A Statement to Mayor Pierce and Watertown City Council

We are writing on behalf of the New York Transhumanist Party (NYTP) about the recent conflict regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) programs like ChatGPT. The NYTP (and its national parent organization, the United States Transhumanist Party/USTP) is a forward-thinking organization with an emphasis on bringing science, health, and technology to politics. As such, we have concerns over Mayor Pierce’s recent statements about Councilman Olney’s use of AI to assist his writing.

The NYTP views AI as a valuable tool for a wide variety of applications. We feel using it as a tool to assist an individual’s writing with the intent of improving communication is a valid positive use. This is not a bot speaking in place of an elected official, but an elected official using computer assistance in an effort to communicate better. Mr. Olney still maintains final approval and is responsible for ensuring the output is accurate to his intent. Essentially, if Mr. Olney is pleased enough with the results to sign his name and publish something, he has given his approval that the text speaks to his intent. This isn’t much different to a politician reading a speech written by a paid writer or endorsing a campaign advertisement made by a production company. Additionally, we can see no harm being caused by this use of AI. No one’s rights are being violated, no one was injured, and no rules or laws have been broken. The only negative reactions are being caused by personal differences of opinion regarding new technology.

Mayor Pierce refusing to read or engage with communications from colleagues she suspects are using AI is concerning. This action would stifle government functionality at a fundamental level as a government cannot work without open communication. This kind of dysfunction is not acceptable and does a terrible disservice to the City of Watertown and its residents. Mayor Pierce should reverse course and continue to read and communicate with every member of the city council as the job requires.

Regardless of whatever disagreements exist, this is not an issue the city government should be wasting time on. There is room in every government, no matter the size or jurisdiction, for different perspectives and methodologies to coexist and work together. We encourage Mayor Pierce and the Watertown City Council to work in that fashion.