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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-31-23 Public Comment - J. Strout - Gallatin Co. Commission_ Testimony in support of the UTD and Streamline!From:Jan Strout To:Adrian Advincula; “Danielle Rogers”; Ellie Cornish; Deborah HInes; Danika Comey; Tomomi Yamaguchi; BrynnNewell; Michael Rizzo; Dani Hess Cc:President Login; Gerrie Beck; Corkyb43@yahoo Com; Elizabeth" "Danforth Subject:Gallatin Co. Commission: Testimony in support of the UTD and Streamline! Date:Monday, January 30, 2023 8:37:34 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. IT'S NOT TOO LATE to contact our Gallatin Co. Commissioners at the email address and/or go to the hearing tomorrowl, Tuesday, January 31 and testify at 9:00 am at the Courthouse. commission@gallatin.mt.gov Best. In sisterhood and solidarity, Jan Jan Strout pronouns: she/ella co-leader, Bozeman for CEDAW Initiative President, Montana NOW Co-leader, Women United: Organizing Global Feminist Futures! Bozeman, Montana 206.251.0880 "If you are free, free somebody else. If you have some power, your job is to empower somebody else." - Toni Morrison On Monday, January 30, 2023 at 07:53:51 PM MST, Jan Strout <janchangethatworks@yahoo.com> wrote: Dear Gallatin County Commissioners, A critical decision will be made regarding the future of public transportation in the Gallatin Valley by our Gallatin County Commissioners. And for many of us, an opportunity tostrengthen our personal and community safety through the services of Streamline, Gallavan and by prioritizing those most under-represented in our Valley. My name is Jan Strout, pronouns, she/hers and I am one of the co-leaders representing the Bozeman City for CEDAW Task Force, a diverse group of community members and leaders dedicated to advancing the human rights of women, girls, non-binary and other people most under-represented. I am here in support of the Gallatin Valley Urban Transportation District (UTD) and urge the County Commissioners to give area voters an opportunity to form an UTD with an appointed board in the May 2023 Election. An expanded Gallatin County public transportation system through Streamline and Gallavan can directly benefit the safety and economic security for the range of women and girls and our human right to freedom of movement. When services are accessible, respond to the multiple demands and reality of women's lives and triple days - family caretaking, community contributions, education and employment needs - we know that public transportation is foundational to our ability to participate in school, work and public life. Our public transportation system of no-cost, safe and accessible bus and van services are essential for the attainment of Safe and Welcoming Cities and Counties. Gallatin County Commissioners' support for a UTD can and will increase our ability to obtain essential quality of life services and our enjoyment of cultural and recreational activities with positive impacts to our health and well-being. Implementing the requirements of our Bozeman City for CEDAW Resolution adopted by the Bozeman City Commission last April, 2022, centering the intersectionality of women, girls' and gender fluid multiple identities will help create and adapt public transportation policies that can benefit everyone. This means that public transportation's role is crucial to promote a safe, healthy, inclusive and secure environment in our community for all to live, work and participate in public life without fear of violence and intimidation. This means for those whose lives require or enjoy late night shifts have late night bus routes that are well-lit and frequent so that both food and bar servers as well as customers can be protected in our ride home safe and sound. This means that elder women as well as women, girls and non-binary folks as well as people with disabilities have Gallavan services and are not excluded from obtaining needed services and involvement in community participation. This means that women working full time (and some college and high school student workers) whose pay on avCOVID Pandemic - can have a free, available and safe commute to their workplaces. This means that youth of all backgrounds have safe and secure transport to important sports, recreational and public affairs events. Having the UTD means that our public transportation system can better recognize and plan to meeet the needs of our growing and increasingly diverse population and will have will have an appointed, accountable Board for strategic planning and oversight. This investment in the safety and economic viability of public spaces and how to maximize our participation in and with them. I hope to join you to speak in Public Testimony, but if not, please make this part of the public record. Thank you for your commitment to recognizing these human rights as part of a commitment to expanding the contributions of women, girls and those many times most invisible in our community. In appreciation. Jan Strout pronouns: she/ella co-leader, Bozeman for CEDAW Initiative Bozeman: A City for CEDAW Bozeman, Montana206.251.0880 "If you are free, free somebody else. If you have some power, your job is to empower somebody else." - Toni Morrison Bozeman: A City for CEDAW Bozeman: A City for CEDAW. 265 likes · 2 talking about this.Join us to implement Bozeman City for CEDAW Resolut...