Democratic candidates pledge to oppose data centers in Genesee County
Democratic candidates in Genesee County, NY, have pledged to oppose data center construction due to growing community concerns. Candidates running for New York Senate, Assembly, and U.S. House of Representatives will actively fight such development. A community meet-and-greet is planned to discuss their commitment to this issue.
The Genesee County Democratic Committee announced that its local candidates are pledging to oppose data center construction across Genesee County, New York. This commitment comes amid increasing community concerns regarding such developments. Candidates running for state and federal offices, including Sarah Wolcott for New York State Assembly, Victoria Guite for New York State Senate, and Alissa Ellman for the U.S. House of Representatives, have vowed to fight against data center projects.
Sarah Wolcott, a Batavia resident, emphasized that the community is unified in its opposition, stating, "It's our community; we live here; we say no." She also criticized the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) for its alleged failure to bring sustained business development to the STAMP (Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park) site over two decades, suggesting a need to rethink the current investment strategy.
Victoria Guite, an Alabama resident, echoed the sentiment of community unity against data centers, which she cited as a critical issue motivating her campaign. Alissa Ellman, a Lockport resident and U.S. Army veteran, also expressed concerns about how these projects affect residents' utilities during a town hall event in Warsaw. The Genesee County Democratic Committee plans to host a meet-and-greet event on October 6 at the Richmond Memorial Library in Batavia, where all three candidates will discuss their commitment to opposing data centers.