Sherburne County Board of Commissioners District 3 Primary Voters Guide: Mark Swanson
Mark Swanson, a candidate for Sherburne County Board, advocates for data centers as an economic development priority but stresses responsible placement away from residential areas. He suggests the Becker Industrial Park as an ideal location and believes concerns over power and water usage can be managed through design and regional planning. Swanson highlights the need to minimize impact while maximizing tax benefits.
Mark Swanson, a candidate for Sherburne County Commissioner District 3, supports the continued pursuit of data centers as a key component of the county's economic development strategy. Drawing on his experience, including time on the Becker Township Board, Swanson acknowledged the rising opposition and moratoriums against data center projects in other areas, attributing these issues to irresponsible development practices.
Swanson emphasized the importance of strategic placement, specifically identifying the Becker Industrial Park as an ideal location due to its existing infrastructure and separation from residential zones. He addressed concerns regarding electricity and water consumption, noting that power usage is a regional issue that cannot be resolved by merely relocating data centers out of Minnesota. He also stated that water usage concerns are largely a design issue, which can be mitigated through collaboration with development organizations to minimize environmental impact while securing positive tax benefits for the county. Among his broader priorities are lowering government spending, reducing regulatory burdens, and addressing the upcoming shutdown of the Sherco coal power plant.