Local Politics · Asheville, NC
Asheville Council Candidates Debate Police Surveillance Tools
Asheville City Council candidates are addressing the city's use of police surveillance technologies, including license plate readers and the Real-Time Intelligence Center. Keith Young and Kim Roney signed a pledge from the Asheville Democratic Socialists of America opposing future automated license plate readers and terminating contracts with Axon. Other candidates offered varied responses: Drew Ball advocated for case-by-case evaluations to preserve body cameras as accountability tools, while Jeffrey Burroughs expressed support for civil liberties but stopped short of rejecting surveillance entirely. Incumbents Maggie Ullman, Antanette Mosley, and Sheneika Smith did not sign the pledge; their recent votes on terminating the Flock contract reflected differing views on balancing privacy with public safety.