HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-2-14 Sieger-Bearcat vehicle commentsFrom:Emily Sieger
To:Agenda
Subject:Bearcat vehicle comments
Date:Thursday, October 02, 2014 10:50:59 AM
I am very disturbed by the acquisition of this vehicle, both because of the process and the vehicle itself.
It’s now very clear that the city manager and the police chief, working together, chose to hide or obscure the acquisition from the city commission. The correct time to inform the commission, in order to have a discussion of the need for this military vehicle, was when the police chief FIRST found out about its availability (presumably through some general communication from the Office of Homeland Security to police departments across the US), and BEFORE any application was made. There were also several opportunities before the grant was submitted, or when the application was accepted, to present the issue to the commission before acquiring the vehicle. The city manager’s statement that this “fell through the cracks” defies credulity.
The fact that the city manager and the police chief chose not to offer this for discussion means either 1) they deliberately circumvented our elected officials or 2) didn’t understand that this was a significant decision that deserved disclosure and public discussion. EITHER ONE of these is a serious breach of the public trust.
The reasons given in the grant application are a frightening picture of how the city manager and the police chief view the citizens of Bozeman. It’s needed to counter
“militia groups, environmental groups, outlaw motorcycle gangs, and religious and
racial hate groups?” In most cases, these groups are peacefully assembling to
exercise their rights. In the case of those committing lawless actions, they are
countered by standard police actions (or if needed, by state and federal forces trained
to deal with terrorist actions). Should “WMD’s” be a threat, I certainly hope our local
police forces would contact experts and not rely on themselves or on this one vehicle
(whose purpose is not to counter “WMD’s” anyway). The purpose of this vehicle is
primarily to impose a military presence and intimidate citizens. It is not a law
enforcement tool for a small town where the primary crimes are related to
drunkenness. I understand that we do have occasional serious crime in our county
and I certainly support the need for our police officers to be safe as they protect us.
But promoting a military presence is NOT the way to keep the kind of community we
have, and want to continue to have.
According to the Chronicle, no funds are provided for maintenance (nor, I assume for
the fuel this monstrosity undoubtedly burns promiscuously). Has the city manager
disclosed how much this vehicle will need, and how he intends to pay for it?
I urge the commission to direct the city manager to return this vehicle. I support the
new policy to require specific commission approval for large purchases.
Add my name to those who now doubt whether we should vote to approve the bond
for the proposed new Law and Justice Center. I’m not sure I trust the people working
on this not to use it to further militarize and polarize our community.
Sincerely,
Emily Sieger
1017 S Tracy
Bozeman