Mayor Kirk Crespin Reflects on Council Resignation, the Data Center Debate and Lamar’s Future

Moving Forward Together

Following several weeks of passionate community discussion surrounding potential data center development in Lamar, Mayor Kirk Crespin says he believes it is important to address both the debate itself and the recent resignation of Council Member and Mayor Pro Tem Brent Bates.

Crespin said the two issues have increasingly become intertwined in public discussion, including questions about why the City Council has not yet formally recognized Bates for his service.

“When a Council Member leaves office, we traditionally recognize their service and present them with a plaque of appreciation,” Crespin said. “Because Brent’s resignation was very sudden, unexpected and effective immediately, we simply were not prepared to do that yet. However, that should not be mistaken for a lack of appreciation.”

Crespin said Bates has served as a Council Member for Ward 1 since May 2023 and was elected as Mayor Pro Tem by the Council in November 2025. The Council intends to invite him back to a future meeting to show their appreciation and to formally recognize his past 3 plus years of service on the Council.

“I sincerely thank Brent for the time he gave to our community,” Crespin said. “We want the opportunity to properly recognize him in the same way we traditionally recognize others who have served.”

Crespin also acknowledged many of the concerns Bates raised regarding communication, transparency and participation among Council members.

Having served Lamar for approximately 17 years as a Council Member, Mayor Pro Tem and Mayor, Crespin said he understands firsthand how frustrations can develop when elected officials feel they have not received enough information or had sufficient opportunity to participate in discussions.

“Transparency, communication and collaboration matter,” Crespin said. “They matter even more when the issues are difficult.”

He pointed to several challenging issues Lamar leaders have faced over the years, including Marijuana Petitions, ARPA lawsuits, COVID and, most recently, the data center discussion.

“There have been disagreements, criticism, setbacks and frustrations,” Crespin said. “That is part of public service; but, difficult times are also when leadership and a willingness to keep working are needed the most.”

Regarding the potential data center, Crespin said his position was never that Lamar should automatically approve such a development.

“When I first learned there was interest from a potential investor, my reaction wasn’t automatically yes, and it wasn’t automatically no,” he said. “I had questions too.”

Crespin said his goal was to gather information, understand the potential benefits and risks and determine whether the opportunity deserved additional consideration.

“Exploring an opportunity is not the same as approving it,” he said. “It means asking questions, reviewing information and doing our due diligence before making a decision.”

At no point, Crespin emphasized, had the City approved a data center project. Instead, discussions focused on whether leaders should continue gathering information about a potential development.

During that process, residents raised concerns about water, electric utilities, environmental impacts, agriculture, noise and quality of life. City and County officials also began discussing possible development standards intended to protect community interests.

Crespin said he appreciates the residents who attended meetings, participated in public comment and shared their concerns.

“Citizen involvement is an important part of local government,” he said. “The community spoke, the Council listened, and ultimately the Council decided not to continue pursuing this particular opportunity, and I respect that decision.”

However, Crespin said he does not believe the conclusion should be that Lamar stops considering future opportunities.

“We have to remain willing to learn about opportunities that could create jobs, attract investment and strengthen Lamar,” he said. “Not every opportunity will be right for us, but I believe we owe it to our community to understand what is being offered before we close any door.  That is what Economic Development is all about.”

For Crespin, the larger lesson extends beyond the data center debate.

“This really isn’t just about data centers,” he said. “It’s about how we handle difficult issues as a community and as a Council.”

Crespin said disagreements are inevitable, but they should not prevent elected officials and residents from continuing to communicate, ask difficult questions and work toward solutions.

“We are not always going to agree, and we are not always going to reach the same conclusion,” he said. “But disagreement cannot become a reason to stop working together.”

“As Mayor, I remain committed to addressing difficult issues, listening to our residents, working with the Council and continuing to pursue responsible growth, investment and quality jobs for Lamar,”

Crespin said, “There is still important work ahead of us. I believe the best thing we can do now is keep working and keep moving forward together.”

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