Independence Councilman Recalled Over Massive AI Data Center Project

Perkins was one of five council members who cleared the way for the Nebius AI facility, a project spanning 2.25 million square feet. The recall concludes a five-month campaign led by residents who argued their public testimony against the tax abatements was ignored. Two other council members, Bridget McCandless and Jared Fears, were previously removed in April for similar votes favoring the project.

Despite the electoral defeat, Perkins maintained his stance in interviews, citing his background as a meat cutter at Price Chopper and his belief that he had established a foundation for the city's future. Local opponents like Elisa Breitenbach, however, characterized the development as a loss for the community's autonomy. The outcome in Independence mirrors a broader national tension; recent polling from Embold Research indicates that 75% of Americans oppose the local construction of AI data centers due to concerns over power consumption and rising utility costs. While President Donald Trump has publicly championed these facilities as economic necessities, residents in Independence have made it clear that their local priorities remain at odds with the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure.