Independence Councilman Faces Recall Vote Over AI Data Center
Independence City Council approved a recall vote for Councilman John Perkins, stemming from his decision to grant a 90% tax abatement to the Nebius AI data center project. Residents, led by organizer McKinnobb, initiated the recall petition due to strong opposition to the data center. Voters in the First District will decide Perkins's fate on September 1st.
The Independence City Council has approved a ballot initiative for the recall of Councilman John Perkins, with First District voters set to decide his fate on September 1st. The movement to recall Perkins was organized by resident McKinnobb, who emphasized that the petition was not a personal attack but a response to the councilman's vote to approve a 90% tax abatement for the proposed Nebius AI data center in the Little Blue Valley.
McKinnobb, who stated she had never engaged in political activism before, described the community's sentiment as one of frustration and a desire for better representation regarding the data center project. Councilman Perkins, who has represented the district since 2016, defended his record by highlighting improvements he championed along US 24 highway and in the Englewoods Arts District and the Fairmont neighborhood. He vowed to campaign to retain his position, while McKinnobb hopes the recent civic engagement leads to long-term community conversations and action.