Michael Sauers

March 19, 2026

According to a recent Citizen’s Voice article, dated March 17, 2026, a conference was held for business and government regarding “data centers”. Held at the Hilton Double Tree in Plains Township, PA , it was organized by John Augustine of Penn’s Northeast, a regional economic development agency.

The usual cast of characters was present. Cheerleaders, all for “data centers” numbered approximately 150. Resembling ducks walking in a row, they listened carefully, asked safe questions and leveled no dissent.

Representatives from economic development agencies, engineering firms, local/state government, community college education, building trade unions, energy companies, web service companies and chambers of commerce filled the room.

Noticeably missing were the grassroots people who will be most affected by “data centers”. Absent were consumer organizations, conservation groups, environmental groups, watershed organizations, neighborhood advocacy groups, children’s advocacy groups, unions other than building trades, senior citizens groups, taxpayer organizations, etc. You get the picture. All were left out, ignored and, apparently, deemed unimportant to the discussion.

Many of the speakers were cut from the same cloth, parroting “data center” promotion lines with great conviction. Of particular interest was John Yudichak, President of Luzerne County Community College. As a state senator, Yudichak referred to Pennsylvania citizens, practicing their free speech rights, as “environmental extremists” and “radical environmentalists”. The issue was the PennEast Pipeline Project.

This type of top down community development is totally disrespectful to the majority of community members. Communities are never really engaged about their economic futures. Instead, development is shoved down their throats under the guise of jobs, jobs, jobs. Communities are poorly represented by their elected representatives regarding economic development. They are severely under resourced when, instead of being proactive, they are required to be reactive.

This is done on purpose. Most politicians talk a good game but they follow the money. All corporate welfare money should be reinvested into grassroot community groups. Community conversations should be regularly held regarding development. The approach should be bottom up because those are the people most affected.

Pie in the sky? I’m not holding my breath. However, the old top down model disenfranchises the majority of people. Let that sink in.