Floyd County Commission Post 1 candidate: Shane Cowan

Shane Cowan, a candidate vying for Floyd County Commission Post 1, has publicly stated his unequivocal opposition to data centers. Citing concerns about the county's existing water limitations and the potential strain on local infrastructure, Cowan emphasized that Floyd County already faces water limits, even before the typical dry season. He highlighted the potential burden on water treatment systems, imagining the impact of a new reverse osmosis system paired with the demands of even a single data center. Cowan's platform also focuses on fiscal responsibility and property tax relief. He argues that property taxes have significantly increased, creating a burden on seniors and families. Instead of attracting industries like data centers, he proposes lowering property taxes to foster natural economic growth and attract young workers and businesses. He criticizes the county's budget practices, advocating for a line-by-line review of departmental spending, prioritizing essential needs over 'wants.' Furthermore, Cowan expressed skepticism about the use of Special Purpose Local Option Sales Taxes (SPLOSTs), attributing many of the county's financial issues to their mismanagement. He cited the unfinished 2017 AG center project as a prime example of cost overruns and administrative inefficiencies. He also supports the full consolidation of Rome City and Floyd County governments and school systems, believing it would yield significant financial savings by eliminating duplicate services and administrative costs. Cowan, a lifelong resident, stated his desire for local government to focus on basic needs like water, roads, and infrastructure, while decreasing tax burdens.