Citizens in Caldwell and Hays counties have driven surveillance cameras out of their communities recently and that’s in no small part due to organizers like the Caldwell/Hays Examiner, which provides oversight of their local governments. On Sept. 10, Caldwell County rejected a $100,000 grant from Texas’ Operation Lone Star program, citing concerns about the money’s possible use for surveillance. Five days later, the Hays County Commissioners Court voted to strip funding for a $4.5 million contract expansion with tech company Axon that would have boosted artificial intelligence in the county’s law enforcement systems. On Saturday, 17 local groups gather to strategize next steps. – Brant Bingamon
