Temple Mayor issues statement in response to data center pushback

Temple Mayor Tim Davis has publicly defended the city council's recent vote to approve a data center, a decision that has sparked significant backlash and a recall effort against him. Following the approval, a citizen-led group, headed by Temple resident Joe Royer, has gained momentum in its campaign to remove Mayor Davis from office. Royer's group, which now boasts approximately 200 volunteers, initially formed to seek answers regarding the data center's potential impact on the community, including concerns about water, electricity, noise, traffic, and environmental effects. Mayor Davis, in a letter to residents, stated that developers must adhere to strict requirements and comply with local, state, and federal laws. He also projected that each data center would generate around $7 million annually for the city, refuting accusations of personal gain. Despite the mayor's reassurances, Royer expressed dissatisfaction with the response, characterizing it as downplaying responsibility and suggesting the project's inevitability. The recall effort has seen a surge in support since the mayor's letter was released, with the group nearly halfway to collecting the required 5,000 signatures within a little over a week. Royer emphasized the group's belief that the data center project can still be stopped, encouraging continued community engagement and opposition.