Resident urges Rangely to put 'Flock' license‑plate reader system to a public vote

Mark Stamos, a Rangely resident, asked the Town Council to place the town’s recently installed “Flock” license‑plate reader system on the next local ballot so voters can decide whether to keep it. “I’d like to propose that it be placed on the ballot for a vote at the next local election,” Stamos said during the public‑comment period.

Stamos told the council he has not seen evidence that a majority of town voters either support or oppose the system, and raised privacy and data‑security concerns about storing plate‑read images in the cloud. He warned of hypothetical hacking scenarios that could reveal routine travel patterns and make homes vulnerable when they are empty. “Blind the thing here in Rangely because we don't need it,” Stamos said, arguing the system contributes to broad surveillance rather than targeted policing.

Council members acknowledged the concerns and noted confusion over thresholds referenced in earlier remarks (population versus registered‑voter percentages). One councilor said the council would "visit with our attorney about it and see where she's at" to clarify whether the council can place the item on the ballot or whether a citizen petition is the correct procedural route. No formal council action was taken at the meeting.

The exchange highlights a pending policy question for Rangely officials: whether the town should allow voters to decide on retaining the plate‑reader system or pursue a petition or ordinance amendment after legal review. The council committed to consult the town attorney and report back to the public.