Two Monticello candidates vie for House 29B DFL nod
Two DFL candidates for Minnesota House District 29B, Marcus D. Claxton and Colton Kratky, are campaigning, with proposed hyperscale data centers in Monticello and Buffalo being a major topic. Both candidates expressed concerns about the environmental impact, noise, water, and power usage of these projects and discussed the need for state-level protections and regulations. The primary winner will face Republican Rep. Marion Rarick in November.
The Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) primary election for Minnesota House District 29B features two Monticello residents, Marcus D. Claxton and Colton Kratky, competing for the nomination. Both candidates highlight proposed hyperscale data centers in Monticello and Buffalo, within Wright County, as a critical issue for the district's residents.
Colton Kratky, an information technology security engineer, expressed strong concerns about the environmental, residential, and water impacts of these facilities. He advocates for state-level protections, proposing that the Legislature classify hyperscale data centers as heavy industry. Kratky also calls for comprehensive environmental studies, a ban on nondisclosure agreements involving municipalities, updated noise nuisance laws to include low-frequency sound, and mandatory disclosures for projects with high water or electricity demands.
Marcus D. Claxton, an author and actor, stated his opposition to data centers that would negatively affect the environment or create noise issues for residents. He suggests that such facilities, if necessary, should be located in larger cities or busy areas away from residential communities. Claxton believes the Legislature should actively oppose projects in unsuitable locations and pursue more appropriate solutions for data center development. The victorious candidate in the August 11 primary will advance to the November general election to challenge incumbent Republican Rep. Marion Rarick.