Asheville Candidates Clash Over Police Surveillance Policy
Asheville City Council hopefuls differ on the use of license plate readers and intelligence monitoring tools.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Elections
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Asheville City Council candidates are split regarding police surveillance technology, with some signing a pledge to end mass surveillance. The debate follows recent council actions on contracts for license plate readers and intelligence centers.
Why it matters
The divide centers on balancing Fourth Amendment privacy protections against the need for police tools to investigate crimes and ensure public safety. Local voters are weighing these stances as they consider candidates for the upcoming council election.
The council previously accepted $1.14 million in May 2026 to fund the Real Time Intelligence Center. Currently, three city council seats are up for election.
The players
Keith Young
He is an Asheville City Council candidate who previously served on the council from 2015 to 2020.
Kim Roney
She is an Asheville City Council candidate who signed the Ending Mass Surveillance Policy Pledge.
Maggie Ullman
She is an Asheville City Council candidate who chose not to sign the surveillance policy pledge.
Antanette Mosley
She is an Asheville City Council candidate who did not sign the policy pledge.
Sheneika Smith
She is an Asheville City Council candidate who did not sign the pledge regarding mass surveillance.
The details
Candidates Keith Young and Kim Roney signed an Ending Mass Surveillance Policy Pledge issued by the Asheville Democratic Socialists of America. Conversely, Maggie Ullman, Antanette Mosley, and Sheneika Smith did not sign the pledge, reflecting the disagreement over surveillance tools used by the Asheville Police Department.
Timeline
Keith Young served on the city council from 2015 to 2020.
The council accepted $1.14 million for the Real Time Intelligence Center in May 2026.
Jeffrey Burroughs posted on Instagram about surveillance on May 14, 2026.
The council voted 5-2 to terminate the city's Flock contract on August 25, 2026.
Drew Ball discussed technology at a candidate forum on September 28, 2026.
Political Context
The debate over police surveillance technology in Asheville is framed by interpretations of the Fourth Amendment. Opponents of the surveillance tools argue that the technology risks wrongful arrests and infringes on privacy, while supporters emphasize its utility for public safety.
The outcome of the council election will determine the future of police intelligence tools and surveillance policies in the city. Residents may see changes in how law enforcement utilizes data and technology to address local crime.
The takeaway
Voters in Asheville are currently choosing how to balance modern police intelligence capabilities with individual privacy concerns. Those interested in local policy should review candidate statements regarding the future of the city's Real Time Intelligence Center.
Further reading
For more on the current local candidate landscape, visit the Asheville elections section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Public Radio East.
Live Poll
Should your local government restrict the use of surveillance tools by police to protect resident privacy?
