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Public commenters press council on policing, bodycams, workforce training and digital literacy
Summary
During public comment, residents urged the council to reject limits on who may speak, called for release of bodycam footage and administrative transparency in use-of-force cases, proposed a digital-literacy program for seniors and a 90-day police internship, and urged greater emphasis on trades training.
Several residents used the council public-comment period to press a range of policy ideas and civic concerns. Cindy Treiber urged residents’ continued access to public comment and pressed for police reform, faster release of bodycam footage and disclosure of officers’ administrative statuses in use-of-force incidents, citing more than $1 million in settlements and an ongoing $3.5 million lawsuit. She asked the city to hold town halls and pursue transparency measures.
Doreen Page proposed a two-part initiative: a community digital-literacy and cybersecurity program focused on seniors and a 90‑day community internship for new police officers to build relationships before regular patrol. Page said such programs could reduce cybercrime victimization among seniors and improve policing outcomes by emphasizing community familiarity. Deonte Cooley urged more emphasis on trades education and partnerships with local employers and unions so residents can access construction and redevelopment jobs tied to major projects the city anticipates.
Other commenters objected to the proposed ordinance restricting comment to city residents, saying many nearby residents identify as Erie and would be unfairly excluded. Jared from Mill Creek Township asked council not to limit voices and said regional residents often say they are "from Erie." The mayor and council recorded these concerns and said they will consider revisions and additional engagement before reintroducing any changes.
