Candidates and residents urge civility at Pelham public forum; candidate Chris Towns announces council bid

Pelham — Public comment at the July 7 Pelham City Council meeting included calls for civility in the municipal campaign, a formal council-campaign announcement and a community thank-you.

Russell Platt, of 2233 Richmond Lane, urged every council member and candidate to publicly repudiate personal attacks and racist comments circulating online. “We know that we, as leaders, set the tone for how those who follow us will act,” Platt said, urging candidates to call out supporters who post or share unacceptable content.

Chris Towns, of 2332 Dalton Drive, announced his candidacy for Pelham City Council, Place 3. Towns outlined a platform focused on economic development, park and recreation investments and reimagining the city’s main thoroughfare to attract visitors and employers. “We need to reimagine our main thoroughfare and turn Pelham into a destination, not just a drive through,” Towns said.

Barry Winn thanked the city for permitting a flag-retirement ceremony at City Park on June 14, noting more than 200 flags were retired during the event and that it had drawn walk-up participation from multiple communities.

Council members responded to the civility appeals during council comments, with several acknowledging personal experience of online attacks and urging higher standards for discourse. Councilor Leverett and Councilor Walsh both asked residents and candidates to “take the higher road,” saying disagreement is acceptable but personal attacks on families cross a line.

Public comment speakers are limited to three minutes under the city’s rules; speakers were reminded to state names and addresses before speaking.