Since the 1950s, the Jefferson County Fair in West Virginia has been known for its prize pigs, hefty heifers, and an array of fried foods. The fair remains a popular venue for politicians to gauge public opinion. During a recent visit, political discussions were expected to focus on prices and affordability. Instead, most conversations turned to the topic of data centers.
Roy, a local cattle farmer, expressed his concerns, “Data centers, power lines, all of that, it’s a threat to us. All we’ve got is the land.” His sentiment was echoed by others in the community, including local political candidates.
Jenny Thacker and Marta Beck, both running for the House of Delegates, voiced concerns over how these developments are implemented. Thacker emphasized the need for laws preventing the use of well water by data centers to protect local groundwater supplies. Beck criticized the state for removing local control from municipalities.
The issue of control is central to the debate, impacting not only West Virginia but other regions experiencing development challenges.
Tamara Thompson, vice president of We The People of Jefferson County, a prominent Tea Party group, noted widespread opposition within the community. Specific complaints included noise pollution from data centers, though she personally hadn’t experienced it.
One resident, Sarah, a retired teacher, succinctly stated the general dilemma: “I guess we need ‘em, but nobody wants ‘em,” while holding her phone.
During the fair, it became clear that data centers present a ‘first-world problem,’ one that is challenging despite being rooted in opportunity rather than scarcity.
Mickey Reagan, a candidate for Jefferson County Commissioner, identified growth as the top concern among voters. The problem isn’t insufficient growth but rather too much, which the county struggles to support with infrastructure like roads, wells, and schools.
Overall, both Democrats and Republicans at the fair conveyed a desire for local control and skepticism of Big Tech. The community’s hesitance reflects broader national concerns where regulation often trails behind technological innovation.
For Republicans, there was some promising news. Conversations at the fair showed a shift from discussing economic crises to addressing how to manage growth and technological influence.