KC Council to debate data center zoning impact, and that’s a good thing | Opinion
Health, wallets
In his Dec. 15 Star guest commentary, Associated Industries of Missouri CEO Ray McCarty painted a gold-tinged picture of our economic future with data centers. (7A, “Data centers a gold rush boost for national security, Missouri’s economy”)
Missourians are rightly concerned about data center overdevelopment, and they should speak up to make sure policymakers are protecting people’s well-being. Kansas Citians will have that opportunity on Jan. 13 when our City Council considers proposed ordinance 251031 on new zoning standards for data centers.
Data centers use massive amounts of resources. They can cover hundreds of acres, draw millions of gallons of water and match the electricity usage of small cities. These pose real threats to community health and affordability. Already in Missouri, electric utilities advocate for delayed retirement of aging coal plants and building more gas plants to power potential future data center needs, the costs of which can all legally be passed onto customers. This build-out for fossil fuel-generated electricity will make it impossible to meet the climate goals for protecting our children.
Tech giants and utilities may want to maximize profits, but it’s up to Kansas City’s leaders to make clear that none of this will come at the expense of a healthy environment for residents, or their wallets.
- Don Wallace, Kansas City
Picture this
If you haven’t visited the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum to see the photographs of working jazz musicians taken by Dan White, you are missing a treasure. The exhibit was supposed to close at the end of the year, but because of the government shutdown, it is extended through Jan. 31. Do not miss it.
You read snippets of stories from the musicians themselves while their music plays overhead. The photos are works of art, and White’s love and respect for his subjects are as clear as his intention to show their humanity and talent. This is a one-of-a-kind experience.
- Ellen Murphy, Mission Hills
Blessings
Thanks to the St. Jude Novena for answering my prayers. It has never failed.
- Anne Azar, Leawood
Sped up
Donald Trump had issued 221 executive orders this year as of Dec. 15. That is more than his total in his first term — and no doubt many are taken from the voluminous Project 2025.
It seems it’s about time for a media outlet (TV, newspaper, radio, someone) to do a deep dive into that document so we know what else is coming. I hope someone will have the courage. The public needs to know.
- Judy Sherry, Kansas City
Of legacies
I moved to Kansas City four years ago. At that time, I was very impressed by the city’s love for the Chiefs. I really bought into the Chiefs Kingdom narrative. I watched the Hallmark movie that portrayed a family that has gone to Arrowhead Stadium for generations. That sense of family made me love being part of Chiefs nation.
But the team’s decision to leave Arrowhead has saddened me. For 50 years, families have made memories at that stadium. It has its own legacy. It’s known as the loudest in the NFL. I always hear how hard it is for other teams to play there.
Clark Hunt frequently mentions that his father’s legacy is important to him. But when the money came, he cut and ran, leaving generations of fans’ memories behind.
It didn’t have to happen. Would the Green Bay Packers abandon the legacy of Lambeau Field ? Every time people in the future drive by an empty Arrowhead Stadium, they will remember the good times. They will also remember how their loyalty for generations was ignored when it closed.
There is nothing worse than a disloyal friend, Mr. Hunt. Goodbye, Arrowhead. You were a good friend.
- Tom Krause, Kansas City
Time to act
Although the Chiefs’ move to Kansas is a major adjustment, there was no way Kansas City, Jackson County and Missouri could have kept both teams. Now, with John Sherman’s group and a revitalized political will (I would hope), the Royals can ask for and get a thoughtful, long-term arrangement for 80 games a year that benefits all — a much greater economic driver for the city and county than the Chiefs’ deal.
Let’s do it right and the entire region will benefit.
- Dan O’Connell, Kansas City
Peace ahead?
During the night of Dec 27, Russia attacked Ukrainian residential buildings with more than 500 drones and 40 missiles. The Russian attacks have no military purpose except breaking the Ukrainian people’s will to resist.
I’m hopeful last weekend’s meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy will lead to a lasting peace. The primary roadblock is Russian President Vladimir Putin. The war started not because of his false claims of NATO expansion or Christians being persecuted in Ukraine, but because Putin did not want Ukraine to become independent from Russia.
Trump’s policies of cutting direct supply of U.S. military aid — while China, North Korea and Iran continue their support of Russia — and repeating the falsehood that Ukraine started the war have not helped. Trump’s words and actions have created daylight between the U.S. and Ukraine, and Putin has exploited this division to execute the war with impunity.
Putin’s goal remains to divide the U.S. from our NATO allies. If Putin really wants peace, why did he dramatically increase defense spending and salaries for frontline troops, and flood U.S. social media with disinformation?
Let’s hope the parties can reach a deal soon. No one wants this war to end more than the Ukrainian people.
- Mike McCaffree, Nevada, Missouri
This story was originally published January 4, 2026 at 5:07 AM.