HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-17-20 Public Comment - M. Struble - Police Funds ReallocationFrom:Marian Struble
To:Agenda
Subject:Police Funds Reallocation
Date:Wednesday, June 17, 2020 12:19:16 PM
Dear Mayor and City Commissioners,
I am writing in response to the request for you to cut the police budget for Gallatin County. While I
recognize and agree that what happened in our nation was horrible and an absolute example of
police brutality and bad human nature, I do not believe we can treat every policeman or department
in the exact same manner.
I have been around law enforcement my entire adult life and have members of my family working inthis field as well. There are bad cops but not every cop is bad and most departments in Montanaare underfunded as it is.
As Bozeman and the area grows, which it is every day, we will find we need more law enforcement
and resources. All police can benefit from enhanced training and some of the things now being
proposed on a national level need to be incorporated to ensure that there is justice and sufficient
training for police in all situations.
We are facing many problems in this area that are discriminatory towards the disadvantaged, nomatter what color their skin is: The homeless, the insufficiency of a plan for true affordable housing,the lack of fully funded social resources whether public or private or a partnership between both. Mental health resources and reforms need to take place. And yes, the police also need a publicpresence in the communities as educators and advocating for reforms as well.
There are many places our budget needs to be evaluated and cut or redistributed. There is much
waste and unnecessary or ineffective spending and frankly some of the local decisions have made no
sense to the average voter.
But to say, that the problem lies in police funding is both painting our department with the samebrush as the inner cities of this country, and lacking common sense.
Police, like teachers, and other public servants need to be paid a wage commensurate with their
positions and the risk they face and deserve to be rewarded.
If you really want change, do not make this about a particular group of people or occupation. Dothe right thing by our community by caring enough to evaluate our whole budget and the plans forthe critical places that can be the root causes of crime in our county. Make changes in the budgetallocations that don't serve the people or a small percentage. while leaving critical needs out.
Take politics and noise out of your decision-making process. Make honest and ethical choices not
based on your political persuasion or your friends and their agendas. I am not trying to be
accusatory here, but what Bozeman becomes and the culture our city has is largely dependent on
the decisions those who are in charge make. Please listen to all voices. You must be practical and
thorough in your evaluations and decisions. We can't allow the political climate of today or any
other day to rule the day.
Your service on a local level is extremely important. I pray you will lead from the heart as well asfrom the front. Make your tough decisions. Use facts and common sense not emotions andpolitics. Thank you for listening.
Marian Struble
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