A Message From Town Administrator Malcolm Fleming: Reflecting on a Year of COVID-19
As I’m writing this there have been over 29 million cases and 525,000 deaths in the United States from the coronavirus. Those cases include nearly 4,000 Erie residents who have tested positive for the virus. This pandemic has created a health crisis, economic crisis, and mental health crisis affecting all of us in some way or another. Whether we or a loved one became ill, lost a job, suffered from isolation, or had to manage the challenges of juggling work and kids at home, these last 12 months have been tough.
There has also been joy and innovation through these tough times. Schools, businesses, and government embraced virtual spaces and found creative ways to reach residents. Friends and neighbors have gone to special lengths to care for each other and have donated or volunteered in the community in record numbers. As a community, and in spite of the social distance, we have come together and worked for the greater good.
Reflecting on the past year, I want to thank all of you for supporting one another and continuing to be a driving force for service and compassion. The Board of Trustees and Town staff all do what we do because we want to improve the quality of life for everyone in Erie. In a year when “home” became more important than ever, we are working hard to create the most welcoming, inclusive, fun, equitable, successful, safe, diverse and desirable hometown for each and every one of you.
Thank you for being a big part of what makes Erie great! We will have many opportunities in the coming months for you to share your voice and your ideas on the Comprehensive Plan, a Home Rule Charter, sustainability, housing affordability and many other issues. We want to hear from you and work with you to make the Town of Erie the best it can be.