Nationwide there is political pushback on data centers. And now, it will be an issue on the Shreveport November ballot.
Derrick Henderson has announced his candidacy for this seat, opposing Councilwoman Ursula Bowman.
“Over the past few months, I’ve spoken with neighborhood associations, community organizations, faith leaders and local business owners across District G. Residents share deep concerns about the environmental, water and energy impacts of the West Shreveport data center, a lack of equitable economic development across the district and the absence of revitalization plans and investments for Queensboro, Country Club Hills, and Ingleside.”
Henderson ran unsuccessfully against Bowman in 2022, losing in a run-off election.
In April, Caddo District Judge Ramon Lafitte dismissed a lawsuit attempting to block the proposed Amazon AI data center in West Shreveport, ruling that the Shreveport City Council's confirmation of a special use permit for the center was valid. Reportedly this ruling will be appealed to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.
Bowman visited a state-of-the-art data center in Virginia before voting to confirm construction.
Caddo Commissioner Ken Epperson, who represents this West Shreveport area, is adamantly opposed to the data center construction.
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.