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Drones as first responders prompt mixed reactions from Mount Vernon council
Summary
A public commenter proposed drones as a first-response system; one councilmember raised surveillance concerns for immigrant communities while the council president said drones could be an asset but come with trade-offs.
At 7:09 p.m. public commenter Geoff Monroe proposed using drones as a first-response system in Mount Vernon. Council responses reflected divergent concerns: Acting Pro Tempore Cathlin Gleason and Pro Tempore Jaevon Boxhill said they would review the information; Councilwoman Cynthia Turnquest-Jones said she was "alarmed by the information and how they are using surveillance against immigrants," while Council President Derrick Thompson said he "believe[d] the drones will be an asset" and acknowledged "pros and cons for everything."
Council members did not take a formal vote or make a referral on the drone proposal during the meeting; the item was raised during public comment and council members said they would review materials submitted by the speaker and follow up as appropriate.
