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Erie residents urge council to restore flag policy after removal of Pride and Juneteenth displays
Summary
Dozens of residents told the Erie Town Council that a recent change to the town's flag policy—removing Pride and Juneteenth displays—has harmed community trust and safety; speakers called for restoring the prior policy and clearer civility rules for council meetings.
Dozens of Erie residents urged the town council to reverse a recent change to the municipal flag policy that removed Pride and Juneteenth displays, saying the move has harmed residents' sense of safety and the town's reputation.
"There's such bigger fish to fry these days than to be talking about a flag," said Marty Moore, CEO of Rocky Mountain Equality, during public comment. He told the council the change "may only seem administrative" but said for LGBTQ+ residents the decision is a "safety concern and a mental health concern." Moore asked council members to "reconsider" and return to the prior policy to avoid lawsuits and negative media attention.
Other speakers tied the policy change to broader concerns about equity and council conduct. Kim Salvaggio, CEO of the Center on Colfax, said equating affirming symbols with extremist symbols "misrepresents what the flag stands for" and urged a policy that allows celebration of Pride and Juneteenth while making clear hate symbols have no place in the town. Kelly Wagner Grohl said council behavior at a prior meeting—when Councilwoman Baer was interrupted—demonstrated a pattern of diminishing women and council members of color and called for "public acknowledgment and apologies" and adoption of civility standards.
Several speakers referenced media coverage and potential economic consequences. Skyler Weitzel said recent reporting and social media reaction had prompted threats to boycott Erie businesses and demanded a public apology to Councilwoman Baer for behavior at the Aug. 26 meeting.
Council members acknowledged the intensity of public feeling. Mayor Pro Tem Bell addressed an email exchange that had become public and read a biblical passage he had quoted, saying he regretted responding while emotional and offering an apology for the tone of his message. Council members including Councilmember Baer said they had received broad public feedback and asked for further discussion and training on meeting procedures.
Why it matters: Residents and board members framed the issue as more than symbolic. Supporters of restoring the prior policy said visible displays matter to the dignity and safety of residents, while some council members and officials said the debate also revealed the need for clearer rules of decorum and better communication.
What's next: Council members said the issue may be revisited; several urged staff to place the topic on an upcoming agenda or study session for further deliberation. No new ordinance or formal policy change was enacted at the meeting.
Sources: Public comments from Marty Moore, Kim Salvaggio, Skyler Weitzel, Kelly Wagner Grohl, and others during the town council public-comment period. No formal council vote on changing the flag policy occurred at this session.
