Mason voters recall council member following data center opposition
Mason voters recalled City Council member Elaine Ferris after months of opposition to a proposed data center in neighboring Vevay Township. Residents cited concerns about noise, electricity use and water consumption, while the council had repealed a data center zoning ordinance.
Mason voters recalled City Council member Elaine Ferris in Tuesday’s election, choosing Pamela Oliver to replace her. The recall campaign was organized by residents who opposed proposed data center development in neighboring Vevay Township and raised concerns about noise, electricity demand and water consumption.
The Mason City Council had repealed a data center zoning ordinance, but residents continued the recall effort. Community organizer Paula Caultrider said the campaign was intended to protect Mason and give residents a way to oppose the plans. Ferris criticized the result as reckless and said replacing council members might not prevent a data center from locating in the area because the city has limited authority to reject businesses.