Redlands Candidates Debate AI and Surveillance Policy
Local candidates address the integration of new technologies in city governance ahead of the November election.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
Should your local government and school district limit the use of AI and surveillance technology?
Candidates for Redlands City Council and school board are detailing their stances on artificial intelligence and license plate readers. These platforms highlight growing voter interest in how emerging technologies intersect with local privacy and governance.
Why it matters
Regulatory discourse regarding AI and surveillance tools has become a primary concern for local voters. As digital tools become more prevalent, candidates are aiming to clarify their positions on how these systems should be deployed in Redlands.
A Gallup report indicates that 50% of employed American adults use AI at work at least a few times annually. The precise implementation and oversight policies for these technologies remain under deliberation by the candidates.
The players
Denise Davis
She is an incumbent City Council member who has served on the council since 2018.
Andrew Hoder
He is a retired airline pilot running for a City Council seat.
Douglas Gonzales
He currently serves as the Redlands Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Chair and is a candidate for City Council.
Michele Rendler
She is a departing RUSD School Board President who has served on the board since 2019.
The details
City Council and school board candidates articulated their platforms through interviews focused on governance, education, and privacy. They addressed specific concerns about the role of automated technology in public life as the campaign season intensifies.
Timeline
2018: Denise Davis began serving on the City Council.
2019: Michele Rendler began serving the RUSD school board.
2024: Jeannette Wilson and Candy Olson won school board seats.
November 3, 2026: The general election is scheduled to occur.
Political Context
Critics of aggressive surveillance technology integration often point to privacy concerns and the potential for algorithmic bias in public safety tools. Opponents frequently call for stricter local oversight and transparency requirements before any new AI systems are deployed in the city.
The stances adopted by candidates on surveillance and AI could determine future local ordinances regarding license plate readers and automated administrative tools. Voters will ultimately choose between these competing visions for technology in the upcoming election.
The takeaway
As technology continues to reshape municipal operations, voters should examine how local leaders plan to balance innovation with public privacy. Evaluating these stances helps residents understand how the city government will navigate the future of digital surveillance.
What happens next
The General Election is scheduled to take place on November 3, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on the upcoming ballot and candidate platforms, visit the Elections section of our site.
More information
To review official voting information, visit the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters.
Live Poll
Should your local government and school district limit the use of AI and surveillance technology?
