Scott County candidates oppose data centers, split on Flock cameras at public forum
Candidates at a public forum in Georgetown largely opposed data centers, citing water consumption, higher utility rates and the use of farmland. Some candidates favored regulating data centers if a ban could not withstand legal challenges, while U.S. Senate candidate Charles Booker backed a moratorium until water, utility and environmental impacts are understood.
Candidates seeking local, state and federal office discussed data centers and Flock cameras at a forum held at the Scott County Public Library in Georgetown. Most participants opposed data centers in principle, pointing to potential water use, increased utility costs and farmland conversion. Georgetown City Council member Karen Tingle Sames said the council had referred the issue to planning and zoning, while some candidates supported regulations in case a full ban faced court challenges.
Charles Booker, a U.S. Senate candidate who did not attend, said he supports a data center moratorium until the effects on water, utilities and the environment are clear. Other candidates argued that decisions should remain with local fiscal courts or opposed tax incentives and liability protections for developers. The forum also featured debate over Flock cameras, with candidates divided over their law-enforcement benefits, privacy implications and control of collected data.