Independence Voters Decide Recall of Councilman Over Nebius Data Center

Overview

• A special recall election was held after constituents submitted a 190-page petition seeking to remove District 1 Councilman John Perkins for his vote on the Nebius project.
• The city council approved the Nebius proposal on a 5-2 vote that allows the European-owned company to build an 'AI factory' on roughly 400 acres near Highway 78 and Little Blue Parkway.
• Recall organizers say the tipping point was Perkins's yes vote and the project’s 90 percent tax abatement, which they say shows residents feel underrepresented.
• Perkins publicly acknowledged the petition earlier this year, said he respects the process, and pledged to continue serving his district while the election proceeded.
• Two other councilmembers who voted for the project have since lost bids for office, and a successful recall would remove Perkins immediately upon certification while a failed recall would let him serve through the end of his term.