Ottawa, Kansas – As the November ballot approaches, national political action committees are heavily investing in a local fight over data center development. NBC News reported that the pro‑data‑center super PAC Building the Future is spending over $1.5 million to support Republican Sen. Ty Masterson, the candidate for governor.
Super PACs Target Local Ordinance
Another super PAC, Defend U.S. of Virginia, is sending mailers to Ottawa households ahead of a citizen‑initiated ordinance that would prohibit new data centers in the city for ten years. Residents have also seen a series of 50‑foot billboards along I‑35 urging voters to “VOTE NO On the Data Center Question.” Ottawa resident Michael Lewis noted the prevalence of the signs, saying, “If you take a trip up and down I‑35, you’ll see it big as day.”
Grassroots Coalition Responds
Local activists formed Ottawa United Inc. after a proposed 300‑acre data center development was slated for the city’s south side. The group gathered signatures this summer to place the data‑center question on the ballot. When a lawsuit filed in August alleged the city ignored the petition, a judge ruled in favor of the petitioners on Oct. 20, clearing the way for the vote.
Ottawa United members say they are outspent but remain resolute. Jessica Christopher, a Franklin County member, told KSHB 41 News, “We can’t outspend. We don’t have billboards on every corner, and out of town we aren’t sending out mailers; we’re door‑knocking.” She also drafted the proposed ordinance for the coalition.
Community Unity Amid Outside Spending
Despite the influx of outside money, the community shows signs of unity. Neighbors across East Logan Street display yard signs for candidates from both parties, yet both have added Ottawa United’s “Vote Yes” signs to their lawns. Lewis summed up the sentiment, “It’s Ottawa, this isn’t what happens nationwide; this is what happens in our backyard. In the face of outside spending, we’re still united, we’re still Ottawa, we’re still Ottawa United.”
Governor‑Race Connection
The data‑center issue has become entangled with the governor’s race. Masterson, the Republican candidate, has not publicly responded to the NBC report. Critics label him a “pay‑to‑play” politician, arguing that out‑of‑state tech firms are buying influence to secure a data‑center friendly administration. The Trump administration’s focus on deregulation and infrastructure development has encouraged tech investors to seek favorable state policies.
While no official statement from Masterson was available at publication, the connection between the PAC spending and the upcoming ballot measure underscores how national interests can shape local decisions.
What Voters Need to Know
Ottawa residents will vote on the ordinance in November. A “Yes” vote would ban new data centers for ten years, while a “No” vote would allow development to proceed under existing zoning rules. Voters should consider the potential economic benefits of data‑center jobs against concerns about land use, tax impacts, and the influence of out‑of‑state money on local governance.
For more information on the ballot measure and how to vote, visit the Ottawa city website or contact Ottawa United Inc.
Original reporting: KSHB 41 Kansas City (local) — read the source article.
