The Stewards' Watch: What's Really Watching Us?

Good morning Stewards,

Sometimes the most important questions are the ones we never thought to ask.

This week brought revelations about technology most residents assume serves our safety, when it might actually be serving someone else's profits.

From AI-powered license plate cameras collecting data on every trip to the grocery store, to a county clerk suspended for alleged misconduct, we're reminded that transparency and accountability require constant vigilance.

As we prepare for Saturday's Taste of Smyrna—expecting over 20,000 neighbors to celebrate our community's culinary spirit—we're also confronting harder truths about the surveillance infrastructure operating quietly around us every day.

The intersection of innovation and privacy, community celebration and civic oversight, local business opportunity and government accountability demonstrates why informed residents make all the difference in shaping outcomes that serve people rather than just profit margins.

Your awareness and engagement have never been more crucial as we navigate technology that promises safety while potentially compromising the very freedoms it claims to protect.

Stay engaged, Smyrna-Vinings.

— Your Voice for Local Prosperity

In Today's Edition

• 🛡️ Stewards Watch: The surveillance cameras you never consented to—and why Smyrna should care

• 🍴 Event Horizon: Taste of Smyrna brings 30+ restaurants and 20,000 neighbors together Saturday

• 💼 Job Board: Why working for local food businesses matters more than you think

• 🏛️ Public Pulse: Cobb Superior Court Clerk suspended amid misconduct allegations

• 🏢 Business Beat: Worthing Companies expands Smyrna land holdings

• 📰 Media Shift: Atlanta Journal-Constitution goes digital-only in 2026

STEWARDS WATCH
🛡️ The Surveillance You Never Consented to—And It's Located Here in Smyrna

Every time you drive through Smyrna, AI-powered cameras are likely recording your license plate, tracking your movements, and feeding that data to private companies that profit from your location information.

The company behind much of this surveillance? Flock Safety—headquartered right here in Smyrna.

The Hidden Infrastructure:

Those innocuous-looking traffic cameras aren't just monitoring for safety. They're running sophisticated AI models that capture license plates, classify vehicle makes and models, note bumper stickers, and even catalog cosmetic damage.

This information gets stored in databases accessible to law enforcement, private companies, and potentially anyone willing to pay the subscription fee.

The Business Model:

Cities, businesses, and homeowner associations pay Flock Safety $2,000-$3,000 per camera annually, but the company retains rights to the data. With a recent valuation approaching $8 billion and nearly half a billion in venture capital investment, Flock Safety has spent $92 million on lobbying efforts—mostly in the past year.

Your Data, Their Profit:

Vehicle tracking data gets combined with retail purchases, personal demographics, criminal records, and social media activity. Major retailers merge license plate data with customer names, addresses, income information, family details, and purchasing patterns.

This comprehensive profile gets sold to data brokers and law enforcement agencies.

Local Impact:

In cities with dense camera networks, this effectively functions as a secretly installed GPS device on your vehicle. Law enforcement can place individuals on "hot lists," receiving real-time notifications whenever their car is detected—creating continuous tracking without warrants typically required for surveillance.

The Accuracy Problem:

Despite advanced technology claims, these systems make errors. Multiple documented cases involve innocent families, including children, held at gunpoint due to false alerts for stolen vehicles.

Aurora, Colorado taxpayers paid a $1.9 million settlement for one such incident. Flock Safety's liability agreements protect the company from error-related lawsuits, leaving taxpayers to fund both the subscriptions and subsequent settlements.

Technical Vulnerabilities:

Security researchers have identified serious flaws in camera systems:

• Outdated WPA2 encryption vulnerable to password cracking

• Unsecured video feeds accessible through specialized search engines

• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi access points with documented security holes

• Major breaches affecting tens of thousands of cameras used by police departments

The Bigger Picture:

While European Union regulations like GDPR treat data privacy as a fundamental human right requiring explicit consent, the United States lacks comparable protections.

This disparity explains why American companies can legally track, profile, and monetize citizen movements while similar practices would be prohibited in other developed nations.

Why It Matters Locally:

Smyrna residents never voted to become data points in a private surveillance network. When technology companies profit from tracking your daily routines without consent, they transform public safety tools into privacy violations.

Understanding this system empowers residents to make informed decisions about their digital footprint and advocate for transparency in local surveillance policies.

EVENT HORIZON
🍴 Taste of Smyrna: Saturday's Culinary Celebration

This Saturday, September 6, over 20,000 food lovers will converge on Village Green for Taste of Smyrna, the community's premier culinary celebration featuring over 30 local restaurants.

Event Details:

• When: Saturday, September 6, 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM

• Where: Village Green, downtown Smyrna

• Admission: FREE

• Food: Sample portions from $1-$10

• Features: Beer garden, live music, kids activities, restaurant competitions

Why It Matters: Taste of Smyrna represents more than food sampling—it's an economic engine supporting local restaurants while building community connections. When 20,000+ residents discover new dining options, they create lasting business relationships that sustain local establishments year-round.

Restaurant Competitions: Local eateries compete for recognition in various categories, with winners gaining valuable marketing exposure and community recognition that translates to increased business throughout the year.

Family Experience: Beyond food, the event features all-day entertainment, big screen TVs for sports viewing, and dedicated kids activities that make this a genuine community gathering rather than just a food festival.

Economic Impact: Events like Taste of Smyrna demonstrate why supporting local restaurants matters—they provide jobs for neighbors, contribute tax revenue for city services, and create the vibrant community atmosphere that attracts new residents and businesses.

Planning Ahead: With over 20,000 expected attendees, plan for parking challenges and arrive early for the best selection. Most restaurants offer sample portions, but bringing cash for multiple tastings and beverages enhances the experience.

Community Building: This event exemplifies how food brings people together across neighborhood lines, economic backgrounds, and cultural differences—creating the social fabric that makes Smyrna-Vinings a desirable place to live.

JOB BOARD
💼 Your Community Needs You: Local Food Service Opportunity

Stop scrolling past another corporate job posting. This opportunity matters more than you realize.

The Position: Part-Time Driver + Kitchen Assistant
The Company: Stovetop Solutions Personal Chef Services
The Impact: Supporting local families through exceptional food experiences

Why This Job Changes Everything:

When you work for Stovetop Solutions, you're not just earning a paycheck—you're becoming part of a movement that proves local, independent businesses can thrive while treating people with dignity and respect.

Here's What Makes This Different:

Real Work-Life Balance

• Mondays: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Tuesday-Thursday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• Every Friday, Saturday, Sunday OFF

• No late nights, no weekend shifts, no holiday rushes

Calm, Collaborative Environment
Forget everything you know about kitchen stress. This isn't a hectic restaurant line with managers shouting over fryers. You'll work in private homes with a professional chef who values your contributions and treats you as a partner, not just labor.

Fair Compensation That Respects Your Time

• $12/hour (competitive for the market)

• $30/week gas stipend (because your transportation costs matter)

• Steady 22 hours/week for 6 months guaranteed

• Growth opportunities as the business expands

What You'll Actually Do:

• Drive within 20 miles of Smyrna (reasonable territory)

• Assist with kitchen prep and cleanup (training provided)

• Handle light lifting (no back-breaking labor)

• Be punctual and dependable (basic professional expectations)

Who This Is Perfect For:

• Retirees seeking meaningful work without corporate nonsense

• Culinary students gaining real-world experience

• Restaurant veterans tired of toxic kitchen culture

• Anyone who loves food but wants sanity in their schedule

Why Supporting Local Food Businesses Matters:

When you work for Stovetop Solutions, you're not making some distant CEO wealthier. You're helping a local entrepreneur build something valuable in our community.

Personal chef services help busy families maintain their health and spend time together instead of stressing over meal planning.

Every dollar you earn circulates through our local economy. Every satisfied client becomes a neighbor who supports other local businesses.

Every successful local food entrepreneur proves that treating workers fairly while serving community needs isn't just possible—it's profitable.

The Requirements (Nothing Unreasonable):

• Valid driver's license and insured vehicle

• Legal work authorization

• Background check (standard protection for client safety)

• Reliability and punctuality (basic professional expectations)

Ready to Join Something Better?

Contact [email protected] with your name, location, and availability. This isn't just another job—it's a chance to prove that local businesses can compete with corporate chains while maintaining humanity, dignity, and community connection.

The food industry needs more people who understand that feeding others well is both an honor and a responsibility. Could that person be you?

PUBLIC PULSE
🏛️ County Clerk Suspended Amid Misconduct Allegations

Governor Brian Kemp has suspended Cobb Superior Court Clerk Connie Taylor from office pending investigation into allegations of official misconduct, marking a significant disruption in county judicial operations.

The Suspension: Taylor's suspension affects the office responsible for maintaining court records, processing legal documents, and supporting judicial proceedings for all Superior Court cases in Cobb County, including those involving Smyrna residents.

Operational Impact: During the suspension, deputy clerks and administrative staff continue handling essential court functions, but the leadership vacuum creates uncertainty for ongoing legal proceedings and administrative processes.

Broader Implications: This suspension highlights the importance of accountability in elected positions that directly affect public services.

Superior Court clerks handle sensitive legal documents, financial transactions, and confidential records requiring the highest ethical standards.

Next Steps: The investigation will determine whether Taylor can return to office or if a replacement appointment becomes necessary. Meanwhile, court operations continue under interim leadership to minimize disruption to legal proceedings.

Why It Matters Locally: Smyrna residents involved in legal proceedings—whether civil cases, criminal matters, or property disputes—depend on the Superior Court Clerk's office for accurate record-keeping and efficient processing.

Leadership instability in this office can create delays and complications for citizens navigating the judicial system.

BUSINESS BEAT
🏢 Worthing Companies Expands Smyrna Footprint

Worthing Companies has acquired additional land in Smyrna, continuing the development firm's strategic expansion in the area as commercial real estate demand remains strong.

The Acquisition: The land purchase represents continued investor confidence in Smyrna's growth potential, particularly in commercial and mixed-use development sectors that support the area's expanding population and business base.

Development Implications: Worthing Companies' investment suggests planned development that could bring additional commercial space, employment opportunities, and tax revenue to the city while potentially affecting traffic patterns and infrastructure needs.

Market Signal: Major development companies typically acquire land based on demographic projections, transportation access, and regulatory environment. This acquisition signals positive expectations for Smyrna's continued growth and economic viability.

Community Impact: New commercial development can provide jobs for residents while expanding retail and service options. However, growth also requires careful planning to preserve community character and manage infrastructure demands.

Why It Matters Locally: Commercial development shapes neighborhood character, property values, and daily convenience for residents. Understanding who's investing in Smyrna's future and their development philosophy helps residents prepare for changes that affect their quality of life and community identity.

MEDIA SHIFT
📰 Atlanta Journal-Constitution Ending Print Edition in 2026

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution will cease print publication and transition to digital-only format in 2026, marking the end of an era for Georgia's largest newspaper and reflecting broader changes in media consumption patterns.

The Transition: This shift represents the culmination of declining print circulation and advertising revenue that has affected newspapers nationwide, as readers increasingly consume news through digital platforms and social media.

Local News Impact: The AJC's digital transition may affect coverage of suburban communities like Smyrna-Vinings, as digital-first news organizations often prioritize metro-wide stories over neighborhood-level reporting that requires dedicated local presence.

Information Landscape: As traditional newspapers reduce local coverage, community newsletters, social media groups, and independent news sources become more important for residents seeking information about municipal decisions, school board actions, and neighborhood developments.

Digital Access: The transition assumes universal digital access and comfort with online news consumption, potentially creating information gaps for residents who prefer print media or have limited internet access.

Why It Matters Locally: When major regional newspapers reduce local coverage, communities must develop alternative information sources to stay informed about decisions affecting their daily lives. This transition underscores the importance of community-focused publications that prioritize neighborhood news over regional advertising revenue.

👋 Until Next Tuesday

This week reminded us that the most important civic engagement often involves questioning assumptions about systems we take for granted.

From surveillance cameras we never consented to, to media transitions that affect how we stay informed, to educational decisions that override community input (more on that next week)—democracy requires constant attention from residents who care about outcomes.

Saturday's Taste of Smyrna offers a perfect contrast—20,000+ neighbors gathering to celebrate local businesses and community connections that strengthen our social fabric.

Food brings people together across differences while surveillance technology often divides us through mistrust and hidden monitoring.

The choice between community connection and technological surveillance isn't inevitable—it's a decision we make through our engagement, our questions, and our insistence on transparency from both public officials and private companies operating in our neighborhoods.

Your awareness and participation shape whether technology serves community interests or corporate profits.

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We commend you for being a part of a brighter future for Smyrna-Vinings.
— The Stewardship Group

P.S. This week's Stewardship challenge: Question Your Surveillance Footprint

This week, pay attention to the cameras around you during daily activities. Notice traffic cameras, store security systems, and parking lot surveillance.

Ask yourself: Who owns this equipment? Where does the data go? What rights do you have regarding your recorded movements?