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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-14-25 Public Comment - K. Bergevin - Fwd_ Proposed Pride Flag as the Official City FlagFrom:Kathy Bergevin To:Bozeman Public Comment Subject:[EXTERNAL]Fwd: Proposed Pride Flag as the Official City Flag Date:Sunday, July 13, 2025 11:54:33 AM 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. I’m resending this letter as I see the pride flag as the official city flag is on the agenda for this week. Please represent ALL citizens of this city equally. Not just one group. Thanks! Sent from my iPhone “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 Begin forwarded message: From: Kathy Bergevin <kat.bergevin@hotmail.com>Date: June 22, 2025 at 5:54:42 PM MDTTo: comments@bozeman.netSubject: Proposed Pride Flag as the Official City Flag  Dear Commissioners, I am writing to you concerning Commissioner Bode's suggestion at the June 17th commission meeting that Bozeman follow Missoula, adopting the "pride" flag as the city's official flag as soon as possible, and disregard HB 819 that defines which flags can be displayed in or on governement property, and was signed into law in May. Adopting this flag as the official city flag would be a direct defiance of that law. The purpose of the city flag is to serve as a symbol of shared identity and civic unity. The city flag should represent ALL in the community, as a whole, and currently does. It should be a non partisan emblem that flies over our city buildings. I feel the city commission must reject efforts to turn the city flag into a political symbol. It sets a bad precedent for future commissions, and adopting the pride flag as the city flag further polarizes our community. Adopting the pride flag as the city flag undermines the very inclusive environment you say you advocate for. A non partisan flag, or keeping the current flag as is, is the only way to ensure that all voices are truly welcome in this community, and going forward, to not erode the public's trust. Also, a respect for the law is a foundational principle of good governance and ensures public trust. In conclusion, I would like to urge you to not take up this clear defiance of the law and the divisive nature it purports. Thanks for your consideration and time. Sincerely, Kathy Bergevin