Eyes in the Sky, Ambitions on the Ground: Drones, ALPRs, and Devon Reese’s Political Chessboard
Bill O’Donnell’s email.
It’s getting crowded in the sky over Somersett.
Between the automated license plate readers quietly capturing comings and goings, and now the appearance of a recreational drone — allegedly launched by the Somersett Homeowners Association — it seems Big Brother no longer needs a badge or a warrant. Just a Best Buy receipt and a little political cover.
But let’s back up. Because while the drone may be small, the backroom scheming flying beneath the radar is much bigger.
The Reese Rumor Rocket; City Councilmember Devon Reese is widely rumored to be prepping a run for Mayor of Reno, and sources say he’s been making calls — including one to Mayor Hillary Schieve — asking her to steer County Commissioner Alexis Hill out of the mayoral lane and into a bid for governor. Why? Simple math: Hill and Reese pull from the same pool of political support, and when you're already watching your backside with Kate Marshall as a committed candidate, you don’t need another competitor splitting votes.
Oh, the irony. Remember that back in 2020, the whispers said it was Reese who encouraged Hill to run against then-Commissioner Marsha Berkbigler. Now he’s trying to “reassign” her political destiny. That’s not strategy — that’s chess with real people.
Rumor is Reese is quietly working behind the scenes with some Republican-types, think of the gaggle of guys and gals who complained about the money they gave to Wes Duncan, to get Eddie Lorton in the mayoral race thinking it will take votes from Marshall - that idea might backfire on Reese since Lorton has deep ties not only in the Somersett community, but he has no problem pulling a Trump card. The biggest question Reese should be asking himself is would Lorton pull presidential endorsement. Come on, the duo know each other and Lorton has been on the dais often with Trump throughout the state.
Jacob Williams’ response. Remember he is a City of Reno Planning Commissioner.
And then there’s the latest buzz — literally. Residents in Somersett, where Reese resides, some were surprised to learn that their HOA has a drone. Not the cute Instagram kind — we’re talking about an aerial surveillance device that could, conceivably, peek over fences and into yards.
The official line? It’s just a toy. Just a simple, recreational drone. Nothing to see here, folks — except your backyard.
But let’s ask the questions no one else seems to be:
Was the drone FAA-registered?
Did they check the B4UFLY app to ensure legality in their flight zone?
Is the drone marked or branded so homeowners know who’s watching?
Was there an HOA vote, or is this a ‘decide now, justify later’ scenario?
The drone dust-up mirrors the earlier ALPR (Automated License Plate Reader) controversy in the same community — another surveillance system that slipped in with minimal transparency. That time, HOA board member Mr. Williams forwarded a private resident’s email to an elected official, blowing the lid off the whole thing.
Now? Williams is apparently miffed that someone else — Mr. O’Donnell — spilled the drone tea. Funny how sunshine is only bothersome when it’s not your flashlight.
But here's where it gets even juicier. Mr. Williams, the same ALPR enthusiast, was appointed to the Reno Planning Commission by Devon Reese. And wouldn’t you know — rumor has it he’s the handpicked successor to Reese’s Ward 5 seat, should Reese run (and possibly win) for mayor.
Because let’s be honest — why resign when you can run and keep your seat as a consolation prize? It’s like playing a slot machine: even if you lose, you still get a free drink.
So … who’s watching whom? Between ALPRs, drones, and increasingly choreographed political theater, it’s fair to ask: Are Reno residents being governed or just surveyed?
The surveillance trend in Somersett isn’t just a privacy issue — it’s a symptom of something bigger: a political culture where transparency is optional, oversight is weak, and ambition takes priority over accountability.
So the next time you hear a soft humming overhead, look up. It might just be the future of Reno — small, quiet, unregulated, and watching you.
City of Reno Planning Commissioners. Jacob Williams is the Ward 5 Planning Commissioner nominated by his buddy Councilmember Devon Reese and Somersett neighbor.