Acton-Pepper Campaign Proposed Data Center Moratorium
The gubernatorial ticket announced a conditional pause on data center construction during a virtual press briefing.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Elections
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Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton and her running mate David Pepper have proposed a conditional moratorium on the construction of new data centers. The campaign aims to ensure that infrastructure costs are not unfairly shifted onto local residents or businesses.
Why it matters
The proposal seeks to combat government corruption and address regional economic concerns like the migration of young people from the Mahoning Valley. By highlighting local development issues, the campaign is focusing on the impact of large-scale projects on the cost of living.
The proposal focuses on a conditional waiting period for data center construction to protect residents from unexpected infrastructure costs. This policy comes as the election approaches on November 3, 2026, with only 4 weeks remaining.
The players
David Pepper
He is the running mate for gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton and a former chair of the Ohio Democratic Party.
Amy Acton
She is a gubernatorial candidate who previously served as the director of the Ohio Department of Health.
Ben Kyle
He is the mayor of Hubbard, Ohio, who signed an agreement regarding a local data center project.
The details
During a virtual press briefing, David Pepper highlighted concerns involving local government transparency, citing a May 2026 nondisclosure agreement signed by Hubbard Mayor Ben Kyle regarding a data center. The campaign intends to scrutinize how such agreements influence community development and the local cost of living.
Timeline
May 2026: Hubbard Mayor Ben Kyle signed a data center nondisclosure agreement.
October 7, 2026: David Pepper held a virtual press briefing.
November 3, 2026: The Ohio election is scheduled to occur.
Political Context
Opposition leaders and local officials have questioned whether a moratorium would deter essential regional economic growth and investment. Critics argue that such regulatory barriers could hinder the state's ability to compete for high-tech industry jobs against other regions.
If implemented, this proposal could change how local development projects are approved and financed in communities across Ohio. Residents may see a shift in the influence that local mayors and city councils hold over industrial construction agreements.
The takeaway
The campaign is utilizing local development controversies to frame broader issues of government transparency and economic security. Voters should monitor how proposed changes to data center oversight could specifically affect the tax burdens of their local municipalities.
Further reading
For more information on the upcoming cycle, visit the Elections section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Jambar.
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Should local officials be allowed to sign nondisclosure agreements regarding community development projects without public transparency?
