Callaway County commission candidates discuss their vision for Callaway’s future
Candidates for Callaway County presiding commissioner are debating their long-range visions for the county, including the potential development of a large AI data center. A central part of this discussion revolves around the sensitive topic of planning and zoning within the rural county. Voters will choose a Republican candidate in the upcoming primary, who will then face a Democrat in the general election.
Three Republican candidates, Rob Barnes, Clay Chism, and Larry Robinson, are vying for Callaway County presiding commissioner in the upcoming Aug. 4 primary, with the winner to face Democrat Mike Conner in the Nov. 3 general election. During a recent candidate forum hosted by the Fulton NAACP, moderator Bob Sterner questioned the candidates on their 20-year vision for the county, specifically addressing how a proposed large AI data center would fit into that future.
Rob Barnes included "absent data centers" in his vision, acknowledging the potential development but emphasizing economic development and housing as his primary concerns. He highlighted planning and zoning as a sensitive issue for rural Callawegians, expressing interest in a new conversation about it, noting that a similar measure was soundly defeated 25 years ago.
Clay Chism focused on ensuring the county's fiscal soundness and improving infrastructure, particularly roads and bridges, envisioning Callaway County reclassified as a first-class county if the data center is built. However, Chism stated he is not a proponent of planning and zoning, citing widespread citizen opposition he has encountered during his campaign.
Mike Conner described the proposed data center as the biggest investment in Callaway County's history, projecting an initial 2,000 construction jobs, which would later reduce to a few dozen operational employees. He stressed the importance of careful regulation and oversight during the initial two years to manage the long-term impact on the county.