Texas House District 56 candidates unite on data center transparency

WACO, Texas (KWTX) - Candidates running for the Texas House District 56 seat agreed unanimously at the Hispanic Leaders Network’s Meet The Candidate Forum that increased transparency is needed regarding a proposed data center project in Lacy Lakeview. The McLennan County project has drawn concerns from residents who worry about its local environmental and infrastructure impacts. All four candidates — two Democrats and two Republicans — emphasized the importance of answering community questions before moving forward with development. Democratic candidate Ashley Bean Thornton said residents deserve comprehensive information about the project’s effects. “All the way from, ‘Is there enough water? Who gets first dibs on the water if it runs out? Is the electric bill going to go up? What are we going to do about the noise and light pollution?’” Thornton said.