Carlton County Board Candidates Champion Data Center Moratorium in Rematch Election
Two candidates running for the Carlton County Board of Commissioners, Susan Zmyslony and Mark Thell, are campaigning on platforms that include support for a countywide data center moratorium. The County Board recently enacted a one-year moratorium on data centers, with Zmyslony being a vocal proponent after a potential AI data center project was considered in a township she represents.
Incumbent Susan Zmyslony and former commissioner Mark Thell are facing off for the fourth time for the District 4 seat on the Carlton County Board of Commissioners. Both candidates are campaigning on similar platforms, with a shared focus on fiscal responsibility and support for a countywide data center moratorium.
Zmyslony, a 38-year resident of Barnum Township, is seeking a third term and has become a prominent opponent of data center construction in the county. Her stance solidified after Silver Brook Township, which she represents, was considered for a potential AI data center project. In August, with Zmyslony's backing, the Carlton County Board successfully passed a one-year moratorium on data centers. Zmyslony is also outspoken against significant property tax increases, advocating for a levy increase no greater than 3.9%.
Mark Thell, a Blackhoof Township resident and U.S. Air Force veteran, emphasizes his extensive public service and network within Minnesota politics. He aligns with Zmyslony on fiscal conservatism and supports the data center moratorium. Thell also highlighted the county's fiscal challenges, including a proposed 9% levy hike, and discussed the future of the aging transfer station, suggesting innovative solutions like a county plasma waste incinerator. The election race has historically been very close, with tight margins in previous contests between the two.