Festus data center foes file lawsuit to try to force recall election
Opponents of a data center project in Festus, Missouri, have filed a lawsuit to compel the City Council to hold a recall election for the mayor and three council members. The council had previously voted against honoring a citizen-led recall effort regarding their approval of the controversial data center. Citizens are protesting the officials' decision to approve the data center.
A lawsuit has been filed by Festus residents against the Festus City Council to force a recall election for Mayor Sam Richards and three council members. Residents accuse these officials of approving a controversial data center project against the wishes of the community.
This legal action follows the City Council's decision on June 8, 2026, to reject resolutions that would have initiated recall elections. Citizen leaders, including Mary Hedger, have vocally opposed the proposed data center, criticizing the council for disregarding public sentiment.
During the June 8 meeting, residents like Gabe Cotton and Dee Politte expressed strong disapproval of the council's decision. Demonstrations were held outside Festus City Hall, and confrontations occurred with council members Allen McCarthy, Dave Boyer, Kevin Dennis, and Michael Cook, as well as Police Chief Doug Wendel, highlighting the ongoing local opposition to the data center's approval.