Resident urges council to keep Pride/Unity flag raised year‑round

During the public‑comment portion of the June 1 meeting, a speaker recorded in the minutes as “Mr. Transit” addressed the council and urged elected officials to keep the Unity/Pride flag on the municipal pole beyond June 30.

The speaker framed the request as both personal and symbolic: he apologized for past missteps that had brought embarrassment to himself and the city, described his history of advocacy to raise the flag annually, and said keeping the flag year‑round would be “the softest, most effortless thing” the council could do to show the city supports vulnerable neighbors. He said he was asking the mayor and council to “please keep the flag up on July 1st” and to consider leaving it up permanently as a sign Batavia “sees, honors, and protects those most vulnerable neighbors every single day of the year.”

The speaker recounted outreach and organizing work on behalf of marginalized people, noted recent Pride month events and a flag‑raising that preceded the council meeting (he said 155 community members attended), and expressed concern that political shifts could result in the community being “erased” from local recognition.

Why it matters: Public comment recorded at council meetings gives elected officials and the public direct feedback on community priorities. The speaker’s plea asks the council to change or extend a seasonal practice into a permanent city policy or custom; such a change would be a symbolic action reflecting the city’s position on inclusivity.

Response in the meeting: The mayor and council received the comment but did not take immediate formal action during the meeting to change flag policy; Mr. Transit’s request will require separate council action or a staff directive to alter the flag schedule.

Status: Request recorded in public comment; unresolved at meeting end.