Council declines to add Pride Flag consideration after split public comments

Councilors declined to add formal consideration of flying a Pride Flag on borough property after mixed public comments and a 2-4 vote on a motion to amend the agenda.

Mayor Erica Deuso, who attended and spoke during Citizens to be Heard, urged allowing the Pride Flag for the month of June to "show inclusion of all residents and a sense of belonging." Ashley Barrett and Melissa Potocki also voiced support during public comment. Opposing views included Whitley Coggins, who said a government agency should remain neutral and noted some residents received door-hanger notices about an autopay change earlier in the meeting.

Borough Solicitor Max O'Keefe provided legal context, citing Section 1202(30) of the Pennsylvania Borough Code and reading the statute's authority about flags: "to display the flag of the United States or of the Commonwealth, the official POW/MIA flag or the flag of any county, city, borough or other municipality in this Commonwealth on the public buildings or grounds and in public places of the borough."

On the council floor, Councilor Smith said she did not support flying the Pride Flag because it "allow[s] other groups to want their flags to be flown as it becomes a slippery slope," and Vice President Horstmann expressed a similar concern, saying acceptance need not be demonstrated by flying a flag. Councilor Brigance said she wants to represent all community members and questioned whether the American Flag represents everyone at all times.

Councilor Rakoff moved to amend the agenda to add consideration of the Pride Flag; Councilor Brigance seconded. The motion failed 2-4, with Councilors Rakoff and Brigance in favor and four council members opposed. The council took no further formal action on flag policy at this meeting.