Independence Voters Seek Recall of Councilman Over $150 Billion Data Center Tax Breaks
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 19
Independence Voters Seek Recall of Councilman Over $150 Billion Data Center Tax Breaks
1 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 19
Summary
More than 1,200 Independence, Missouri, residents signed a recall petition against Councilman John Perkins after he backed incentives for a massive data center project.
The backlash centers on a March City Council vote in which Perkins and four other members approved billions of dollars in tax breaks for the $150 billion development.
At a June council meeting, dozens of residents packed the room and accused city leaders of pushing through a project they did not want and failing to hear public opposition.
The fight reflects a wider U.S. backlash against data centers, with recall efforts or related votes also emerging in Festus, Missouri, and Mason, Michigan, ahead of November.