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Local candidates and state lawmakers clash over data‑center siting, incentives and local zoning authority
Summary
Across races, candidates and legislators said data centers raise questions about zoning, environmental risk, infrastructure costs and state incentives; local officials urged ordinances and transparency while state lawmakers described efforts to protect local control and require fair contributions.
Data centers and related development repeatedly surfaced across the forum, from county commission candidates to incumbent state lawmakers.
County commission candidate Ron Meir said he opposed the Michigan City data center proposal, warning of environmental risks if recycled‑water tanks fail and of nearby siting next to schools and neighborhoods. "These tanks that hold the recycling water, they can rupture... and if that gets into our system, goes into Trail Creek," Meir said, linking potential failure to risks for local waterways and Lake Michigan.
Commission candidate Angie Hensman called for a county ordinance specifically for data centers and pushed for stronger regulations and protections for landowners. Hensman also urged unions and local hiring where possible and tied infrastructure and housing planning to economic development.
State Representative Randy Novak said the state had put roughly $42,000,000 in incentives toward the Michigan City project and argued that municipal and county zoning should be settled before state incentives are committed; Novak said he pushed amendments to require data centers to pay sales tax on their energy bills. "The zoning is county and the city need to get the zoning in place before they come so that it's easier," Novak said.
State Senate candidates also stressed transparency: candidates described the need for oversight of economic development corporations and suggested more public‑records access for entities that handle taxpayer‑influenced funds. Several speakers said local control and stronger reporting requirements are necessary when large investments or exemptions are involved.
While concerns were widely voiced, the forum did not resolve technical environmental or infrastructure questions; candidates and lawmakers urged further review, ordinance crafting and coordination with state officials on incentives and local authority.
