrams@rocketmail.com>
Message submitted from the <City Of Bozeman> website.
Site Visitor Name: Michelle Abrams Site Visitor Email: michelle.abrams@rocketmail.com
To whom it may concern:
I am writing to express my deep concern at a recent article stating that the city
commission is actually considering cutting the budget for our local lawenforcement. This is a grievous discovery and I sincerely hope that the much
needed funds for our local law enforcers would be protected just as they work toprotect US. We should be working to protect their ability to do their job. We
should not be cowering to pretentious demands by groups of people who aremerely on a popular bandwagon and who have clearly not been fully informed of
all that we benefit from because of what our local law enforcement does for ourentire community. I sincerely hope you will consider maintaining the current
budget and even appropriating more funds to the law enforcement departments inthe future as we have all clearly enjoyed a very safe community because of their
valiant efforts. When they risk their own safety to protect our community weshould be showing our respect and support, rather that discriminating against the
entire department because of isolated incidence in another area of the country.Bozeman does not have the same issues and the request to cut funding is
completely unfounded as continuously demonstrated by the upright performanceof the law enforcement agencies in our community.
Funding law enforcement should not be trendy based on a cultural uproar that isboth egregious and erroneous. No, we need to take steps to overcome and expose
the false accusations against our law enforcement community and show our
outstanding support for their work in our community.
Cordially,Michelle Abrams
Bozeman citizen
From:Sarah Wahrer
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 2:35:27 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.
I am adding my voice with my community.
Thank you!
Sarah Wahrer
Sarah Wahrer
sarahrahalwahrer@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Chris Mehl
To:Agenda
Subject:FW: Law Enforcement budget review
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 2:18:05 PM
Chris Mehl
Mayor, City of Bozemancmehl@bozeman.net406.581.4992________________________________________From: webadmin@bozeman.net [webadmin@bozeman.net]Sent: Monday, June 15, 2020 2:12 PMTo: Chris MehlSubject: Law Enforcement budget review
Message submitted from the <City Of Bozeman> website.
Site Visitor Name: Michelle AbramsSite Visitor Email: michelle.abrams@rocketmail.com
To whom it may concern:
I am writing to express my deep concern at a recent article stating that the city commission is actually consideringcutting the budget for our local law enforcement. This is a grievous discovery and I sincerely hope that the muchneeded funds for our local law enforcers would be protected just as they work to protect US. We should be workingto protect their ability to do their job. We should not be cowering to pretentious demands by groups of people whoare merely on a popular bandwagon and who have clearly not been fully informed of all that we benefit frombecause of what our local law enforcement does for our entire community. I sincerely hope you will considermaintaining the current budget and even appropriating more funds to the law enforcement departments in the futureas we have all clearly enjoyed a very safe community because of their valiant efforts. When they risk their ownsafety to protect our community we should be showing our respect and support, rather that discriminating against theentire department because of isolated incidence in another area of the country. Bozeman does not have the sameissues and the request to cut funding is completely unfounded as continuously demonstrated by the uprightperformance of the law enforcement agencies in our community.Funding law enforcement should not be trendy based on a cultural uproar that is both egregious and erroneous. No,we need to take steps to overcome and expose the false accusations against our law enforcement community andshow our outstanding support for their work in our community.
Cordially,Michelle AbramsBozeman citizen
From:KC Kreit
To:Agenda
Subject:Bozeman Police
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 2:18:02 PM
Dear City Commission of Bozeman,
I am writing because I feel the need to speak up and ask you to please vote to keep the police.
My family and I love Montana and have always felt safe here.
However, with the growing drug problem, the spike in people moving in from out of state, andsex trafficking we have seen a rise in issues. We have had people eye my daughter and I at
stores. We have had people who were noticeably high on drugs follow us at the park. Becauseof this I have started to no longer feel safe to go places on my own. I don’t like to take my
daughter shopping by myself. I don’t drive anywhere or go to public parks alone anymore.
The only comfort that I have is knowing that, at anytime, I can call 911 and have an officercome help me or if my daughter or I were to go missing someone could call them to help
us. We need our police force to keep Montanans and their children safe. Please vote to keepour police.
Thanks for your time.
Sincerely,
A concerned Montana citizen
From:Keri Zwerner
To:Agenda
Subject:[SENDER UNVERIFIED]Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 1:56:09 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.
Keri Zwerner
Kerimzwerner@therapysecure.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Emily Suemitsu
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 1:49:38 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.
Emily Suemitsu
emily.suemitsu18@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Dara Fedrow
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 1:46:05 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.
Dara Fedrow
darafedrow@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:John Connolly
To:Agenda
Subject:Concerned Community Member
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 1:36:09 PM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
To whom it may concern,
As a student, public employee, and community member who has seen the overwhelming
negative impact that the Bozeman Police Force has in our community as all three of these
titles I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money
for policing and far too little for funds that actually strengthen our community. As you are
probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all across this
country in response to the murder of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of the
police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath.
These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities from
crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United States
are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a drug that is
less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco. Additionally, police solve a small percentage of
violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD solves less than 30% of
violent crimes in our community. What keeps communities safe from crime is not their
investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack the underlying causes of
crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of opportunity. Access to low-income
housing, quality education, stable employment, and adequate mental-health services are what
keep a community safe. I would very much like to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, 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 Connolly
johnaconnolly1999@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:McKenzie Selden
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 1:31:47 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.
McKenzie Selden
mckenzieselden@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Isabelle Miquel
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 1:21:38 PM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
To whom it may concern,
As a recent graduate from MSU in the human development program, we learn about the
importance of community resources. That is why I am writing to 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.
Thank you for your time,
Isabelle Miquel
Isabelle Miquel
izzymiquel44@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Ysabel Echeverio
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 1:10:15 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.
Ysabel Echeverio
izzyecheverio@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Matthew Yaeger
To:Agenda
Subject:[SENDER UNVERIFIED]Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 1:09:21 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.
Matthew Yaeger
myaeger19r@rcn.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Brynn Barry
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 1:09:05 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.
Brynn Barry
brynn.barry@gmail.com
Las Vegas, Nevada 89117
From:Madisen Clark
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 1:08:51 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.
Madisen Clark
madisenchloe3@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Lauren Covington
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 1:08:08 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.
Lauren Covington
lauren.h.covington@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Jim Walseth
To:Agenda
Subject:Large, armed police force not a good thing
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 1:07:51 PM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
Dear Commissioners,
The presence of a large, armed and dangerous police force in the United States is now
certainly causing more harm than good, especially considering the cost of maintaining these
forces. The vast majority of incidents police are currently responding to could be handled by
social services personnel. The ranks of the latter should be expanded using money saved by
reducing the current armed forces.
I say this with due respect to the many responsible officers who serve Bozeman.
Sincerely,
Jim Walseth
Jim Walseth
jim.walseth@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Eryn Bain
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 1:07:27 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.
Eryn Bain
erynlbain@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Sierra Dejong
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 1:04:00 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.
Sierra Dejong
sierra.dejong@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Anna Wiseman
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 1:02:45 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.
Anna Wiseman
poppythefox@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Danielle Simand
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 1:00:06 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.
Danielle Simand
danigirl1919@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Maggie Mercer
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 12:56:26 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.
Maggie Mercer
maggiebmercer@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Grace Tallman
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 12:53:45 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.
Grace Tallman
luvcorgismt@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Elizabeth Darrow
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 12:49:37 PM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
Dear City Commission
The recent protests across the country and the world against violence and racist policies that
manifest in police departments make it imperative that we all come together and change our
society. Bozeman is not immune from these issues and social and economic injustice. The
proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for police who must adopt new
awareness and methods in order to serve and protect the community in the 21st century.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities from
crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United States
are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a drug that is
less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco. Additionally, police solve a small percentage of
violent crimes. The most recent data reveals that Bozeman PD solves less than 30% of violent
crimes in our community. What keeps communities safe are investments in programs that
attack the underlying causes of crime like homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of
opportunity. This means access to low-income housing, quality education, stable employment,
and adequate mental-health services. These are the solutions that will begin to heal this
country and community.
Elizabeth Darrow
elizabeth.darrow@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Justin Nardella
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 12:43:02 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.
We don’t support racism.
Change it.
Justin Nardella
justin_nardella@yahoo.com
Livingston, Montana 59047
From:Erica Duncan
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 12:39:29 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.
Erica Duncan
erica.duncan.429@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Rachel Towery
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 12:35:04 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.
Rachel Towery
towery.rachel@gmail.com
Dillon, Montana 59725
From:Chris Mehl
To:Agenda
Subject:FW: Concerns regarding proposed budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 12:34:36 PM
Chris Mehl
Mayor, City of Bozemancmehl@bozeman.net406.581.4992________________________________________From: webadmin@bozeman.net [webadmin@bozeman.net]Sent: Monday, June 15, 2020 12:33 PMTo: Chris MehlSubject: Concerns regarding proposed budget
Message submitted from the <City Of Bozeman> website.
Site Visitor Name: Katherine McWaltersSite Visitor Email: katmcwalters@yahoo.com
To whom it may concern:
I am concerned that the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allots far too much money for policing and far too littlefor funds that actually strengthen our community. As 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 thehands of the police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the aftermath. These callsare not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities from crime. This is simplynot true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United States are arrested on drug charges, and themajority 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 PDsolves 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-income housing, quality education, stableemployment, and adequate mental-health services are what keep a community safe. I would very much like to seethe Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full ⅓ of the city’s proposal, cut, so that this city can more properlyinvest in other necessary services(3).
Citations1. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/upshot/is-the-war-on-drugs-over-arrest-statistics-say-no.html2. https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out
3. https://www.bozeman.net/Home/ShowDocument?id=10356
From:Sophie Conroy
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 12:32:47 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.
Sophie Conroy
conroy.sophie@yahoo.com
Gardiner, Montana 59030
From:Maggie Hickman
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 12:31:44 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 such as affordable housing and education.
Thank you, Maggie
Maggie Hickman
hickman.maggie@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Randi Williams
To:Agenda
Subject:[SUSPICIOUS MESSAGE] DECREASE police budgets
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 12:31:09 PM
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Good morning.
I am reaching out in response to the proposal to increase police budgets in response the ralliesand protests seen around Bozeman.
I'd like to point out that that would defeat the purpose and reason that 5000 Bozeman
community citizens banded together to protest. The police need to reform, not retrieve moremoney from taxpayers to "protect."
The current money in the current budget should go towards retraining and critical care for the
minorities in our beloved community. Too many of my friends of color have been harassedand uncared for by the justice system in our town. Please reconsider the use and raising of
these funds.
Randi Williams HLD121 student 2020, for Bozeman Civic Leadership
From:LORETTA BOBER
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 12:30:50 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.
LORETTA BOBER
lmbober@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59718
From:Kendyl Wilcox
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 12:30:04 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.
Kendyl Wilcox
kendylwilcox@gmail.com
Belgrade, Montana 59714
From:Tim Rooney
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 12:28:13 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.
Tim Rooney
Tim.s.rooney@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Mindy Visser
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 12:27:54 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.
Mindy Visser
vissmin@yahoo.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:ruth kack
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 12:26:34 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.
ruth kack
ruthie.kack@gmail.com
6529 Jackson creek road
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Kyra Noreus
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 12:26:21 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.
Kyra Noreus
kyranoreus@gmail.com
Bellingham, Washington 98225
From:Rylea Rubright
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 12:25:51 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.
Rylea Rubright
rylea.rubright@gmail.com
Catingueira, Paraíba 58715
From:Sarah Pawlowski
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 12:25:08 PM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
To whom it may concern,
I would like to see the proposed municipal budget for 2021 allocate far less money to the
police and more to mental health services and programs that help house the homeless. Our
homeless population does not have access to year round shelter which is unacceptable in a
place where the weather can fluctuate wildly even late into the summer. This systems
inadequacy has also been highlighted by COVID-19 where Bozeman's homeless not only
didn't have access to shelter but were also unable to properly socially distance or have access
to facilities for hand washing. I am also disappointed by the lack of funding dedicated to
mental health services. Often people suffering from a mental health issue must turn to either
the police or the hospital, both of which do not have the expertise or the resources to help
people in crisis adequately. The only real resource for people experiencing mental health
issues is the Hope House which is often understaffed, under resourced, and overwhelmed.
As you are probably aware, there has been a tidal wave of calls to “Defund the Police” all
across this country in response to the murder of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the
hands of the police, and the acts of police brutality inflicted upon peaceful protestors in the
aftermath. These calls are not, and should not be, confined to large urban areas.
Many people claim that massive police budgets are necessary to protect our communities from
crime. This is simply not true. The majority of people arrested every year in the United States
are arrested on drug charges, and the majority of drug arrests are for marijuana, a drug that is
less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco. Additionally, police solve a small percentage of
violent crimes. The most recent data tells us that the Bozeman PD solves less than 30% of
violent crimes in our community. What keeps communities safe from crime is not their
investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack the underlying causes of
crime; homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of opportunity. Access to low-income
housing, quality education, stable employment, and adequate mental-health services are what
keep a community safe. I would very much like to see the Bozeman PD’s budget, 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 and consideration.
Sarah Pawlowski
sarah.pawlowski@sierraclub.org
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Tessa Davis
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 12:20:39 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.
Tessa Davis
tessaldavis@yahoo.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Lina Hultin
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 12:19:18 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.
Lina Hultin
hultin.lina@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Jesse Tufte
To:Agenda
Subject:Make FY21 budget process slower and more inclusive/participatory
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 12:16:17 PM
Dear Commission - I urge you to slow down the budget approval process for FY21 and
actively engage in dialogue with local representatives of the Black Lives Matter movement.Our community, like the rest of the nation, is wrestling with grief, anger, distrust, and concern
about the realities of systemic racism and police brutality. There isn't a perfect word forencouraging the redistribution of police funding into other social services that enhance the
safety and well-being of our community. Please recognize that when you receive hundreds ofemails calling for defunding the police, these are the voices of community members calling for
reinvestment in community, equality, healthcare, housing, families, etc. These are also thevoices of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in our community who feel their safety is not
currently prioritized or protected by the Bozeman Police Department.
I urge you to welcome these voices into the process and allow additional time and space forthe FY21 budget process to be more inclusive and participatory.
Thank you,
Jesse
Jesse Tuftejessetufte@gmail.com(406) 599-0188
From:Meta Newhouse
To:Agenda
Subject:[SENDER UNVERIFIED]Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 12:14:05 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.
Meta Newhouse
meta@newhousedesign.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Britta Binde
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 12:12:27 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.
Britta Binde
bcbinde@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Dallas Mysse
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 12:11:09 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.
Dallas Mysse
dallasisawesomeyay@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Elena Hodges
To:Agenda
Subject:2021 Budget - defund police and reinvest!
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 12:10:50 PM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
Hi,
I'm a concerned Montanan, born and raised in Helena but with lots of family in Bozeman. I'm
writing about the proposed city budget for 2021 allocates way too much money to policing and
far too little for public services like affordable housing, drug treatment, and mental health.
Community safety starts with community resources. By redirecting money from Bozeman PD
and channeling them towards low-income folks, we can keep everyone safer and make our
communities more equitable. Take a stand!
Elena Hodges
elena.r.hodges@gmail.com
Helena, Montana 59601
From:Rochelle Nielson
To:Agenda
Subject:Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 12:09:26 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.
Rochelle Nielson
rochellenielson@yahoo.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Virgina McQueen
To:Agenda
Subject:2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 12:09:05 PM
Bozeman City Commission Bozeman City Commission,
Hello, Mayor Mehl and city commission members.
As a resident in downtown Bozeman, I am gravely concerned that the proposed municipal
budget for 2021 proposes a full third for policing and far too little for community-based
initiatives that strengthen our community.
As a mental health professional in our shared community, I am acutely aware of the cost and
safety concerns when communities have unmet mental health needs and utilize police officers
to act as temporary providers. Not only is this a burden to law enforcement, but it is also a
detriment to long-term community wellbeing and development.
Police officers are simply not equipped to handle the majority of community mental health
issues. I am required a Bachelor’s degree, a graduate degree with a full year of residency
placement prior to graduating, 3,000 post-degree hours in on-the-job training and a passing
national examination grade to become a therapist. According to the MLEA annual report in
2019, 21 professional programs for law enforcement training were offered, ranging only from
eight hours to 160 hours in length. It is baffling to have so many impediments at our state level
for community members to become licensed therapists and social workers for the betterment
of our community, while police officers receive minimal diversity, objectivity and deescalation
training for carrying lethal weapons and wielding authority and power over public trust. While
there are other requirements, such as high school education and a 6 week program FTEP
program, I do not believe this even remotely suffices for the large budget allotment towards
continuing to utilize policing in lieu of necessary community services.
Additionally, police solve a small percentage of violent crimes. FBI reported data from 2013
(Most recent data reported by MT DOJ) tells us that the Bozeman PD solves less than 31% of
violent crimes annually in our community. What keeps communities safe from crime is not their
investments in police, but their investments in programs that attack the underlying causes of
crime: homelessness, addiction, discrimination, and lack of opportunity.
Accessible mental-health services, housing, quality education, and diverse employment
opportunities are truly what keep a community healthy. I would very much like to see the
Bozeman PD’s budget, which takes up a full third of the city’s proposal, extensively revised
with community leaders’ input, so that this city can properly invest a majority of that budget in
the aforementioned, necessary services.
Thank you for your time.
Best,
Virginia Laney
Bozeman, MT 59715
Virgina McQueen
virginiamcqueen@gmail.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715
From:Terra Kopf
To:Agenda
Subject:[SENDER UNVERIFIED]Concern about 2021 Budget
Date:Monday, June 15, 2020 12:04:08 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.
Terra Kopf
terra@terragraceyoga.com
Bozeman, Montana 59715