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Libertarian Party representative urges Normal to welcome data centers as economic opportunity
Summary
Kevin Woodward, speaking for the McLean County Libertarian Party during public comment, urged the Town of Normal to embrace data-center development, arguing property-rights and economic benefits and warning against NIMBY opposition.
Kevin Woodward, speaking during the public-comment period at the May 18 council meeting, urged the town to embrace data-center development as a significant economic opportunity.
Woodward said he represents the McLean County Libertarian Party and argued the town ‘‘should not fall victim to the NIMBY syndrome’’ when evaluating potential data-center projects. He framed data centers as a major growth opportunity and pointed to Normal’s recent industrial history — including a past Mitsubishi plant and the local Rivian investment — as precedent for welcoming new employers and investment.
Woodward said property owners should be free to use their land and that local officials should weigh potential economic benefits. His remarks were delivered in the public-comment portion of the meeting; the transcript does not record council action on data-center policy in the segments provided.
