This Wisconsin retiree became Village President because of a data center
A proposed data center in Caledonia, Wisconsin, prompted retiree John Balch to run for local office, ultimately becoming the acting village president. He initially opposed the project due to concerns over rezoning and long-term problems. Although Microsoft eventually withdrew from the project, Balch's involvement in local politics continued.
John Balch, a Wisconsin retiree, became the acting Village President of Caledonia, Wisconsin, due to a proposed data center project. Balch, who previously had no interest in local politics, began researching the project and local government after a data center proposal from Microsoft landed about a mile from his home.
Balch expressed concerns about rezoning the property for Microsoft to build, fearing short-term revenue gains would lead to significant problems in the future. Although Microsoft eventually backed out of the project, Balch's neighbors encouraged him to run for local office. He successfully challenged an incumbent for a seat on the village board, stating he would not have entered politics without the data center controversy.
Balch's rapid ascent continued when the village board president resigned, and his peers nominated him to fill the position, making him the acting village president. His experience in Caledonia reflects a broader trend across Wisconsin, where data centers are becoming a major political issue. A recent Marquette Law School poll found that 71% of voters believe the costs of data centers outweigh their benefits, indicating growing cross-party opposition stemming from general doubts about the technology's implications.