Joseph Rittenhouse –

Sedona, Arizona, in a recent survey by Red Rock News, nearly 70% of respondents voted against the intrusive use of Sedona license plate reading cameras.

There were two editorials written in Sedona.biz. One, one and one will not only read the plates, but also install these cameras that can identify the driver’s identity and address, as well as determine whether the vehicle has been stolen and whether the driver has a warrant.

The database links to other similar systems across the country, and information is shared locally and non-viewed.

One particularly awful editorial was written by Bear Howard, defending the placement of these cameras in the community.

Another editor of Sedona.Biz, Tommy Acosta, denounced Sedona for the imposition of a 1984-style surveillance system.

From Bear’s previous writings, he appears to be a high-level Sedona resident, but he calls his defense of the surveillance system questioning his truthfulness and perhaps sanity.

He cannot see this acceptance of additional surveillance leads to mission creep. Before you know that, are there surveillance cameras at every intersection and side street in Sedona?

It’s the way sheep are sheared and used to herds and gates.

Frankly, I’m humiliated by the city council and if I was RRN or Sedona.biz, I’ll interview all the council members and ask how they feel about it.

All I know is if you asked me or not, and which council members were feeling this about the intrusion. I don’t vote for anyone who supported license plate readers.

They should quickly demolish what is already happening and discard the remaining eight in the trash and be installed.

Praise to Fox and Acosta for opposing the invasion. Hopefully, the Council will keep an eye on the disadvantages of 70% of the RRN survey and listen to the public.