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Mayoral candidates debate data centers, county finances and zoning at Stewart County forum
Summary
At a Stewart County mayoral forum, candidates clashed on whether to welcome AI/data centers, how to update the county growth plan and how to balance property rights with industrial zoning; incumbent Mayor Robert Muhamm defended recent investments while challengers pushed for updated planning and more public input.
At a candidate forum moderated by Mr. Bates, the four contenders for Stewart County mayor set out contrasting views on development, finances and land use.
Robert Muhamm, the incumbent and a first-term mayor, said he does not believe large AI/data centers are right for Stewart County. "We have a lot more to offer as far as natural resources and tourism opportunities instead of trying to just sell off a parcel of property to put up another data center," Muhamm said, arguing the county is "physically responsible" now and does not need the short-term jobs such projects bring. He also cited a recent state law change (Senate Bill 2128) as altering how data centers manage utilities, saying the bill reduced TVA's prior role in staging projects.
Chris Hardigan said he has researched data centers and shares residents' concerns about rural character: "I just don't think that a data center is right for Stewart County," he said, while acknowledging limits on what a mayor can legally do and urging community engagement and coordination with state officials.
David Ross, a public-school teacher, described a measured approach: "If there is such a proposal, it would not be surprising to me that Fort Campbell probably is already on the cutting edge of that right now," Ross said, suggesting partnership and information-sharing with Fort Campbell and state and federal lawmakers before making decisions.
On county finances, candidates agreed the county faces fiscal choices but emphasized different priorities. Ross warned the county is spending down fund balance and urged an updated growth plan and community-driven roadmap. Other candidates highlighted infrastructure shortfalls — roads, wells and sewer — as immediate financial pressures that must be addressed before pursuing development.
Zoning and land-use emerged as a core divide. Muhamm said any countywide zoning should be decided by referendum: "If zoning is passed in this county during my leadership, it will be by your vote," he told voters, and he endorsed creating industrially zoned sites to attract employers while preserving agricultural land. Hardigan emphasized private-property rights and cautioned about government execution of zoning; Ross questioned zoning's effectiveness (grandfathering concerns) and raised annexation risks from neighboring Clarksville.
Candidates also discussed transparency for major projects. Hardigan proposed weekly video updates and rotating monthly in-person visits to give residents more lead time to engage county commissioners; Muhamm pointed to cameras in meeting rooms and frequent district visits as evidence of increased transparency under his administration.
Why it matters: Stewart County candidates framed a choice about the county’s growth model — whether to prioritize preservation and tourism, actively recruit industrial employers, or update planning and public participation to guide change.
What’s next: Candidates gave closing statements reiterating their priorities; moderators reminded attendees of early voting beginning July 17 and election day on August 6.
(Attributions: Candidates’ quotes and positions are taken from the forum transcript and attributed to the speakers as named there: Robert Muhamm (incumbent mayor), Chris Hardigan (candidate), David Ross (candidate).)
