Cumberland Commissioner Candidates Talk Data Centers, Taxes, Clean Water
Candidates for two at-large seats on the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners discussed whether the county should pursue data centers while addressing concerns about energy use, water quality, land use and residents’ quality of life. Commissioner Veronica Jones said the county enacted a six-month data center moratorium to evaluate risks to water, air and public health.
Four candidates for two at-large Cumberland County commissioner seats debated economic development, taxes, schools and clean water at a Fayetteville-area election forum. Data centers became a focus after moderator Tyler Patton asked how the county should balance industrial growth with impacts on land use, agriculture and nearby residents.
Commissioner Veronica Jones said county leaders had imposed a six-month moratorium on data centers while they assess concerns about water, air quality and public safety. Ron Ross called data centers major energy consumers and said they should not be pursued until they become more environmentally friendly, while Greg West and former Commissioner Charles Evans supported broader economic growth but emphasized infrastructure, public services and responsible development. The discussion also addressed PFAS contamination linked to the Chemours plant, county efforts to extend public water in Gray’s Creek and litigation involving Chemours and DuPont.