Letter to the Editor: Request for Respect, Inclusion, and Action: Town of Erie Council Meeting

This letter was sent to Yellow Scene Magazine. As with all Letters to the Editor, the views expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the publication. We value providing space for community voices

Date: Wed, Aug 27, 2025 at 3:15?PM
Subject: Request for Respect, Inclusion, and Action
To: <[email protected]>
CC: <[email protected]>, <[email protected]>

Dear Mayor Moore and Council Members,

After watching the recording of your meeting in full today, I came away deeply troubled by what I saw. I have lived in Erie for six years and served on the Home Rule Commission because I believe in the strength of this community and its ability to lead with fairness and vision. What I witnessed instead was a pattern of disregard for both process and people that does not reflect the inclusive values our town should embody.

The exchange involving Council Member Emily Baer (1:43:35) was especially concerning. To be honest, it made me nauseous. Her motion being blatantly dismissed and her voice minimized on Women’s Equality Day of all days was truly abhorrent. Rules of order are meant to guide discussion, not to silence elected representatives. I am asking the Council to commit to a higher standard of respect in deliberations, and to consider using a facilitator or neutral mediator so that important conversations do not devolve into power struggles behind closed doors.

I was also disappointed by the way the flag policy was handled. (43:44)  The choice to limit discussion to one option and to dismiss the possibility of recognizing groups through a local proclamation violated the opportunity for meaningful compromise. Erie should be a place where diverse communities, including LGBTQ+ residents, feel supported and represented. Ignoring alternative approaches sends the opposite message.

Councilmember Anil Pesaramelli exiting Erie Town Council meeting, August 26, 2025

Councilmember Emily Baer exiting Erie Town Council meeting, August 26, 2025

Finally, I want to be direct with those who voted against inclusion. Words about caring for “all people” in Erie lose their authenticity when they are not matched with action. As a resident, I ask you to show commitment through concrete steps: for example, allocating part of the (Erie) Chamber’s funding to initiatives that attract diverse business owners to Erie, or ensuring the EEDC incorporates equity and representation in its work. These are actionable ways to move beyond statements and demonstrate real support for marginalized communities.

I care deeply about Erie and its future. I hope each of you will take these concerns seriously and use your positions to strengthen, not weaken, our culture of respect, inclusion, and accountability.

Sincerely,

Chelsea C.
Erie, CO
Former Home Rule Commissioner