HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-29-25 Public Comment - S. Kleingartner - Commission meeting of July 15From:Sharon Kleingartner
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Commission meeting of July 15
Date:Tuesday, July 22, 2025 1:51:08 PM
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I must say I was very disappointed after listening to the July 15 City Commission meeting
however, I should have expected what the outcome would be. It is very obvious the LGBTQ+
group have a huge influence on the majority of the commissioners. I truly believe the
decisions of the commissioners were made before the meeting began and it was only to save
face that you continued with the dog and pony show of opening it to public comment. There
were some very telling comments, one made by a Pride member that could be interpreted as
a threat.
§ I understand those making comments were supposed to be residents and/or
property owners in Bozeman. The last two individuals who commented by phone
weren’t current residents, but you allowed them to speak. One commenter pointed
out you had allowed this in the previous meeting.
§ A LGBTQ+ spokesperson stated that if you didn’t vote to approve the resolution at
this meeting, they would be back at every commission meeting and would find
something to request and use up your time and resources. Could this be interpreted
as a threat?
§ At least three of you in support of the resolution stated that why wouldn’t you
approve it since the flag had been flown for several years already. Has nothing ever
been discontinued in Bozeman because it has been in place for several years or more.
§ Mayor Cunningham admitted what you had offered “wasn’t good enough”
for the LGBTQ+ group. The offer had been a flag that included the highlights of the
area and a rainbow flag.
In my opinion, and I’m sure I am not alone, the City Commissioners have given the supposed
oppressors reason to continue oppressing the LGBTQ+ members of this community. You have
continued to add to the divisiveness by driving the wedge deeper. There were as many in
opposition as were in favor, was that considered. I, and I’m sure others, feel the city is ruled by
this small percentage of the city population, as is our country. The city has become too
“woke.” The city provides too much support to this group by helping finance their festivals,
painting street intersections in their honor and their parade. What more do they want? Are
they creating their own situation by needing constant attention and recognition? Which other
group gets this much support and attention?
Don’t misunderstand, I don’t dislike or lack respect for the gay lesbian population, we have
family members in that group and they are just people and we love them equally. They don’t
expect anything more. There are those in this category who would rather live and let live and
it doesn’t help them or the others when it is in our face 24/7/365. I have visited with friends
and neighbors who are as frustrated as I am by the attention and priority the LGBTQ+ is
receiving.
Thank you.
Sharon Kleingartner
4347 Palisade Drive