Part 2: Forum focuses on public safety, accountability and data center concerns

Five candidates vying for seats on the Imperial County Board of Supervisors recently participated in a forum hosted by the Imperial County Democrats in Brawley, California. The candidates discussed their platforms on public safety and took a stand on a proposed data center project within the county. Incumbent District 1 Supervisor Jesus Eduardo Escobar clarified that despite a recent lot merger vote, no permits for construction or other activities have been issued for the data center in Imperial County. He stressed that the developer still needs to secure access to energy and water, and he would not support any project that would raise electricity rates for county residents. District 5 Supervisor John Hawk echoed concerns about water and power, contrasting the current proposal with a previous, self-sustaining geothermal data center project by Cal Ethos that failed to secure permits. Candidate Enrique Alvarado stated he would only support data centers compliant with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and those providing clear, legally binding community benefits, including fair compensation for water and energy consumption. He criticized the recent lot merger vote, stating he would have voted against it. Candidate Lorena Minor-Montes advocated for "responsible building" of data centers, noting that her endorsement from Victoria Homes, a real estate agency, comes with opposition to the current proposed project. She argued residents should have been better informed about the construction. The discussion highlighted ongoing community and political scrutiny over the data center's potential local impacts.