The ongoing public debate surrounding the data center-related petition questions on the November 3 general election ballot made its way to KVOE’s airwaves Tuesday morning, taking center stage on KVOE’s issues forum.
Questions 2 and 3 on the ballot before Emporia voters will ask residents to decide whether or not a data center and level 2 and 3 battery energy storage systems will be permitted in the community, with a yes vote supporting a 10-year moratorium on both and a no vote supporting continued exploration of a potential project. Both sides of the debate had representatives in the studio, with Casey Woods representing Emporians for Progress, joined by author and cybersecurity expert Heath Jeppson, and Jay Vehige and Edgar Esparza representing Emporia Neighbors United.
For Woods, the matter was simple: residents should vote no on questions 2 and 3 as he fears it could put up a clear sign that Emporia is “closed for business.”
Woods also stated at the onset of the debate that he is not advocating specifically for a data center project; rather, he is supporting not closing the door on the possibility until the community can see an actual deal.
For Vehige, the matter boils down to citizens feeling as though they are not being heard or valued in the matter.
Esparza echoed this sentiment, saying the community should have been more involved in the discussion from the outset, adding that the 10-year moratorium proposed at this time was a direct result of leadership not adhering to the requests of residents.
Vehige and Esparza also addressed Woods comments regarding the signal it may send to industries that the community is “closed for business,” with Esparza saying Neighbors United is for development and he personally is not against data centers in general.
Vehige also called Woods statement a fallacy, arguing it sends a positive message that Emporia values safeguards and protections over profits.
Jeppson weighed in, saying he had many concerns about the proposed moratoriums, speaking strictly to the battery energy storage systems, saying a moratorium could have undesired impacts on existing businesses and industries.
Jeppson also stated he feels the attempt to ban both matters for a decade would be the community prohibiting future development based on current anxiety.
Several of the major contested points between sides were brought up during Tuesday’s forum, including the subject of job creation. In recent months, proponents of the project have stated a data center facility could create upwards of 500 jobs for the community both in short- and long-term employment, with Woods calling it an opportunity to revamp the economy.
Opposition has argued the opposite, citing data from other communities which they claim shows the jobs created would be closer to 50 or less. Even if the project created the estimated 500 jobs, Esparza says the creation in relation to the size of the proposed facility, 1,000 acres, seems disproportionate.
Woods pointed to Simmons Pet Food as an example of how employment opportunities can grow along with a company or project over time.
Vehige also argued that agencies responsible for economic development have had opportunities in recent months to do so and they have not fulfilled that obligation.
Woods countered that claim, saying economic development is not the same as “ordering off a menu.”
Another important note is that even if the community votes to approve the moratorium, there is a possibility said votes could be thrown out, as Senior Judge Glen Braun has yet to issue a ruling on the petitions as to whether they are legislative or administrative in nature. Should the ordinance be deemed administrative, it will, according to previous interviews with city administrators, be deemed invalid and therefore the general election vote would be null and void. At this time, the only special question set to be placed on the ballot is the question regarding the data center petition.
KVOE has the full issues forum interview available both on KVOE’s YouTube channel and social media channels for those wishing to listen to it. KVOE will continue its issues forum Thursday, focusing on the proposed quarter-percent sales tax question, which, if approved, would act as a funding source for new and updated Emporia Recreation facilities.
