To the editor,

I need to clear up a rumor that is going around in my area. I didn't say I was against putting up cameras at the Trimbelle Town Hall. What I was against was:

1. The cameras are the Chair's personal cameras.  
2. The pictures go to the Chair's personal iCloud account.
3. The Chair is the only who sees the pictures unless he chooses to share.

Surveillance cameras installed on Town property must be authorized by a formal vote by the board. Furthermore, directing those images to private, personal iCloud account creates a massive liability. Under the Wisconsin Public Records Law, those images are official Town records. Storing them on a private iCloud account commingles personal and public data, risking a severe open records violation. 

These cameras were put up BEFORE a motion by the board was approved and voted on.

Gaylene Schwalen

Town of Trimbelle