HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-16-25 Public Comment - N. Legault - Re_ Pride FlagFrom:Nicole Legault
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Re: Pride Flag
Date:Tuesday, July 15, 2025 5:22:18 PM
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Dear Commissioners,
I’m writing to share my perspective on the proposal to adopt the Pride flag as anofficial city flag.
First, I want to be clear: I don’t know a single person who has an issue with the
LGBTQ+ community. Most of us fully support our friends and neighbors, regardless of
how they identify. However, adopting the Pride flag as an official city symbol feels
more like performative politics than genuine inclusion — pushed by activist groups
and a particular appointee. In fact, isn’t it a conflict of interest for Commissioner Bode
to vote on an issue in which she has such strong personal ties?
Bozeman has always been a welcoming, close-knit community, but lately it seems
we’re prioritizing symbolic gestures over addressing real, pressing local issues. Whilethese gestures may be well-intentioned, they distract from the practical governance
our city truly needs.
This proposal is another example of something that sounds good on paper but risks
unintended consequences in practice — much like the push for increased density (Iwas truly shocked that not a single one of you seemed to consider that upzoning
doesn’t lead to more affordable housing. Instead, it drives up land values, raises
property taxes for long-time locals, and incentivizes property owners to sell to the
highest bidder, who then builds luxury units).
My point is simple: you should be prioritizing solutions that truly strengthen our entire
community, rather than adopting symbolic measures that divide and distract.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,Nicole Legault
Homeowner and resident since 1997
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