Last week proved to be very active politically as we ramp up for the First Session of the 61st Legislature. The president coming to Durant, Oklahoma, was itself a week’s worth of news. I believe this shows the importance of the November elections, which will be here before we know it.
I attended an interim study last week about the impacts of data centers. This seems to be very much the talk of the local towns. Some are for them and some are against. I believe there are some false narratives surrounding this issue. One of the goals of this study was to try to sort fact from fiction. Google has had a data center located in Pryor for 20-plus years. We can look to them for many answers about the pros and cons of these centers.
Here are two takeaways from this interim study. Throughout history there have been many revolutions, today we are in the middle of a “technology” revolution, and we must embrace it. Second, if every city denies data centers, they will go to another state. If every state denies data centers, they will go to another country. Other countries already control much of the information that is available to us. Do we want to gamble on this?
I attended a town hall last week in McAlester. The subject of data centers spilled over into this as well, I felt like some pointed questions were asked and answered. I appreciate the local newspaper’s coverage of this event. I felt their coverage was accurate, and I want to express my thanks.
Lastly, the Latimer County Cattlemen’s Association’s annual meeting last week was attended by an overflowing crowd. This speaks volumes about participation in one of our leading industries. I appreciate the effort of our local extension office as well as our cattlemen’s board. Thanks to all who were involved.
As always, thank you for allowing me to serve. If I can help you in any way, I can be reached at (405) 557-7381 or by email at jim.grego@okhouse.gov.
Jim Grego serves District 17 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Latimer County and part and Pittsburg County.
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