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Council member Suzanne Erkel apologizes for social‑media remarks as residents push back and defend her
Summary
At the June 23 East Bethel City Council meeting, Council member Suzanne Erkel addressed criticism of a recent social‑media post, said she was not a credible threat after an investigation, and recounted threats and harassment; residents spoke both in defense of and critical of her comments.
Council member Suzanne Erkel addressed a packed public forum at the June 23 East Bethel City Council meeting to explain comments she made on social media about recent violence and to respond to the backlash that followed. Erkel said authorities investigated her and “found absolutely no credible threat,” and she reiterated that “my intention was not to stir any discourse or fear or suspicion.”
Erkel told the council she had been “saddened” and “shocked” by recent murders and said her comments were prompted by public statements from other officials and by social‑media posts she had seen. She described receiving what she called “dozens and dozens” of threatening calls and messages and said the harassment included “death threats” and attempts to share personal information about her family.
The public forum that followed drew several residents who either criticized Erkel’s public statements or defended her. Jennifer Bloomquist, who identified herself as a communications professional, told the council that elected officials’ public communications “are held to a higher standard” and urged training in media literacy; she recommended the League of Minnesota Cities social‑media course. By contrast, Kevin Lewis, a resident who spoke in support, said of Erkel: “I know Suzanne is a very decent person, a very good person and also tougher than nails.” Diane Sanger, who later had an unrelated agenda item, also spoke in Erkel’s defense.
Other speakers criticized Erkel’s remarks as misleading and harmful. Denise Leshinski said the comments had caused damage and stress to families and questioned whether council members were being held to consistent standards. Multiple residents referenced heated exchanges that had spilled onto social media and suggested stronger norms or training for public officials.
Mayor Anderson and several council members listened but did not take formal action during the meeting on Erkel’s statements. The exchange occurred during the public forum portion of the agenda; no ordinance, policy change, or formal council direction was adopted in response during the June 23 meeting.
The remarks and the public reactions highlight ongoing tensions in East Bethel over elected officials’ social‑media activity and residents’ expectations for council conduct. Several residents asked for clearer communication standards or training for council members; others urged community civility and patience.
The council adjourned without scheduling a formal follow‑up on the topic at that meeting.
