HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-15-25 Public Comment - S. Christensen - City FlagFrom:Sara Christensen
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]City Flag
Date:Monday, July 14, 2025 8:28:42 PM
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I am writing in regards to the proposal to adopt thr pride flag as the Bozeman city flag. In my
observations of people and people groups through the years, I know there seems you be aninherent hunger in people for unification. Often, they will adopt a symbol such as a flag to
help foster and keep ties. We see it in nations around the world, organizations, even familygroups. It's a good thing in these cases.
In the case of a city flag, I think that the goal of unification can get lost. Too much of a good
thing (we already have city nicknames and other things known about Bozeman that mark it forgood) and the opposite of the goal happens. Groups have been broken down small enough that
they begin to separate and what is meant to unify loses its positive power. We have all beenobservers of how too much money, too many toys, too much night-owling, too much thinking,
etc. can become something detrimental when it started as a good thing. We have decoratedpower boxes around town, signs that say the City of Trees, the university, the mountains, and
the friendliness and creativity of the people that help set Bozeman apart. I don't think a flag isneeded.
Should the pursuit of a city flag continue, I I am strongly opposed to the pride flag as
representing the city I have lived in so very long. It is representative of but a sector of people,not the whole community. I understand that city hall flies the American flag and the Montana
flag. This is appropriate. The POW MIA flag is a sector of people but represents the peoplewho fought to keep the stars and stripes alive. It is appropriate. Nothing more is needed.
The controversy around what has become a political affair needs to be worked out a different
way, not in an arena where other items are more suited to city government involvement. Thework to deal with relationships and acceptance is better handled in another arena. Please vote
no on the pride flag in recognition that it is not definitive of Bozeman and the commonpopulation. It will divide, not unify.
Respectfully,
Sara Christensen
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