HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-18-20 Public Comment - S. Ortman - Funding Bozeman PDFrom:Chris Mehl
To:Agenda
Subject:FW: Comment on Bozeman PD
Date:Thursday, June 18, 2020 9:48:50 AM
Chris Mehl
Mayor, City of Bozemancmehl@bozeman.net406.581.4992________________________________________From: webadmin@bozeman.net [webadmin@bozeman.net]Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2020 9:46 AMTo: Chris MehlSubject: Comment on Bozeman PD
Message submitted from the <City Of Bozeman> website.
Site Visitor Name: Sarahanne OrtmanSite Visitor Email: sarahanneortman@gmail.com
Mr. Mehl,
First of all, thank you for your service for the city of Bozeman. I am so thankful to live in and raise my children inthis wonderful town.
As one of the citizens in this town I would like to add my voice to the current considerations. I know there is alwaysmore work to be done in the area of equality and racial justice. This is an incredibly important issue, and near to myheart as I have several family members who are POC. However, from my personal experience and the experience ofothers I have discussed this with, the Bozeman police department is doing an excellent job. They truly are publicservants - I have seen squad cars pulled over alongside someone with a flat tire or police officers helping push astranded vehicle out of an intersection countless times in the last ten years I've called this city home. In my currentneighborhood I see the police quite a bit, and this helps me feel safe and taken care of. While the officers arehumans capable of mistakes, I am thankful for and impressed by the leadership of Brian Gootkin. I don't see anygood coming from cutting funding to this important department. I am thankful for the officers' faithfulness anddiligence in keeping us safe. The effort for social justice will not be served by removing resources from the justicesystem.
I know there are two sides to every debate. I would ask you to consider supporting our police department as theywork to serve and protect our community.
Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts. I know you have a lot to consider in order to do what is best forour community.
Sincerely,Sarahanne Ortman