Hermantown City Council race centers on Google data center, transparency ahead of Election Day
A proposed Google data center is a central issue in Hermantown's city council election. Incumbent Councilor Andy Hjelle supports the project, citing potential property-tax benefits, while three challengers oppose how the project has been handled and are calling for greater transparency and public involvement.
The Hermantown City Council race is focused on a proposed Google data center, with two seats on the ballot ahead of Election Day. Incumbent Councilor Andy Hjelle supports the project and says it could generate about $3 million annually in a "data center dividend" and lower property taxes.
Challengers Candi Mock, Emma Richtman and Miranda McKay-Chambers say they are running partly because of concerns about the project and the city's lack of transparency. Their comments followed a heated council meeting that was adjourned and rescheduled after police declared an unlawful assembly. Hjelle called on the challengers to condemn the disruption, while the challengers said better planning and public communication could have prevented it. All three said rebuilding trust at City Hall should be a priority, and McKay-Chambers said opponents do not want the data center built.