Southeast District candidates share thoughts on data centers

Sioux Falls Simplified, a local news outlet, is covering the upcoming June 2 primary, municipal, and school board election. As part of its series on local candidates, the publication specifically asked Southeast District candidates for their stance on data center development within Sioux Falls. Data centers have become a "hot topic" for local and statewide leaders in South Dakota, prompting discussions on how these facilities should be integrated into zoning designations and whether they should qualify for economic incentives. Candidates like Kerkman mentioned evolving perspectives, noting he was initially "totally against" data centers but has since become more educated. Another candidate, Pankonin, highlighted the dual nature of AI, which is closely tied to data center operations, seeing both good and bad aspects.