HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-07-20 Public Comment - J. Boyer - Public Health and HarassmentFrom:Jennifer Boyer
To:Commission; Agenda; Jim Veltkamp; bgootkin@gallatin.mt.gov
Subject:Public Health and Harassment
Date:Monday, December 7, 2020 8:46:42 AM
TO: Gallatin County Commission
Bozeman City Commission
Bozeman Police Chief Veltkamp
Gallatin County Sheriff Gootkin
Dear Community Leaders,
I am writing regarding the disturbing protest activities at the personal
residence of our Community Health Director, Matt Kelley. These on-going
protests are disruptive to to Mr. Kelley, his family and the neighborhood and are
placing undue stress, risk, and impacting the safe and secure conditions
residents expect in our community. The protestors are creating a condition of
neighborhood harassment. Would you be comfortable if your child had to walk
through this band of protesters to go to the park? Do you support a situation of
political intimidation in which people cannot allow their children out of the house
for fear of harassment? Local government is responsible for the health and
safety of residents and there is a role to play.
I am a strong supporter of free speech. However, the appropriate location of
this protest is in front of local government property - not a private residence.
Targeting Mr. Kelley’s home is done as a form of intimidation, harassment and is
inherently hostile.
I ask the following:
Both Bozeman and Gallatin County Commissions make a public statement that this
type of intimidation is not appropriate, condoned or tolerated and each
commission will be immediately developing ordinance language to protect public
servants and our community members from harassment at their residences.
Bozeman Police and Gallatin Sheriff Departments will provide consistent
presence during the protests to ensure the Kelley family and neighborhood
remain safe.
In closing, I am eternally thankful to our local Health Department for the
professional, science-based communication and recommendations that have been
put forth during this time. It has saved lives and has been conducted in the
highest professional manner possible. We as a community and our public
leadership need to support them by taking these actions.
Thank you,
Jennifer Boyer 10281 Kelly Canyon Rd
Bozeman
Jennifer Boyerboyerfarm51@gmail.com406-539-3006