During the Pueblo City Council Retreat on February 22, 2025, a heated discussion erupted over the management of public comments during live-streamed council meetings, particularly on Facebook. Council members expressed concerns about the disruptive nature of comments, which they believe detracts from the public's ability to engage meaningfully with council proceedings.

Councilor Maestro led the charge, advocating for a more controlled environment where public discourse could occur without the chaos often seen in online comments. "If we're going to clean it, I think that every platform we have that shows this meeting to the public should be on a level playing field," he stated, emphasizing the need for decorum across all platforms.

The debate highlighted a divide among council members. Some, like Councilor Martinez, argued that comments, even if sometimes negative or misleading, provide valuable perspectives that can influence council decisions. "Sometimes it does change my perspective," she noted, suggesting that the comments could serve as a form of public engagement.

Conversely, others expressed frustration with the misinformation and negativity prevalent in the comments section. Councilor Flores remarked on his thick skin but acknowledged the need for a cleaner meeting environment. He supported the idea of limiting comments to ensure constructive dialogue.

Ultimately, the council reached a consensus to maintain the comments section for now, with several members suggesting that viewers could simply hide comments if they found them distracting. The discussion underscored the ongoing challenge of balancing open communication with the need for respectful and productive public discourse in local governance. As the council moves forward, the implications of this debate will likely shape how Pueblo engages with its citizens in the digital age.