Privacy and contracts in focus as candidates debate Flock license-plate readers

Public safety and privacy were prominent in candidate answers on Flock automated license-plate readers. John Schwengler said the city currently has three cameras—two stationary and one mobile—and that the contract comes up for review in January: “We have 3 cameras in the city of Orono. We have 2 stationary, 1 mobile.” He said data sharing is currently limited to police departments but said the council and police chief will review contract terms and security.

Maggie Ahrens said to her knowledge the cameras record license plates but not images of drivers and urged the council to be transparent: “So that information could be useful for our local police department, but I too have questions and concerns about how that information is being disseminated and how it can be accessed.” Scott Wellman pointed to a published policy and audit, referenced an OronoFlock transparency portal, and said he would ask whether the vendor keeps data and whether the system is cybersecure when the contract is reviewed.

All three candidates recommended scrutiny of the contract and an emphasis on transparency and security when the city revisits the agreement in January.