St. Francois County commissioner candidate proposes data center moratorium and public zoning vote
Kent Scism, a Republican candidate for St. Francois County presiding commissioner, proposed a 12-month moratorium on new data center development if elected. His platform also calls for limits on nondisclosure agreements, a resident-official study committee and a public vote on planning, zoning and building codes.
Kent Scism, a Republican candidate for St. Francois County presiding commissioner, unveiled a four-point platform addressing potential data center development in the Missouri county. He said he would seek a 12-month moratorium on new projects, establish limits on county officials’ use of nondisclosure agreements and create a committee of residents and elected officials to study economic, infrastructure, environmental, electricity and water impacts.
Scism also proposed allowing county voters to decide whether to adopt planning and zoning rules and additional building codes. He said the proposals are intended to promote transparency and public participation while preserving private property rights, rather than predetermining whether the county should welcome or restrict future data centers.