This issue is more important than my campaign and affects everyone, so please read, share or talk to other people about this. I want to get the word out to everyone, I think this is an issue both parties can agree on.

For those that don’t know what a data center is it is a large building with thousands of computer chips running constantly mostly to train AI. There are currently 4,000 data centers in the country and 2,700 more planned to open. There are several in this area being planned and built. Close to Maryville, Liberty and Independence with more on the way in the near future. The Midwest is a prime location for data centers to expand into. We have lots of land, plenty of water and cheaper electricity. I would prefer to keep it that way.

Many of these deals to bring data centers are being done behind closed doors with no input from the community. Some local government officials are even signing NDA agreements with companies so that they cannot let the public know what is happening. This is unacceptable, the government should work for the people, not giant tech companies. Large companies are using AI to take jobs and make more money. The government is using AI to fight wars and spy on us.

There is almost no benefit for these communities and many negatives. The jobs to build the data center are temporary and the permanent jobs to run it are few. On the other hand they contribute to noise and air pollution, lead to bad health effects, increase electricity costs for everyone and use tons of water. Often times tax breaks are given to these companies costing us even more money. I don’t see why anyone would want one close to where they live, so why are so many local governments approving them? What is the incentive? Is it just so these huge corporations can make even more money and replace workers with AI?

All of this investment may be good for the economy now, but I believe this is a bubble that will pop sooner than later. If it pops and the war with Iran is still dragging on and the price of oil is high then that will be devastating to the economy.

AI is not inherently good or bad, but without guardrails and regulations it could be very dangerous. We need to make sure we understand the effects on the environment and human health, the tech companies need to pay for the increased costs of utilities, no more NDAs and more transparency, end the tax breaks and instead let the people who live in the community around the data center share in some of the profits. We all have to come together to organize and make sure we protect ourselves. Many states are passing laws to deal with this and to put a hold on new data centers, we need to do the same here.