Depot Park Ordinance Public Comment from Taalyr ClaridgeAimee Brunckhorst
From: Taalyr Claridge <taalyr@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 24, 2023 11:11 PM
To: Kalispell Meetings Public Comment
Subject: EXTERNAL Depot Park Ordinance
Greetings Mr. Mayor and Counsel members,
I am writing in response to the Mayor's urging for public opinion surrounding the possible installment of the new
Depot Park ordinance that would seek to limit vagrant use of the park.
As a community member who does business in that part of Kalispell, I am in firm support of the proposed ordinance.
Though I was unable to attend Monday evening's work session, I listened to the entire meeting via Zoom. After hearing
varying viewpoints from both the public, and the council members, I want to address one matter of great importance.
Multiple residents expressed that this ordinance would condemn the most vulnerable of our population. This is an
outright fallacy. In fact, the most vulnerable of our population have always been, and will forever be our children.
I have a business account at Stockman bank, and often have my small children with me when I visit. During a recent
trip to the bank, I witnessed a city officer making contact with the individuals camping in the gazebo and pouring out
onto the ground what I can only assume were alcoholic beverages. This was in the morning hours of a typical weekday.
I worked for years in the building adjacent to the bank, where children are present every weekday, walking in and out
just a stones throw away from Depot Park.
Why is this relevant?
I also have a spouse who has served for nearly a decade in law enforcement, and has witnessed first hand the volatility
that often accompanies drug and alcohol abuse. Indeed, this issue will have to be addressed. But if we do not address it
now, it may well end up reaching our most vulnerable, our children. That is not a risk that any of us should be willing to
to ke.
I urge you to move ahead with the establishment of this city ordinance, and to keep our priorities unclouded by political
talking -points, for the sake of the next generation.
Warmly,
Taalyr Claridge
Kalispell resident (Creston)
406-261-8499