The Jefferson County Fair in West Virginia has long been a gathering spot for local politics and culture since the 1950s. Known for its livestock and fried food offerings, the fair also serves as a barometer for voter sentiment. During my recent visit, I anticipated discussions about economic issues like prices, commonly called affordability by Democratic Socialists and mainstream media. However, the prominent topic was data centers.
Roy, a cattle farmer in the area, expressed concerns: “I’m a farmer. Data centers, power lines, all of that, it’s a threat to us. All we’ve got is the land.” This sentiment was echoed by many attendees, including local political candidates.
“We cannot afford to have water taken out of our system,” Jenny Thacker, a House of Delegates candidate, stated. “So, if we can make a law that says, ‘Yes, you can use surface water, but you cannot use well water,’ that goes a long way to protecting our groundwater.”
Marta Beck, another House of Delegates candidate, emphasized the issue of control: “They [the state] have taken away local control from the municipalities.” This lack of control is a widespread concern not confined to West Virginia but prevalent nationwide.
Tamara Thompson, vice president of We The People of Jefferson County, reported that many locals oppose data centers due to concerns like noise pollution. “I hear a lot of people being against it,” she remarked.
During events like the demolition derby and antique tractor pull, it became evident that data centers are a significant issue, albeit more of a first-world problem. This concern stems from a surplus of opportunity rather than a lack.
Mickey Reagan, running for Jefferson County Commissioner, reported overwhelming concerns about growth. An assistant commented, “Too much growth,” when asked about local issues. Despite rapid housing developments, infrastructure development has not kept pace.
Throughout these discussions, a prevailing desire emerged among both Democrats and Republicans: local control over development and skepticism toward Big Tech.
The fair revealed contrasting political climates over recent years. Previously dominated by economic concerns, discussions have shifted somewhat beyond just survival to more nuanced issues. Voters now face challenges on how to handle progress responsibly.
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