HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-20-20 Public comment - S. White - Police and Fire BudgetFrom:Steve White
To:Agenda
Subject:Public comment for 06/22 public meeting
Date:Saturday, June 20, 2020 3:54:52 PM
Dear Bozeman Mayor and Commissioners,
Across our country there are presently efforts being made to either de-fund or reduce funding for local emergency
services, especially law enforcement. I am respectfully writing to request that Bozeman’s 2021 Budget NOT include
reductions to either the fire department or city police. The early results from areas that have leaders who have
backed away from supporting their law enforcement are showing devastating results that will cost communities
greatly. A new survey in DC shows that 71% of the police force are ready to resign. (this was a survey of over 600
officers in DC as reported by the Washington Examiner) 39% stated that they are considering leaving law
enforcement entirely. According to new statistics in NY, violent crime is on the rise. Though overall crime was
down when compared with the same month last year, the number of murders, shootings and robberies have soared.
Robberies were up 34 percent in May 2020, while murders increased an astronomical 79 percent. Meanwhile,
shootings soared 64 percent in May - and it doesn't appear to be a brief spike sparked by a brief period of unrest.
Bozeman, as well as the other cities in our county, are respected for their safety. Recently Bozeman voters approved
a major tax hike to pay for a new Safety Center. Bozeman citizens are very fortunate to have such a great police
force, and a great leader as Chief Crawford. The officers in Bozeman are well trained and treat all citizens with
respect, regardless of race, gender or age.
The terrible events in Minneapolis have caused upheavals in many cities across our nation. There is ZERO reason to
either reduce or eliminate funding for law enforcement in our area because of issues in another jurisdiction. Though
I do not live in Bozeman, I depend on the commissioners of ALL the cities to provide safe communities across
Gallatin County. Any reduction in law enforcement in our county will ultimately translate to a less safe community,
as is being demonstrated in other areas of the country.
I implore you to focus your attention to the public safety needs of Bozeman in these difficult times. As the largest
city, reductions in spending in the police and fire departments will most certainly translate into a less safe
community for residents and visitors.
Thank you for your service and attention to my comments.
Steve White
PO Box 43
Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730