Jackson, Bottoms debate Flock cameras and taxes before Nov. 3

Republican Rick Jackson and Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms faced off Tuesday, Oct. 6, in their only debate before the Nov. 3 governor's election. Flock surveillance cameras, taxes, teacher pay and data centers dominated the hourlong town hall.

The event at Assembly Studios aired statewide on Atlanta News First and Gray Media stations. Moderator Rick Folbaum fielded questions from undecided voters on affordability, education, data centers and privacy.

Flock cameras

Both candidates acknowledged concerns about automated license plate readers. As the Bulletin reported Oct. 6, Johns Creek police have been sharing Flock data statewide as misuse cases mount across Georgia.

Jackson said Flock cameras deliver good outcomes but need restrictions against misuse. He would not support a moratorium because of possible crime increases. Bottoms said technology is outpacing policy and that agencies misusing the cameras must be held accountable. She said she would support a moratorium on new installations.

The candidates did not give ground on the moratorium question.

Atlanta-based Flock Safety holds contracts with more than 5,000 law enforcement agencies nationwide, according to NPR. Multiple Georgia officers have been accused of misusing the databases for personal reasons, CBS News Atlanta reported in July.

Taxes

Bottoms pledged to suspend the state's grocery tax. Georgia's 4% state sales tax on groceries is already exempt under current law, though local sales taxes still apply. Bottoms did not specify which taxes her pledge covers.

Jackson pledged to cut the state's income tax during his first term "or I won't run again." Georgia's flat income tax rate is already dropping under a law Gov. Brian Kemp signed May 11. HB 463 cut the rate from 5.19% to 4.99% for 2026, with further annual reductions to 3.99% tied to revenue triggers. Jackson did not specify what rate he would target beyond the existing schedule.

Education and teacher pay

Bottoms said she wants to raise starting teacher pay to $60,000. Georgia's current average starting salary is $48,722, according to the National Education Association's 2026 rankings. Jackson pledged to remove administrative burdens on teachers.

Data centers

Bottoms called for a pause on new data center construction and accused Jackson of investing in data centers. Jackson, founder and chairman of Alpharetta-based Jackson Healthcare, denied owning or investing in data centers. He said he would not approve projects unless the local community approves, strict Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards are met and nearby consumers receive discounted utility bills.