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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-08-20 Public Comment - J. Boyer - Re_ Public Health and HarassmentFrom:Jennifer Boyer To:brian.gootkin@gallatin.mt.gov; Jim Veltkamp Cc:Commission; Agenda Subject:Re: Public Health and Harassment Date:Tuesday, December 8, 2020 1:23:17 PM Dear Chief Veltkamp, I am very happy to know that the Bozeman Police Department is monitoring the protests at Mr. Kelley’s residence. Thank you so much for providing this security and adding peace of mind for the Kelley family and the neighborhood. Sincerely, Jennifer Boyer Jennifer Boyerboyerfarm51@gmail.com 406-539-3006 On Dec 7, 2020, at 8:48 AM, Jennifer Boyer <boyerfarm51@gmail.com> wrote: From: Jennifer Boyer <boyerfarm51@gmail.com> Subject: Public Health and Harassment Date: December 7, 2020 at 8:46:14 AM MST To: Commission <Commission@gallatin.mt.gov>, City of Bozeman <agenda@bozeman.net>, jveltkamp@bozeman.net, bgootkin@gallatin.mt.gov 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 RdBozeman Jennifer Boyerboyerfarm51@gmail.com406-539-3006