I read with interest the recent opinion pieces by State Sen. Charles Perry and Riley Rodriquez, his Democratic opponent. I found both to be very interesting.
However, I respectfully beg to differ with some of Senator Perry's comments. Before I state my reasons, I would like to make it very clear that I am neither a Democrat nor Republican but rather a conservative who votes for the candidate who best represents my views.
That said, I have become increasingly frustrated with both parties. I would like to say that I am strongly in favor of the power of AI and believe it can lead to great discoveries which will aid in all aspects of our lives, including medical research and the prevention and cure of diseases. I also believe politicians from both parties are
rushing to advance their views rather than attempting to clearly understand how the construction of data centers impacts the lives of everyday people.
That said, I find Senator Perry's comments to not fully address the subject of the impact of the AI data site construction in Childress. I grew up in Childress, have family and friends living there and often visit.
I recently attended a close friend's funeral in Childress and much of the discussion at lunch afterwards centered around the AI data center. At that time, I learned that the cost to rent or purchase a residence has skyrocketed and most locals can no longer afford it.
Many attempting to work in Childress often must commute at least 30 miles from surrounding communities. The cost to reserve a motel room, if one is able to do so, far exceeds just a couple of years earlier. I was told that firefighters located in Childress' motels to fight potential range fires in the area were asked to leave so that the motel owners could increase to exorbitant rates. It is believed local leaders rushed approval and apparently gave away many tax incentives.
The large increase in workers requires the hiring of additional police and added to the cost of city services but there are questions as to whether the necessary funds are available.
I found most of my friends expressing frustration with the activity and wishing it had never been approved. Just a couple years ago, it was a wonderful small town. That is no longer the case as hundreds of temporary workers have descended into the town.
Again, I believe many positives will come from AI discoveries, however I do believe further study and guardrails should be placed on the construction of new centers before communities rush to approve them. It is not the panacea that one thinks. I also recommend that professionals trained in the negotiation of these complex contracts be employed to negotiate same.
- Charles Frisbie, Lubbock
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This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Lubbock reader responds to Perry, Rodriquez columns on AI data centers
