Ignore that Data Center PAC behind the curtain!
Our analysis suggests that this letter went out to hundreds of thousands of eligible SRP voters.
The PAC behind this letter claims to be a group that will “keep rates affordable, maintain reliable service, and protect Arizona’s long-term water supply…”
That would be laughable, were it not such a serious issue.
These are the guys building the data centers that are causing your rates to climb and our future water supplies to become unreliable.
But, who specifically?
My team members, and candidates for SRP 6, John and Sara Travise, put together this amazing summary that follows the money.
Here are some highlights of the biggest funders, totaling at least $183,000 to date.
$50,000 from Willmeg Construction. Builds data centers for Digital Realty Trust. Just broke ground on an $107M project with ViaWest (also a donor). But here's the tighter loop: Willmeng has held a Job Order Contract with SRP since 2011 — 32 job orders totaling over $3.15 million. They're not just building data centers SRP serves — they're literally an SRP vendor.
$25,000 from Google. You know those guys who force you to use AI in their web browser, even if you don’t want to? Google is a major power consumer driving load growth SRP uses to justify your rate hikes. Google pays discount rates. You pay full price.
$25,000 from ViaWest Group. Develops industrial properties in SRP territory. Just broke ground on ReDiscover Logistics Park with Willmeng (also a donor) — 808,400 SF, $107M financing. More commercial development SRP approves = more ViaWest builds and profits.
Again, check out the link above for the other big donors behind this effort.
Boy, their logo looks a lot like the logo of a certain local utility, huh?
What’s the Turning Point connection?
I have no direct evidence that these companies are coordinating with TP.
But my years of experience tells me that they probably did coordinate. You can’t expect to have big players in an election like this, and for their highly-paid political consultants NOT to collaborate.
They have clearly picked different lanes in this race. TP is handling signs that are going up everywhere, along with the paid canvassers who are trying to pass themselves off as SRP employees and AFRG is doing the mailing. I’m guessing they will do the attack ads, too.
What are the establishment candidates who benefit from this largess going to owe these groups and private companies?
It could not be more clear that now is the time for you to get involved. Early voting starts in 2.5 weeks. The election is in 4.5 weeks.
We have plans to respond, which I can’t share here. But we need you!
Please contribute at this link and share this with your friends.
Request your early ballot from SRP at this link.
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