Independence councilman targeted for recall amid lingering data center anger

The approval of a $150 billion hyperscale data center in Independence, Missouri, by Dutch company Nevius, continues to generate significant public backlash. The facility, planned for the Little Blue Parkway and Highway 78, was approved by the Independence City Council, despite strong opposition from local residents. Opponents, who vowed to take action after the council's vote, saw two council members who supported the funding lose their seats in this month's municipal election. Now, a recall petition has been filed against First District Councilmember John Perkins, who also voted in favor of the project. McKenna Kupp initiated the petition, starting a 30-day window to gather signatures, aiming to replace Perkins with someone who takes residents' concerns more seriously. Councilmember Perkins defended his vote, stating he doesn't regret it and believes his broader record, including infrastructure advocacy, speaks for itself. He acknowledges the recall effort but feels it doesn't reflect the full scope of his work. In response to the recall, a coalition of six labor unions, including the Independence police and fire unions, published a letter supporting Perkins. Despite the data center's approval, the opposition movement has energized the community to demand more accountability from their elected officials.