To the Editor:

After reading Assemblyman Scot Gray’s article on his desire to veto the state-wide moratorium on data centers I was reminded why I’ll never be a Republican or Democrat. Neither party understands the true meaning of property rights, individual liberty and free enterprise and how these principles can coexist fairly in the framework of limited government. 

The main points made by Assemblyman Gray is the data center will provide 2000 short term construction jobs and 200 permanent jobs. In addition, he mentioned legislation he created called the "High-Energy User Act, A.11419, that would establish a "beneficiary-pays structure" to ensure  the costs incurred by the facilities are paid for by the companies, not the residents of host communities” along with provisions to protect the environment. OK, great. Laws always have loopholes and pending bills do absolutely no good while data center deals are being ramrodded through susceptible jurisdictions. Also, promises of jobs have a strong tendency to fade. 

 Localities across the country have shrunk in the face of data center dollars and political leverage leaving the private citizen, their taxes and electricity rates on the table as bargaining chips. The Town of Massena Planning Board and the St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency (if tax/ID incentives are sought) are the primary local deal decision-makers. Whose interests are they really protecting?

I believe Assemblyman Gray was insinuating that government is best that is closest to the people when stating that localities should decide. I agree, but would go one step further than Assemblyman Gray’s position and not let Massena government decide but have a referendum by the citizens. Given that a recent gallop poll put 71% of citizens against data centers in their locale, the chances of Massena approving it would be unlikely. This would leave the funders at NYDIG having to spend more money convincing the general public rather than susceptible, local legislators.

And who is NYDIG? Who owns and funds this organization? Who benefits from its existence? What tax incentives, utility rates and subsidies are they asking for? What does their future hold? Good luck finding out. Crony capitalism is the norm in this country and data center companies are notorious for making proprietary and confidential non-disclosure deals. NYDIG is proposing a huge infrastructure to solve bitcoin block chain transaction problems that take an enormous amount of energy, but serves very few people

As a libertarian, I understand the concept of bitcoin as a decentralized and somewhat private vehicle for transactions. I also understand that it has no intrinsic value, is full of volatility and counter-party risk and will eventually go to zero value. From a business perspective, I see this project as wasteful of resources and harmful to the rights of the people who live in the vicinity. Regardless of what was there before, NYDIG’s project will affect these residents' lives and "they" have every right to reject it.

Jim Smithers

Morristown