Candidate Q&A

Chris Burns, Republican Candidate for Presiding Commissioner

NODAWAY COUNTY PRESIDING COMMISSIONER

The Forum sent a set of prompts to the two candidates running for Nodaway County Presiding Commissioner: Chris Burns and Scott Wilson. Burns, a Republican, is currently the North District Commissioner and Wilson is running as an independent. Candidates could respond to as few or as many of the prompts as they wished.

Chris Burns

• Family: Lori Burns (wife), Drew Burns (son), Carsen Burns (daughter)
• Current job: Nodaway County North District Commissioner
• Other relevant boards, positions or qualifications: Current: Transportation Advisory Committee for MODOT, Nodaway Economic Development Board. Past: Community Services Board, City of Maryville Planning & Zoning Board, Nodaway County Joint 911 Advisory Board Chairman, St. Gregory’s Barbarigo Finance Committee

1. Where do you stand on the White Cloud Acres data center project?

As a County Commissioner, I have tried to stay completely neutral on this topic. I have listened to the people of our County and have discussed both negative and positive impacts. Since our attorneys have told us that in a County without planning and zoning the Commission cannot stop this project, I will do my best to make sure this project is the safest and will try to get the biggest economic impact I can for our entire County.

2. Do you support tax abatements for the White Cloud Acres data center project? Why or why not?

I believe that all businesses should pay their fair share of taxes. Chapter 100 bonds are often used in large scale businesses, ex. Kawasaki Motors. If a hyperscale data company were to ask for Chapter 100 bonds I would consider that request. 1. Chapter 100 bonds would help guarantee that the tax revenue would stay in Nodaway County instead of being state assessed. 2. They could help protect Nodaway County by setting developer guidelines in a developer agreement. 3. They would allow for a community impact agreement so that we could spread funding throughout the entire County instead of all of the funds going to one township.

APPOINTING A REPLACEMENT

If North District Commissioner Chris Burns wins the election for presiding commissioner in November, his seat as north district commissioner would become vacant. According to state law, the governor would then appoint a replacement as north district commissioner, who would serve the remainder of Burns’ term through 2028.

3. What do you think of the township form of government used in Nodaway County?

There are pros and cons to township form of government. With township form of government local individuals have more control over road maintenance and equipment in their respective areas. This also can cause redundancy in having duplication of equipment throughout the County. It has become harder to fill township boards. Most townships cannot afford to have full-time employees and employees may receive lower wages with no benefits. To change from township form of government to county government there would be two options: 1. Our State Legislators could vote to abolish township form of government. 2. A petition signed by the voters of Nodaway County could then allow the topic to be put on a ballot for the voters of Nodaway County to decide.

4. Other than data centers, what is the most important issue facing Nodaway County that you would like to address?

Safe roads and bridges are always a priority for a County Commissioner. Trying to maintain affordable healthcare for County employees is always a challenge. Finding a way to have competitive wages to help Nodaway County retain quality employees and fill open positions in the sheriff’s department, road and bridge department and administrative offices.

5. Please share anything else you’d like voters to know about you.

I am the most qualified candidate for this position. I have been Nodaway County North District Commissioner for 10 years. We have maintained a balanced County budget during my tenure. I played a large role in the consolidation of joint 911 services for Nodaway County. I helped secure grants to build County bridges, to renovate the handicap accessible ramp at the Nodaway County courthouse and for the jailhouse improvements. All of these grants helped reduce the cost to taxpayers. I feel that I can continue to lead Nodaway County in a positive direction. Thank you for your support!

Scott Wilson

• Family: Wife – Susan, Parents – Mike and Theresa Wilson, Sister – Sara Wilson, In-laws – Richard and Colleen Ludwig
• Current job: Owner/operator – Scott’s Repair (auto mechanic); back-up water operator for City of Bolckow; part-time farm help/truck driver
• Other relevant boards, positions or qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree – Ag Systems Management with a Minor in Ag Economics from the University of Missouri-Columbia; Bolckow Fire Department – board member; MO DNR Drinking Water Treatment and Distribution certification; Class A CDL

1. Where do you stand on the White Cloud Acres data center project?

I oppose the White Cloud Acres data center and White Cloud Generating LLC projects because I have serious concerns about how they have been presented to the public. I’m not convinced that the projected financial benefits are fully supported or guaranteed. It is also concerning that Scale Microgrids has not previously built a data center. On October 11, the company stated that its role would be limited to the horizontal development of the site rather than construction of the data center itself, even though earlier discussions seemed to suggest otherwise. In other words, Scale would prepare the land but would not build the data center, so the company is not in a position to say exactly what will ultimately be constructed. No end user has been announced. Taken together, these issues leave me with significant concerns about the accuracy and transparency of the information shared with the public so far.

2. Do you support tax abatements for the White Cloud Acres data center project? Why or why not?

I do not support providing tax abatements for the White Cloud Acres project because I have not seen a compelling reason to offer tax incentives for it. The commissioners appear to view Chapter 100 bonds as a way to enforce the terms of a development agreement by withholding a portion of the benefit if those terms are not met. I would prefer clear, enforceable ordinances that establish requirements directly. In addition, if state officials move forward with classifying data centers as public utilities, there is no guarantee that Chapter 100 bonds will remain in place. That possibility makes them an uncertain and potentially unreliable enforcement tool for this project.

3. What do you think of the township form of government used in Nodaway County?

From my perspective, the current approach has worked well. As a resident of Grant Township for the past 25 years, I have not experienced any significant issues with it.

4. Other than data centers, what is the most important issue facing Nodaway County that you would like to address?

When residents raise concerns, they deserve to be heard and treated with respect and empathy. Those concerns should be addressed thoughtfully and in a timely manner. Whether the issue involves a road or a major development project, it should be taken seriously, reviewed with an open mind, and handled with the responsiveness and accountability expected of a public servant.

5. Please share anything else you’d like voters to know about you.

I am conservative, results-driven, and open-minded, and I want what is best for the county. I believe decisions should be guided by logic and complete, accurate information. Before taking a position or making a commitment, I want to understand the full picture and consider the relevant facts carefully. That approach allows me to form an honest, well-informed opinion and make decisions with confidence.

STATE SENATE, DISTRICT 12

The Forum sent a set of prompts to the two candidates running for State Senate in District 12. Republican incumbent Rusty Black did not respond to multiple invitations to participate. Democrat Judy McNeece’s responses are below. Candidates could respond to as few or as many of the prompts as they wished.

Judy McNeece

1. How will you work to help rural schools thrive?

The first step is to fully fund public education and transportation needs. All children learn better when they are not hungry, so providing free breakfasts and lunches would also help schools. Eliminate mandated burdensome compliance. Education policy should take into account the needs and challenges of rural schools when the foundation formula is rewritten this coming year.

2. What is your stance on the MOScholars program and using taxpayer funds for private education?

I believe public funds are for public education only. Originally the program was 100% financed by private donations and should return to that model. Shifting funds from public schools to private ones weakens public institutions and communities.

3. What are your thoughts on proposals to replace the state income tax with sales taxes?

Replacing state income tax with sales taxes shifts the burden to 80% of Missourians, the working class and retirees, while giving the wealthy yet another tax break. Instead of using sales taxes, we should bring back capital gains taxes and raise the top tier income tax rate back to 6%. The income tax generates about 65% of state revenue which supports public education, infrastructure, and other critical services that our communities depend on.

4. What role, if any, do you believe the state legislature should play in regulating data centers and their associated power needs, resource consumption and emissions?

I believe there should be a state wide moratorium on the construction of data centers. Local communities and counties should have the ability to regulate and oversee data centers. It should be their choice whether data centers come into their communities. The legislature also should look at repealing SB 4 (gave utilities the ability to charge customers prior to power sources being built) and SB 149 (state and local sales and use tax exemptions for qualifying data center projects, including computer equipment, construction materials and utilities such as electricity.)

5. Please share anything else you’d like voters to know about you.

Being a legislator should mean being a public servant. I promise to advocate for everyone in District 12, always willing to listen to your concerns, bring them to Jefferson City, and fight for you and our communities.

Scott Wilson, Independent Candidate for Presiding Commissioner

Jon Dykstra
Judy McNeece, Democrat Candidate for State Senate, District 12

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