HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-21-23 Public Comment - C. Wescom - Concerns Regarding Delayed Response and Vote on Ordinance 2147From:Calvin Wescom
To:Agenda
Cc:Eva Elzey
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Concerns Regarding Delayed Response and Vote on Ordinance 2147
Date:Friday, August 18, 2023 12:17:30 PM
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Bozeman City Commission
Bozeman, MT 59718
Dear Members of the Bozeman City Commission,
I am writing to express my deep concern over the delayed response and vote towardsOrdinance 2147. It has come to my attention that the Economic Vitality Board, where theordinance has now been moved, lacks recent public agendas. This lack of transparencyand the subsequent delay in addressing Ordinance 2147 is disheartening and underminesthe principles of open governance that our community holds dear.
Furthermore, the timing of these actions raises questions about the motivations behindthem. With Mayor Cindy Andrus, Deputy Mayor Terry Cunningham, and CommissionerJennifer Madgic up for reelection, the postponement of the vote on Ordinance 2147 raisesconcerns that political games may be at play. This situation raises significant doubts aboutthe integrity of the decision-making process and the commitment to representing theinterests of the community.
The consequences of such actions reach far beyond the immediate issue of Ordinance2147. Our democratic system, both at the federal level in the United States and at the statelevel in Montana, is built on the foundation of active citizen participation, transparency,and accountability. By delaying a vote on an ordinance that holds importance for thecommunity, you risk eroding the trust that citizens place in their elected representatives.This erosion of trust undermines the very essence of democracy and weakens the voice ofthe people.
Bozeman, known for its independent spirit and commitment to civic engagement, shouldstand as a beacon of participatory democracy. The actions taken by the City Commissionnot only cast a shadow over the local democratic process but also tarnish the reputation ofour city as a whole. We, the citizens of Bozeman, deserve better than political maneuversthat prioritize personal gains over the welfare of the community.
I urge you to take immediate action to rectify this situation. Restore transparency byproviding recent public agendas for the Economic Vitality Board and expedite the processfor voting on Ordinance 2147. Uphold the values of open governance, public participation,and fairness that our city and state are known for.
Additionally, the alarming drug bust involving a meth bus located within close proximity to
Chief Joseph Middle School and its subsequent relocation near a Montessori school hasraised serious safety concerns among residents. The safety and well-being of our childrenmust be a top priority, and allowing such illegal and dangerous activities to occur so closeto schools is unacceptable.
The increase in criminal activity and unsettling incidents during the night has left manyresidents feeling vulnerable and unsafe in Baxter Meadows. Our community deserves toenjoy peace of mind, and it is the duty of our elected officials to take immediate steps torestore a sense of security.
I can assure you that if something horrible were to happen to any children or innocentpeople as a result of your complacency towards "Urban Campers", you will be heldaccountable in the public eye.
As concerned citizens, we are watching closely and will hold our elected officialsaccountable for their actions during election time. Let us work together to ensure that theprinciples of democracy are upheld and that the voice of the people remains at theforefront of our decision-making processes.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Calvin Wescom