Trending
I am writing to share my view on data centers and because I believe Marshalltown has an important choice in front of us.
And I believe we should choose opportunity.
For generations, Marshalltown has been a community that makes things.
We have built products that are used across the country and around the world. We have a proud manufacturing history, a strong work ethic and people who understand what it means to build something from the ground up.
A data center represents something different--but it represents an opportunity to continue that tradition.
The world is changing. Artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital technology are creating an enormous demand for computing infrastructure.
The question isn't whether that growth is coming.
The question is whether Marshalltown will participate in it.
I believe we should.
But let me be clear: supporting a data center does not mean giving a developer a blank check.
It means saying yes to the opportunity--and then negotiating the best possible deal for Marshalltown.
We don't have to choose between economic growth and protecting Marshalltown-we can demand both.
First, think about the construction.
A major data center can represent hundreds of construction jobs and millions of dollars in economic activity.
That means electricians, plumbers, HVAC contractors, concrete workers, truck drivers, engineers, equipment suppliers, restaurants and local businesses all have an opportunity to participate.
We've already seen what a major construction project can mean to our community. The Bobcat Energy Center, for example, is expected to create hundreds of construction jobs during its development.
A data center could provide another significant construction opportunity for Marshalltown's workforce and contractors.
Second, we need to look at the permanent jobs.
These aren't necessarily thousands of jobs--but they can be very good jobs.
The prospective developer talking with Marshalltown has indicated that permanent data-center positions could average six-figure salaries.
Think about what that means.
Those employees buy houses.
They buy cars.
They eat in our restaurants.
They shop in our stores.
They pay taxes.
And, most importantly, they give young people another reason to build their careers here.
Third, there is the investment.
Marshalltown needs to continue expanding its economic base.
We cannot depend on one industry, one company or one type of job to carry our community into the future.
A data center would give us another economic engine.
And we should negotiate so that the community benefits from that investment.
We should expect the developer to help pay for the infrastructure it requires.
We should establish reasonable standards for water, electricity, noise, traffic and environmental protection.
We should require financial guarantees that protect taxpayers.
We should pursue local hiring, apprenticeships and training opportunities.
In other words, we shouldn't simply ask, "Do we want a data center?"
We should ask a better question:
"What would we require from a data center to make it a great deal for Marshalltown?"
There is a tremendous difference between those two questions.
I also understand the concerns.
People are worried about water.
They're worried about electricity.
They're worried about noise.
They're worried about farmland.
They're worried about what happens if the facility is eventually abandoned.
Those concerns deserve answers--not dismissal.
But I don't believe the answer to legitimate concerns is automatically to say no.
The answer is to establish strong rules and enforce them.
Let's make the developer prove that the project works for Marshalltown.
Let's protect our residents.
Let's protect our resources.
Let's protect our taxpayers.
And then, if the project meets those standards, let's welcome the investment.
Because here's the bottom line:
Marshalltown cannot build its future by being afraid of change.
We have rebuilt after floods.
We have rebuilt after tornadoes.
We have rebuilt after the derecho.
We have adapted when industries changed.
And we have always found a way to move forward.
This is another one of those moments.
We can say no to the future.
Or we can say yes--but on Marshalltown's terms.
Let's negotiate a deal that creates jobs, attracts investment, strengthens our tax base, supports local businesses, creates opportunities for our young people and protects the things that make this community special.
Let's not give away the store.
Let's not ignore legitimate concerns.
But let's also not allow fear to make the decision for us.
Marshalltown has spent generations building things for the future.
I believe it's time we build a place for the future, too.
Mike Schlesinger of Marshalltown is the retired publisher of the Times-Republican.