Lov council calls for member's resignation after viral video - Reporter-Herald
Thomas Clayton
Andrea Samson: ‘I feel we’ve been dishonored’
Despite an outpouring of calls for her resignation from colleagues and constituents alike, Loveland City Council member Erin Black was defiant during a remote appearance at Tuesday’s meeting, pledging to finish her term and continue her mission of protecting the vulnerable.
“I acknowledge that some people may find my actions as offensive,” Black said during the councilor comment period as a large and restless crowd listened. “I find targeting, harassing and stalking of women to be offensive … My methods for protecting myself and others are assertive because threats and harassment have escalated in the city of Loveland, and it’s extremely unsafe.”
Mike Scofield speaks during public comment at City Council on Tuesday as Pat Grennan holds a sign about Councilor Erin Black after she was captured on camera in a confrontation at a public park. (Jenny Sparks/Loveland Reporter-Herald).The backlash against Black followed the weekend release of a 13-minute video showing the councilor and eight others confronting longtime Loveland resident Dillon Kaiser in Dwayne Webster Park. Since December, Kaiser, Black and her supporters have been engaged in an online dispute that devolved into dueling claims of bullying and harassment. On Saturday, Black offered to meet with Kaiser in person to air their grievances.
In the video filmed by Kaiser, who was wearing a face mask, the councilor and other individuals, including her husband, are shown circling the lone man while yelling profanities and accusing him of online harassment and “doxxing.”
Though committed to remaining on the council, Black will be finishing her term without the support of nearly all of her colleagues. After a lengthy debate that featured tearful pleas and plenty of pointed public comment, members voted 7-1 to ratify a formal letter of no confidence condemning Black’s conduct and asking her to step down. They also suspended her from liaison appointments to city boards and commissions.
“I feel that we’ve been dishonored,” said Councilor Andrea Samson. “And I do feel like it’s a stain and I personally feel ashamed, embarrassed and I feel sad for Councilor Black that she made those choices, but she made those choices, and so I will be supporting the letter.”
Other members pointed to a “pattern” of confrontational behavior by Black that has escalated since her election in November 2023 and her earlier comments “doubling down” on the behavior.
“This is a gift that keeps on giving,” said Councilor Steve Olson. “…As you’re aware, we had an investigation (of Black) due to a discrimination complaint where the councilor attacked the person’s religious beliefs. And then we had a vote to prosecute for possible criminal violations of the charter and then, because of additional behavior, we passed a motion to begin the process of censure.”
The council’s eventual condemnation of Black came after tensions flared early in the meeting.
Just minutes in, Samson not only called for Black’s resignation but also took aim at Mayor Jacki Marsh for her silence in the days since the video went public.
“You have been vocal about the oppression of citizens by developers and government, and yet, when a councilor you’ve supported — your friend who is also government — is oppressive and abusive, you have stayed quiet,” Samson said. “The shame, dishonor, embarrassment and trauma brought to Loveland by the threatening and aggressive ambush by Erin Black and her friends and the mayor’s friends will not soon be forgotten.”
At this, crowd members burst into applause, prompting a rebuke from Marsh and a warning about clearing the chambers.
People clap and cheer as City Councilor Andrea Samson calls for Councilor Erin Black to resign during City Council on Tuesday after Black was captured on camera in a confrontation at a public park. (Jenny Sparks/Loveland Reporter-Herald).It was the start of what would be a lonely night for Marsh, who was the only voice speaking from the dais in support of Black and the only no vote against the no confidence letter and removal of board appointments.
When she had a chance to weigh in, Marsh renounced Black’s conduct, but cautioned against rushing to judgement about the video, pointed to past controversial incidents involving other councilors and encouraged the use of due process before enacting any disciplinary measures against Black.
“I believe councilor Black has the right to due process, that she have an opportunity to look at the charges that are leveled against her and have a chance to defend herself,” Marsh said at one point. “We have not heard from Councilor Black what brought her to the point of going to the park, and if we all can condemn what happened after that, not a problem.”
Despite the pressure to remove Black, the council is barred by state law and the city charter from voting to expel her, unless she is convicted of a crime. The letter of no confidence and removal from city board appointments carry little legal weight and come with no enforcement mechanism, according to City Attorney Vince Junglas. Though the council can initiate an effort to amend or rewrite the charter, a vote of Loveland residents is required to implement it.
Meanwhile, a criminal investigation into the incident by the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office is ongoing, and some residents have already begun talking about a recall effort.
Loveland City Councilor Erin Black speaks Tuesday during City Council about being in a confrontation at a public park. She appeared remotely. (Jenny Sparks/Loveland Reporter-Herald). | Tom Clayton Communication and Media Specialist, Public Affairs |
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