Independence councilman faces September recall vote over data center support

Independence City Councilman John Perkins is set to face a Sept. 1 recall vote, a decision stemming from his March vote to approve a 90% tax abatement for Nebius, a Dutch technology company. Nebius plans to construct a 2.1-million-square-foot data center in the Little Blue Valley, a project projected to require 1.2 gigawatts of power at full buildout, which had previously faced months of intense and vocal community opposition before its approval.

McKenna Cobb, who spearheaded the petition drive for the recall, clarified that the campaign was not driven by personal animosity towards Perkins but by widespread frustration over the data center proposal. She highlighted that the project became a catalyst for community organizing, sparking numerous conversations among residents and serving as an outlet for those who felt unheard by their elected officials. Cobb, new to political activism, hopes the civic engagement ignited by the issue will become a lasting movement.

Councilman Perkins, who has served the city's 1st District since 2016 and previously from 1996 to 2004, has defended his record, citing his work in areas like U.S. 24 Highway and the Englewood Arts District. He asserted that the recall effort would not deter him from continuing his work at City Hall, viewing it as simply "a part of the world that we live in right now."

In a related action, the Independence City Council unanimously approved a 180-day moratorium on new data center and battery energy storage system projects. This pause aims to allow the city to address code enforcement and other regulatory details. The Jackson County Election Board has confirmed the Sept. 1 special election, which will cost Independence approximately $164,400 and will involve only 1st District residents.