Killeen candidates respond to data center possibility

The Killeen Planning and Zoning Commission recently recommended disapproval of zoning changes that would have enabled a small-scale data center by Onmine in south Killeen. Despite this recommendation, the Killeen City Council holds the ultimate authority on the zoning decision. The timing is critical, as upcoming municipal elections for mayoral and three at-large council seats mean the newly elected officials will likely be the ones to make the final determination. Candidates for these city offices were asked for their opinions, with several expressing strong opposition. Councilman Joseph Solomon, a mayoral candidate, stated he would find it difficult to support the project if it doesn't offer meaningful jobs or significantly enhance the economy without consuming excessive resources. Mellisa Brown and Christy Wilbanks voiced concerns about the already strained electric grid, high water usage, minimal long-term employment, and potential environmental issues, with Brown noting a 50-to-1 citizen opposition ratio. John "Crow" Miller emphasized the need for a clear plan on power and water, suggesting a ballot measure for taxpayer funds and local residency/power usage rules. Other candidates like Camron Cochran, Beverly Williams, Debbie Nash-King, Shavonn Hull, Kelese Richardson, Nicholas Guajardo, and Chet Southworth echoed these sentiments. They highlighted public comments on energy consumption, water usage, noise and light pollution, and a perceived lack of long-term economic benefits. Many candidates explicitly stated their opposition, citing environmental risks, increased utility bills for residents, and the minimal number of permanent jobs a data center would provide compared to its resource demands. The general consensus among respondents was that the disadvantages of the proposed data center currently outweigh its potential benefits for the Killeen community.