HomeMy WebLinkAbout9-29-14 Crawford RE_ Lenco BearCat G3From:Tim Crawford
To:Agenda
Subject:From Tim Crawford RE: Lenco BearCat G3
Date:Monday, September 29, 2014 4:13:54 PM
Attachments:LettertoCityCommissionersSeptember292014.docx
September 29, 2014
Bozeman City Commissioners
121 N Rouse Ave
Bozeman, Mt 59715
Mayor Krauss and Commissioners,
I urge you to return the newly acquired Lenco BearCat G3. I am opposed to the militarization of our
police force, it is an abrogation of our values and sends a message contrary to that which the City of
Bozeman wishes to project.
That the city commission was not informed and consequently unable to act on the grant application
was not just a dereliction of duty, but a denial of the citizens of Bozeman to any representative voice in
this important decision. The months that have elapsed since the application for the grant and the
realization of the presence of the vehicle represent more than just a 17,000 pound entity “falling
through the cracks”. I don’t believe this is the first problematic decision the city manager has made
without the participation of the city commission.
The foregoing omissions in communication also apply to Ron Price, Chief of Police. One would hope
he would be somewhat sensitive to actions by the police which promote divisiveness between his
department and the people of Bozeman. This apparent division of understanding, which is so obvious
throughout the country, is greatly enhanced by the use of military vehicles and gear.
I am not sure what course of action the commission can take to prevent further circumventions of
correct procedure, but I wish you all the best in addressing this challenge.
Sincerely,
Tim Crawford
15 South Tracy Ave., Suite #8
Bozeman, MT
585-9333
September 29, 2014
Bozeman City Commissioners
121 N Rouse Ave
Bozeman, Mt 59715
Mayor Krauss and Commissioners,
I urge you to return the newly acquired Lenco BearCat G3. I am opposed to the militarization of our
police force, it is an abrogation of our values and sends a message contrary to that which the City of
Bozeman wishes to project.
That the city commission was not informed and consequently unable to act on the grant application was
not just a dereliction of duty, but a denial of the citizens of Bozeman to any representative voice in this
important decision. The months that have elapsed since the application for the grant and the realization
of the presence of the vehicle represent more than just a 17,000 pound entity “falling through the
cracks”. I don’t believe this is the first problematic decision the city manager has made without the
participation of the city commission.
The foregoing omissions in communication also apply to Ron Price, Chief of Police. One would hope he
would be somewhat sensitive to actions by the police which promote divisiveness between his
department and the people of Bozeman. This apparent division of understanding, which is so obvious
throughout the country, is greatly enhanced by the use of military vehicles and gear.
I am not sure what course of action the commission can take to prevent further circumventions of
correct procedure, but I wish you all the best in addressing this challenge.
Sincerely,
Tim Crawford
15 South Tracy Ave., Suite #8
Bozeman, MT
585-9333