Candidates answer Flock, data center, business questions at NAACP forum
Four candidates for state representative and Henderson County judge-executive participated in an NAACP forum, addressing topics including data centers, business development, and Flock cameras. Candidates expressed varied opinions on data centers, with some raising concerns about water usage and community input, while others highlighted potential economic benefits and national security implications. The discussion centered on whether data centers should come to Henderson and how local government would handle such proposals.
Four candidates seeking office in Henderson, Kentucky, participated in the Henderson NAACP's "Can We Talk?" forum, addressing concerns about data center development in the region. Janelle Glass, running for District 11 state representative, voiced concerns about data centers having greater rights to water than citizens and questioned if governments would respect communities opposing data center projects. Fellow state representative candidate J.T. Payne framed data centers as a national security imperative for the U.S. but also emphasized local decision-making and the need for safety regulations.
Candidates for Henderson County judge-executive, Les Jenkins-Mackey and Timmy Dunn, both expressed openness to the community's decision. Jenkins-Mackey stated that any data center proposal would undergo standard planning and zoning processes, while Dunn, though not in favor, acknowledged potential tax base expansion and stressed strong county leadership to affirm community wishes. The discussion highlighted the ongoing local debate regarding the benefits and drawbacks of potential data center investment, touching upon water resources, local autonomy, and economic development.