Data Centers

The pending application by Compass Datacenters has brought a lot of attention to the topic of data centers, and the final vote on the project will likely be after the new Shawnee County Commissioner for District 1 takes office. For that reason, I believe it is important for me to share my thoughts, and my approach to governance.

We all use data centers every day, whether it’s with our phones, our computers, or possibly even our cars. However, not all data centers are the same and we need to approach our future interactions with them in an informed and proactive manner. We do not have to choose between good jobs and a safe community. We can have both. That is why I agree with the current Shawnee County Commission and their decision to require that data center applications go through a Conditional Use Permit process. This allows both the Commissioners, and the public, to see all the information before deciding how we should proceed.

If a data center is going to be built, we need to have rules in place that require the data centers to protect the citizens and Shawnee County, require local labor with good union jobs, fair wages, and apprenticeships, and have a decommissioning plan. Data centers should pay their own way on power and water so our bills do not go up. Any tax incentive should come with job standards, full public disclosure, and a clawback if promises are not kept. We need to review proposals, bring everyone into the room, and make the best decision we can for the county and our community members, who need to be heard in an organized fashion. If a project does not meet our standards for workers and the community, it should not be approved.

I also believe that the recent moratorium was the right choice. It is a temporary pause, not a “no.” It will allow the experts the county has hired to have time to educate the commission and the public, increase transparency, and give the public ample opportunity to provide their input to the Shawnee County Commission, so we can set clear rules and then decide. Shawnee County residents should always have a seat at the table when these important decisions that will impact our community are being made.

Updated Oct. 2, 2026