100 Percent Fed Up By Danielle
Four city council members in a small Missouri town were voted out of their positions just days after the approval of a controversial $6 billion data center project.
In a 6-2 vote, the Festus City Council approved an ordinance to create a “framework of requirements” for the data center developer.
Members of the public filled the Festus High School gym to oppose the data center.
$6 Billion Data Center Approved In Red State Despite Massive Public Pushback
More from the New York Post:
Local opposition to the data center, which was set to be built on some 360 acres of land by investment firm CRG Clayco, had been building in the weeks leading up to the March 30 special meeting.
At the meeting, council members voted 6-2 to approve an infrastructure, development and funding agreement for the $6 billion project.
While city leaders touted the project’s economic benefits, key details — including who would ultimately operate the facility and how it would impact local resources — were unclear, fueling frustration among residents.
Locals have fiercely opposed the project, raising concerns about its environmental impact, property values and the prospect of a massive industrial facility being built near homes.
Many also argued city officials ignored public input and rushed the approval process despite widespread backlash.
Four incumbent council members — Jim Collier in Ward 1, Brian Wehner in Ward 2, Robert “Bobby” Venz in Ward 3 and Jim Tinnin in Ward 4 — were voted out, each losing to challengers who ran on anti-data center and pro-transparency platforms, according to St. Louis Public Radio.
“This data center fight has struck this community to the core and really, honestly ignited a community-driven effort here,” said Dan Moore, who defeated the Ward 3 incumbent, according to KCUR.
“People are awake now, and we’re not going to let this continue on anymore,” he added.
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