The City of Aurora is facing challenges with public comment during virtual city council meetings, as interruptions from protestors have become a significant issue. In response, councilmembers Francoise Bergan and Danielle Jurinsky are proposing a measure to manage public comment more effectively.
During the previous virtual city council meeting, public comments were dominated by protestors demanding justice for Kilyn Lewis, who was shot and killed by an Aurora police officer. The disruptions led to a motion to eliminate public comment for the rest of the night, prompting councilmembers to seek a better way to handle public input.
The proposed measure would create a separate public hearing session before council meetings, giving speakers two minutes instead of the current three-minute limit. Aurora residents would be prioritized during this session to address concerns about various issues in the city, not just related to law enforcement.
Council members acknowledge the importance of hearing from residents with genuine concerns and hope that the new measure will allow for a more orderly and productive public comment process. With protestors consistently disrupting meetings since July, councilmembers are looking for a solution to ensure that all voices are heard effectively.
The measure is set to be voted on at the next city council meeting, with hopes of finding a balance between allowing public input and maintaining order during meetings. Councilmembers are committed to addressing the disruptions and moving forward to serve the residents of Aurora.
