Pomfret eyes anti-Flock resolution
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The town of Pomfret is eying a resolution against Flock Safety cameras.
Pomfret Town Board member Mike Lee is running for Chautauqua County Legislature and has made the cameras a central issue of his campaign, taking the populist position that the cameras are too intrusive and their data can be misused too easily. Lee brought a resolution to the October town board meeting that "declines participation in and withholds municipal consent" from the Chautauqua County District Attorney's Office Flock camera program.
Board members decided to table the resolution until a Nov. 4 special meeting they originally called to consider a 2027 budget. That was fine with Lee, who stated a desire to pass an anti-Flock resolution around the same time that the village of Fredonia does. He said the village Board of Trustees plans to do so at its next meeting, set for Oct. 26.
Lee's resolution speaks of "potential mass surveillance cameras" installed by the DA's office through a contract with Flock that Pomfret was not consulted on. The resolution states that local municipal governments retain jurisdiction over their rights-of-way.
Town Supervisor Dan Pacos successfully suggested an addition to Lee's resolution: There were never any permits obtained for the cameras.
Town Board member EvaDawn Bashaw supports the resolution -- but it continued her cranky mood about "walk-in" items that were not on the meeting agenda. Lee presented the resolution during his report time. Bashaw had earlier criticized walk-ins on unrelated business.
Bashaw's sentiments seemingly spurred the board to put off the resolution, with Lee noting Fredonia’s upcoming interest soon after she spoke. Bashaw motioned to table it until Nov. 4, and the board accepted.