Data center ballot measure (Item 16)

Described how he and four residents pulled their ballot initiative after being sued by developer attorney Sebastian Rucci, and urged the Board to act rather than wait until 2028.

Thanked Supervisor Escobar and urged the Board to vote on the ballot measure at the next meeting.

An Imperial student who skipped class to speak said an election lets both sides settle the question on the merits.

Pressed the Board to show courage and put the question on the ballot rather than fear the outcome.

Supported a ballot measure eventually, but only after the advisory committee produces facts on whether the valley can sustain data centers.

Said residents have attended meetings for over a year and deserve a vote, questioning whether Rucci's side would accept the outcome.

With Imperial Valley Equity and Justice, cited harms to air, water, and quality of life and urged a yes vote on the ballot measure.

Supported the ballot measure so residents can weigh data center pros and cons for future generations.

A UC Riverside PhD in environmental justice said the people have the right to decide directly.

Argued residents are now better informed than the Board and deserve a vote after a year of study.

A physician speaking in Spanish (translated) described data center emissions as endocrine disruptors linked to infertility, Alzheimer's, and fetal harm, urging a public vote.

Urged protection of the Colorado River and the Sonoran Desert's endemic species, saying people should decide.

A Holtville lifelong resident said let the people vote and questioned trading the valley's dignity for jobs.

IBEW 569 electricians union rep urged empowering the advisory committee and cited SB 886/887 protections for ratepayers.

IBEW 569 co-representative urged letting the balanced committee complete its research before any ballot measure.

A Calexico college student said data centers drive her classmates to leave the valley and urged the Board not to take their vote too.

An advisory committee member cited 3,000+ petition signatures and urged the Board to ask residents directly whether they want data centers.

Said community trust in government is broken and urged giving power back to the people through a vote.