Commissioner of Political Practices dismisses complaint against Bozeman

Tuesday Jan. 29th, 2019

 The Montana Commissioner of Political Practices (CoPP) has issued a decision dismissing Roger Koopman’s ethics and campaign practices complaint against the City of Bozeman related to the City’s efforts to educate the public regarding the Bozeman Public Safety Center. The complaint, first filed by Mr. Koopman in Gallatin County District Court, was proactively filed by the City with the Commissioner’s office on December 3, 2018.  After a thorough investigation, the Commissioner has dismissed the complaint after finding there is not sufficient evidence the City violated any campaign practice laws.

Mayor Cyndy Andrus says, “We have been confident in the work we did to educate the public about the Bozeman Public Safety Center. The decision by the Commissioner of Political Practices only reinforces that confidence.”

“We appreciate the Commissioner and his office for expediting the decision so that we can move forward and bring this project to the Bozeman community,” she adds.

Given the Commissioner’s decision, the City will request Mr. Koopman voluntarily dismiss the complaint he filed against the City in Gallatin County District Court. The City will also immediately file a motion with the District Court requesting it act quickly to dismiss Mr. Koopman’s complaint so construction of the Bozeman Public Safety Center can move forward as soon as possible.

“The Commissioner has made his decision. Now we need to resolve the complaint filed in District Court so we can take the appropriate next steps to build the center,” says City Manager Andrea Surrat.

Due to construction and inflation costs, every month that the project is delayed due to litigation could cost taxpayers approximately $200,000.

The Bozeman Public Safety Center passed by a 60% vote of Bozeman residents on November 6, 2018. It provides a solution to the pressing needs of Fire, Police, Municipal Court, and Victim Services.

The Commissioner of Political Practices decision can be viewed here as well as on the City of Bozeman’s website atwww.bozeman.net/safetycenter