Anderson County candidate forum covers data centers and other local issues
Candidates at an Anderson County Chamber of Commerce forum discussed local and state issues, including how data centers should pay for electricity and infrastructure and manage water use. Ralph Alvarado and James Tipton said local communities should have the primary say over whether data centers are permitted, while also supporting safeguards for costs and environmental impacts.
Candidates running for federal, state and county offices answered questions at an Anderson County Chamber of Commerce forum in Lawrenceburg ahead of the Nov. 3 election. The event was moderated by John Hughes of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and included questions on workforce development, health care, artificial intelligence, public safety technology and data center development.
Ralph Alvarado, a Republican candidate for Congress, said data centers should bear the cost of electricity and related infrastructure rather than shifting those expenses to local residents. He also supported recycling water, collecting rainwater and requiring financial bonds to cover eventual decommissioning. State Rep. James Tipton, R-53rd District, said local communities should make the final permitting decision, while suggesting Kentucky lawmakers may revisit tax incentives and establish safeguards for electricity, water and infrastructure impacts.