The Georgia Peachcast

Pat and Gregg spend their time riffing on the importance of as many people as possible turning out to vote this cycle, and finish the pod sharing their thoughts on the epidemic of FLOCK cameras (a.k.a. Flock Safety ALPRs: Automated License Plate Readers) spreading across the nation and in our Woodstock and Cherokee County communities. The next meeting is on OCt. 20, so be sure to attend and voice your concerns.Show Links:Flock Cameras Nationwide: https://flockcameralocations.com/mapVoting Data Links:https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2025/2024-presidential-election-voting-registration-tables.htmlhttps://www.eac.gov/news/2025/06/30/us-election-assistance-commission-releases-2024-election-administration-and-votinghttps://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2025/06/26/voter-turnout-2020-2024/Show Notes:Agendas for the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners meetings are officially published on the Monday preceding each scheduled session. The Board typically convenes on the first and third Tuesday of each month, with Work Sessions beginning at 3:00 PM and Regular Meetings starting at 6:00 PM. [1, 2, 3]Meetings are hosted in Cherokee Hall at the Cherokee County Administrative Complex, located at 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton, GAKey Context and Recent Board Meetings Regarding Flock ALDR systems in Cherokee County, GAAugust and October Meetings: Citizens and community watchdogs packed Cherokee County Board of Commissioners meetings (including sessions in August and on October 6, 2026) to protest the expansion of Flock license plate readers and data retention policies. [1, 2, 3]Disputes Over Data Retention: Critics and public advocates have pushed back against the Sheriff’s Office regarding data retention timelines, contrasting public statements (such as claims of a 30-day limit) with signed policies pointing to longer retention periods (up to 180 days). [1]Axon Technology Agreement: On October 6, 2026, the Board of Commissioners addressed agenda items concerning public safety technology, software, and surveillance expansion (such as agreements involving Axon Enterprise Inc.), which critics argue create an unchecked pathway for expanding vehicle tracking and ALPR integration without sufficient oversight. [1]Public Petitions and Town Halls: Residents opposed to the cameras have organized town halls and online petitions (via groups like Deflock Cherokee) urging the Board of Commissioners and the Sheriff's Office to terminate contracts with Flock Safety and remove the cameras from unincorporated parts of the county. [1, 2, 3]

Gregg and Pat hang with Dumont Walker, who's running for Georgia House District 46. Dumont shares his vision for putting the needs of the folks in District 46 front and center when he gets elected. We're definitely pulling for him, so tune in and find out why we really think he's the man for the job.

Pat and Gregg had the pleasure of sitting down again with Anthony Aragues to get his take on his reasoning and motivation are in running for GA House District seat 21. He's got it all going on and while his core ideas from our time together in our last sit down with him on March 30 are the same, his messaging to the folks in District 21 has matured with the times. Grab some tea or coffee and have a listen to him: judo coach, scuba diver, and tech worker Anthony Aragues.

Pat and Gregg share their conversation with Daniell Bell, who's running for Georgia State House, District 44. Danielle's experience as a veteran and social worker makes her well qualified to do her best to adress the nees of her future constituents in District 44, and she shares her thoughts about the major priorities that district residents share with her as she's knocking doors in her gerrymandered district that runs from Cobb County into Cherokee County.

Gregg and Pat sit down after a long break from each other to chat with Democratic Candidate Jason Tanner. Jason's running for the Georgia House seat for District 20. Jason is a veteran, cybercrime specialist and he's dialed and fired up about the issues affecting folks in his district. Join us in getting to know him a little better.