Readers are sharing with us their letters to Salem city leaders outlining their concerns about the planned Drones as First Responders program. To inspire your letter-writing, we will publish letters from readers who give us permission to share them. Please forward us your letters if you'd like us to publish them here.
Don't forget to send your emails asap! The vote on the FY27 budget is expected to take place tomorrow night.
NSP Staff Writer
From Jeremy Mele
Hello,
I am writing to express my discomfort with the proposed "Drones as First Responder Program," which is scheduled to be voted upon with a bundle of other budget items at tomorrow's City Council meeting.
I believe that drones have no place in our city, especially as a tool of law enforcement. Aerial surveillance is a chilling idea. Even if the drones do not begin recording until they reach their destination, as has been suggested by the program's proponent, Salem Police Chief Miller, the mere sight of them, and the potential that they could be recording, is enough to frighten vulnerable communities and leave all Salem residents with the fear that we are being watched.
It is my ultimate hope that this program is not put into place. However, at minimum, there should be substantial, substantive public debate around this issue. So far, the program has only been briefly touched upon during a subcommittee meeting. I think much more public notice should be given, and much more public approval sought, before such a plan can be put into effect, if at all.
I understand that the City Council lacks the ability to provide line item vetoes on the city budget. However, I also know that the Mayor has the power to withdraw items should they be impediments to the passage of a budget. I humbly request that the City Council refuse to pass the budget until the Mayor removes the Drones program, at least until such a time that it receives public comment and support.
I especially urge Councilors-at-Large Davis, Hapworth, Merkl, and Prosniewski and Ward 3 Councilor Sydoriak to reject the budget as it stands. As your constituent, you represent me on the City Council. This Ward 3 resident does not want drones flying over the Salem skies.
Thank you for your time.
