After these Independence councilmembers supported an AI data center, voters ousted them

Voters in Independence, Missouri, recently ousted two city councilmembers, Bridget McCandless and Jared Fears, who had supported giving over $6 billion in tax breaks to Nebius for a massive artificial intelligence data center. The election results represent a significant victory for the "Stop the AI Data Center in Independence" Facebook group, which boasts over 117,000 members and campaigned heavily against the incumbents. The opposition intensified after the city council approved the tax abatement in March, despite widespread public outcry. The city then rejected the group's attempts to force a public vote on the deal, a decision upheld by a Jackson County judge. This prompted opponents to focus their efforts on the municipal elections, advocating for candidates who promised greater transparency and accountability. Mayor-elect Kevin King, who had signed the petition for a public vote and promised transparency, won with 60% of the vote, unseating McCandless. Additionally, Jackie Dorman, an outspoken opponent of the project, and Cody Atkinson, who called for accountability, were elected to the city council, filling the seats vacated by Fears and McCandless. Opponents, including leader Misty Vaughn, view the election as a clear message from residents that their voices must be heard. Rachel Gonzalez, another group leader, highlighted the diverse, cross-political community engagement in their fight, and stated the group will continue to push the city council to reconsider the project.