HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-30-25 Public Comment - S. Boyd - BPD Instagram post with Emma BodeFrom:Chuck Winn
To:Scott and Frances Boyd
Cc:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:Re: [EXTERNAL]BPD Instagram post with Emma Bode
Date:Thursday, September 25, 2025 3:02:02 PM
Dear Mr. Boyd,
Thank you for your email concerning the crosswalk safety video. This morning, I spoke to both
the Commissioner of Political Practices and a compliance specialist from that office to make
sure we weren't violating any rules or laws relating to campaigning or the election process. I
received the following response from that office:
Thanks for reaching out. Certainly, the video would not qualify as an election
communication or related independent expenditure requiring registration and
disclosure with COPP, as it does not support any candidates or issues to be voted on in
the City of Bozeman’s upcoming November 4 municipal (city) general election (nor any
other election, for that matter). Further, the video itself is “susceptible to no reasonable
interpretation other than as unrelated to” the City of Bozeman’s upcoming November 4
municipal (city) general election and therefore not an electioneering communication
subject to disclosure with COPP, pursuant to ARM 44.11.605(3). In other words, the
video is akin to normal duties and functions carried out by the City- with the involvement
or participation of any candidate or issue campaigns being incidental and unrelated-
rather than electoral activity requiring registration with or reporting to COPP.
As to your question about timing and her particular interest in this topic, it is not new.
Commissioner Bode is, and has been, a strong advocate for pedestrian and bicycle safety since
her appointment to the commission. She regularly challenges city staff to find new ways to
improve safety across town including new signage, striping, lighting and enforcement of
existing laws. In fact, our Transportation Director asked Commissioner Bode to be in the video
back in June due to her interest in the subject.
The main reason you haven't seen more of these videos featuring sitting City Commissioners is
that we have a new member of our engagement team hired to produce educational videos for
our social media channels and public outlets. This is a new function for us and one that we
look forward to improving on.
I hope this addresses a portion of your concerns.
Thanks,
Chuck
Chuck Winn | City Manager
City of Bozeman
121 North Rouse Avenue - P.O. Box 1230
Bozeman, MT 59771-1230
P: 406.582.2307
C: 406.581.0020
From: Scott and Frances Boyd <sfmclboyd@sbcglobal.net>
Sent: Tuesday, September 23, 2025 9:36 PM
To: Chuck Winn <CWinn@BOZEMAN.NET>
Cc: Bozeman Public Comment <comments@BOZEMAN.NET>
Subject: [EXTERNAL]BPD Instagram post with Emma Bode
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.
Dear City Manager Winn,
I'm writing to express some dismay at the 90-second post to the Bozeman Police Department Instagram
account featuring Emma Bode, made two days ago. As we're all aware, it is peak campaign season for
our upcoming commission election, and it is inappropriate and concerning that a post featuring her would
be made during this time. She had nothing to do with the passage of this state law, and if the BPD
wanted to feature a commissioner, it would seem that they could use one of the other three that are not
on the ballot. I think that the other commissioners, or even police officers alone, would share the same
qualifications and interest in the passage of the law as Emma Bode gave, which is "as someone who
walks or bikes every day." I gave a quick review of all previous BPD Instagram postings and saw no
others appearing to feature a commissioner, at least going back to the time of the Bridger Canyon fire.
Given the degree of mistrust the community at large seems to carry for our city government these days, I
would expect that you and the administration would want to avoid any hint of impropriety. I politely
request that this post be taken down across all social media channels. If not, perhaps you should offer all
of the candidates an opportunity to be featured in a posting as well, so that they also have fair access to
BPD's social media, seeing that this is such an unusual activity during election season.
Respectfully,
Scott Boyd
Bozeman