HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-05-24 Public Comment - N. Nakamura - Bozeman Plastics Ordinance for November 2024 ballotFrom:Natsuki Nakamura
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Bozeman Plastics Ordinance for November 2024 ballot
Date:Monday, August 5, 2024 8:33:44 AM
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Dear Commission,
Community members have spent countless hours collecting signatures to
get the Bozeman Plastics Ordinance on the November 2024 ballot to
regulate single-use plastic bags, styrofoam, and plastic straws. We
were told we need 7,128 signatures, or 25% of the registered voters in
the City of Bozeman by today (Monday, August 5).
We have gathered well over that number of signatures of voters who
work, shop, or otherwise regularly utilize the amenities of Bozeman.
However, we need all 7,128 signatures to be City of Bozeman voters,
and we learned that a decent tranche of signatures were rejected due
to living outside of City limits or not having an up-to-date voter
registration (renters move often).
To put 7,128 City of Bozeman voters into perspective...
Mayor Cunningham got 8,529 votes in his 2021 re-election (66% of the
votes in that race)
Deputy Mayor Morrison got 5,402 votes in his 2023 election (43% of the
votes in that race).
Commissioner Madgic got 8,698 votes in her 2023 re-election (70% of
the votes in that race).
We may end up falling short of 7128, but the number of signatures we
have gathered demonstrates a clear interest from our community in
being able to vote on this ballot initiative this year.
Even in a reduced time frame, we successfully gathered verified City
of Bozeman signatures significantly beyond the typical 15% (or 4,280
signatures) to get a ballot initiative on the ballot. However, we have
been told that 25% is needed because it is a special election this
year. I understand perhaps having a higher threshold to have a
citywide ballot initiative when the City does not typically have
elections because there is a significant cost to run an election and
print ballots. However, the City Commission already voted to present a
construction bond and mill levy to voters this November, and has also
put aside funds for the election of the Bozeman study commission.
Therefore, I don't imagine putting an additional ballot initiative to
voters on this November's ballot should burden the City's budget.
The City Commission previously expressed support of the idea of
regulating plastic (Resolution 5470) in order to maintain a clean and
healthful environment, but with the State Legislature in 2021 revoking
the power of local governments to regulate single-use plastics, the
City of Bozeman has not been able to act. However, a beautiful part of
the Montana Constitution is the protection of the right to a ballot
initiative, meaning if citizens successfully pass the Bozeman Plastics
Ordinance, we would restore a tool in our toolbox. We all know that we
need all the tools we can get to address the myriad of challenges ourcommunity faces.
With well beyond 15% of registered voters in the City of Bozemansigning onto the petition for this ballot initiative, please allowCity of Bozeman voters to vote on the Bozeman Plastics Ordinance byplacing it on the November 2024 ballot.
Thank you for your consideration,Natsuki Nakamura
