Full Breakdown
Independence Voters Recall Councilman John Perkins Over Data-Center Tax Incentives
9/2/2026, 10:50:12 AM
Core Event: Recall Election Removes Councilman Perkins
On Tuesday, voters in Independence’s First District approved a recall of City Councilman John Perkins with a 68.05 % “YES” vote, according to city officials who reported that 100 % of precincts had submitted results. The recall becomes effective once the results are certified, after which the city will schedule a special election to fill the vacant seat as required by the Independence City Charter.
Background & Context: Tax Incentives for the Nebius AI Data Center
In March, the Independence City Council voted 5-2 to grant tax incentives to a 400-acre hyperscale AI data-center project to be leased by Dutch firm Nebius. Perkins was one of the five council members who voted in favor. Because the charter does not permit a public referendum on the incentives, opponents gathered signatures from 8 % of registered First District voters to place a recall on the ballot targeting Perkins as a “yes” voter.
Data & Statistics
Official Statements & Responses
The City of Independence released a statement affirming respect for the voters’ decision and outlining the next steps to hold a special election. Perkins criticized the recall mechanism, noting that the charter does not require a specific cause and that the low signature threshold made him “an easier target.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “This [the Nebius data center] is going to be an economic benefit to the city that will have long lasting, economic benefits,” — Councilman John Perkins
- “I voted yes to recall, because I think that we need people that are going to work for us and do the right thing for everybody in Independence,” — Angel Burleson
- “You can’t get around the fact that the people care and that the officials didn’t listen to us,” — Marjain Breitenbach
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree on the recall vote percentage and the council’s March decision to grant incentives. No contradictory figures or unresolved factual disputes appear in the available reports.
What’s Next: Filling the Vacant Seat
Following certification of the recall results, the Independence City Clerk will initiate the charter-mandated process to schedule a special election for the First District seat. The Jackson County Election Board will post the election timeline on its website after the recall is finalized.
