Where they stand on data centers
On concerns about hyperscale data centers
Citizens are primarily concerned about the strain on local infrastructure, including power, water, noise, and tax incentives. There's also a general concern about transparency regarding site selection and long-term operational impact on the community.
How they’d address those concerns
I think "First Impression Bias" exists because people focus on reasons why earlier data center technology used excessive water. The water issue has been resolved using closed-loop systems. We are improving server cooling, and eventually we will see power usage drop.SD Senate Bill 135 requires any Hyperscale Data Center to pay the full cost of increased power generation infrastructure and protects utility customers from sharing those costs. Rapid City is now considering an ordinance which will requiire a proposed data center to have a conditional use permit before moving forward. This CUP process requires a public hearing so that the public is informed and can participate in the city council's approval process. I did not support the massive tax breaks proposed in the last legislative session. A data center could become a major revenue source for the School District, City and County through property taxes and sales taxes on equipment and power usage.
Other candidates in this race
Alderman · Rapid City Ward-3