George for Denton

A huge thank you to District 2 Council Member Nick Stevens for his proactive leadership. On June 2, he will pitch a temporary moratorium on new AI data center applications. His goal is simple: hit the pause button so we can evaluate if the infrastructure, environmental, and financial impacts of the two already-approved data centers actually align with their projections.
I am heavily in favor of this motion, and have spoken to this at every Forum I've been asked the question. A fundamental rule of city planning is that evaluation must precede entitlement. Right now, unchecked data center expansion is straining our city.
Here is why we need this moratorium:
Fitch Ratings recently revised Denton’s utility outlook to "Negative" due to the massive infrastructure costs required for these facilities, warning this will lead to base rate increases for everyday residents. National studies also show local data center clusters could drive up generation costs by up to 29% by 2030.
To power these 24/7 facilities, Denton relies heavily on the high-emission Denton Energy Center. Furthermore, studies show the massive diesel backup generators used by these data centers drastically spike localized air pollution.
Let’s not forget, Core Scientific built a massive crypto mine here, went bankrupt a year later, and pivoted to AI. Along the way, they benefited from state tax abatements, got deeply discounted access to our publicly funded "Dark Fiber" network, and even forced the city to shrink a planned Solid Waste Transfer Station just to accommodate their expansion.
Finally, this issue highlights a stark contrast in leadership. We cannot rely on reactionary zoning approvals.
In December 2025, my opponent, P&Z Commissioner Erica Garland, voted to approve the specific use permit for the “Denton20" AI data center without demanding a prior cumulative impact study. Yet, just three months later at the March Denia Forum, she told voters:
"I think that getting ahead of this and really looking at what the impact is before we approve these issues is the key."
I don't understand how a leader can vote to approve a massive, high-impact industrial computing facility in the winter, and then campaign in the spring on the necessity of studying the impacts before we approve them.
Denton deserves proactive, consistent governance. It’s time to stop rubber-stamping these projects. Let’s pass the moratorium, audit the true costs, and protect Denton ratepayers. Vote for me for Denton City Council, At-Large Place 5.

RUN OFF ELECTION Early Voting is June 1st-9th, and Election Day is June 13th! Bring 5 friends to the polls, and win this thing!💜

Run-off election for City Council Place 5 is happening June 13, one way to help is to purchase and display in your yard, apartment window, car window - where ever - a George for Denton yard sign. Get yours today at https://www.georgefordenton.com/merch

" I’ve lived in Denton for over 15 years, and I love the way we show up for each other. In Denton, when there's something you care about, it's not hard to find the voices that also care and join in community to provide support, mutual aid, and bring the strengths each of us have to offer to the causes we know need attention. Through spending over a decade in higher education advocating for immigrant students, q***r students, and serving in front line roles, I've always found comfort in voices like George Ferrie's to show hope to future generations. Being able to point students and friends to PrideDenton and Outreach Denton as ways to find community and belonging is more than a symbol of hope for those who come from places where these resources didn't exist, it's an opportunity to build bridges and to learn about the diverse identities that allow Denton to radiate with life, as I've heard George say recently, to "choose joy."

I'll be voting for George a second time because George Ferrie cares about working people and the communities that breathe life into Denton. George's campaign has repeatedly affirmed my values and the hope I have for the future of Denton. When I really listen to George speak on the issues impacting Denton, I hear them say how these decisions impact working people, our teachers, social workers, counselors, librarians, bartenders, artists, and so many more. People are at the heart of George's campaign, and I think that speaks to why we fundamentally need a social worker on our city council. They've gone out of their way to listen to people from all walks of life, regardless of their backgrounds, to make people feel included and heard.

Choose Joy. Choose George. 💜"

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