HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-06-20 Public Comment - C. Tusken - Support of Local Law Enforcement in Gallatin ValleyFrom:Cheryl Tusken
To:Agenda
Subject:Support for Law Enforcement
Date:Tuesday, October 6, 2020 11:29:03 AM
Dear Mayor and City Commissioners,
I am writing to your commission today to express my sincere support of our local law
enforcement in the Gallatin Valley. Bozeman United for Racial Justice has started a
campaign to defund our local law enforcement, and I wholeheartedly disagree with ANY
funds being removed from their operating budget. The BURJ does not speak for the majority
in our city and county. We have not seen pervasive corruption or police brutality in our
community, and I believe their focus on removing officers would result in an increase in
crime, as it has in every city across the country where their law enforcement was defunded.
As Bozeman and the Gallatin Valley have been the fastest growing area in Montana for
nearly two decades, we need MORE law enforcement, not less, and have been understaffed
with multiple vacancies every year for multiple years. I do believe we need criminal justice
reform and mental health assistance, but defunding new equipment such as the police
vehicle you scrapped, or having fewer officers would only have negative results in our
community. Bozeman is well known as one of the most liveable and safest towns in
Montana, it would be a shame for our leaders to make decisions that look good in the short
term, but would lead to less community safety in the end.
I encourage the City Commission to not heed the pressure of Bozeman United for Racial
Justice. Their passions are greatly misdirected in this community. Please be strong for the
families and businesses of Bozeman.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Tusken
29 Border Ln #3
Bozeman, MT 59718
406-595-5256