After Fusus loss, O'Connell continues push for police tools
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Mayor Freddie O'Connell looks on while chief John Drake speaks at a press conference on Wednesday. Photo: Nate Rau/Axios
Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell and his team put on a full-court press leading up to Tuesday night's Metro Council vote on a contract giving the police department access to video footage pulled from private security cameras.
Why it matters: O'Connell suffered a rare legislative loss, debatably his first on a major initiative since he was elected last year.
- Stakeholders say the impassioned debate over the legislation is at least partially attributed to President-elect Trump's election victory last month, with opponents fearing the video system could be used to enforce federal immigration laws.
Flashback: Progressive candidates defeated more moderate, pro-business opponents in last year's council election, and this vote reaffirmed the council's move to the left, especially on policing issues.
Inside the room: A few hours before the vote, O'Connell took the somewhat rare step of sending out a press release calling on the council to approve the contract.
- He also published a lengthy series of posts on social media spelling out why he supported the Fusus agreement.
- In the days leading up to the meeting, O'Connell personally met with council members who were viewed as critical swing votes.
- The measure earned 20 votes in support and 18 in opposition, but needed 21 in order to be approved. Councilmembers Jennifer Gamble and Sandy Ewing were not present for the vote.
Zoom in: O'Connell explained his support for the contract despite votes during his council tenure against police surveillance.
- "While I know I developed a reputation for surveillance skepticism while on #MetroCouncilNash, I believe this recommendation—which doesn't expand instruments of surveillance—will meaningfully improve public safety outcomes while not endangering vulnerable residents," he said on X.
What's next: On Tuesday, O'Connell did not close the door on bringing back the Fusus contract. During a press conference at the East Police Precinct, where state and city leaders were celebrating a record drug bust, O'Connell expressed frustration that the debate strayed from the facts of the Fusus proposal.
- "I think we're having those conversations today," O'Connell said when asked if there is a path forward for the Fusus contract. "We will continue to have conversations with council members."
- "We did hear some ideas from council members that could be incorporated, and we're going to work closely with our partners at Metro Nashville Police Department and our colleagues on the Metro Council to see what we can do to try to enhance public safety using appropriate tools."
- Drake thanked O'Connell for his support, including the emails and social media posts on Tuesday prior to the vote. "I'm extremely disappointed that some members of council don't see this as an effective law enforcement tool," Drake said.
The bottom line: If the council couldn't pass the Fusus contract, there seems to be little hope for the more controversial license plate readers.