Before Wednesday’s virtual City Commission meetings and as debate continues about a potential data center locally, a new group has organized a rally in support of city leaders.
Emporians for Progress is planning a rally as a way to thank and support city commissioners and other city staff for the work they do for residents. The group says the demonstration will be “peaceful, positive and pro-Emporia.”
The rally is set for the south side of the Emporia Public Library from 9:50-11 am. The City Commission meeting begins at 11. Participants are asked to meet in the library’s parking lot but to park elsewhere so library patrons can use those spaces.
Concerns about behavior were mentioned after dual gatherings 2 weeks ago. Emporia Neighbors United members were accused of walking through a disagreeing rally as an intimidation tactic while being disrespectful to people with opposing views. Neighbors United, meanwhile, says one of the members of what is now Emporians for Progress was belligerent in his own regard towards both Neighbors United and local law enforcement.
Neighbors United has posted a 12-point rulebook for its online membership, including debating the issue, not the person; no threats or intimidation; keeping the discussion focused on data centers, local governments and uniting the community; emphasizing facts; no doxxing or sharing private information; no discrimination or hate speech; and giving everyone, regardless of viewpoint, a chance to speak without “intentionally drowning out discussions.” A Neighbors United member says the post involves online activity and is not connected to the protests from 2 weeks ago.
The City Commission meeting is virtual because of threats to commissioners and city staffers since the proposed data center was announced. The threats remain under investigation by the Emporia Police Department. Wednesday’s meeting will include discussion about a petition to ban battery storage systems, with commissioners likely to ask Lyon County District Court for a legal review as part of an ongoing review process for another petition hoping to ban high-impact data centers for at least 10 years. The meeting is available online at emporiaks.gov/agendas. There will be no traditional public comment portion due to the virtual format. Residents wanting to ask questions or provide comments can either call 620-343-4289 or email citycommission@emporiaks.gov before the meeting.
