Planning chair urges city to condemn violent online threats targeting volunteers

Sean Harmon, chair of the Caldwell Planning and Zoning Commission, used the city’s public-comment slot on March 16 to urge the mayor and council to condemn violent and threatening comments that had been posted on the city’s official social-media page and referenced board members by name.

"When someone publicly states that they would strangle people on those boards ... that is not criticism anymore. That is threatening language directed at a citizen serving their community," Harmon said. He asked the mayor and council to make a clear public statement that threats against board and commission volunteers would not be tolerated.

Multiple residents echoed Harmon’s request; speakers said violent comments naming members of boards and commissions remained visible online for a period before being removed and that the city should both moderate faster and publicly denounce such rhetoric. The mayor and staff said the posts were removed, law enforcement was consulted and the city was preparing a public statement.

Council members from across the political spectrum described having received threats themselves during recent campaigns and public service and said the city planned a joint statement this week. Mayor Phillips told the audience the city was coordinating with the attorney and law enforcement before posting a formal condemnation. Staff said city social-media rules have been posted and that they will accelerate moderation of threatening content.

Council and staff framed the matter as protecting community volunteers and preserving civic engagement: without a public response and enforcement of rules, several speakers said, volunteers may be discouraged from serving in boards and commissions.