Louisiana Candidate Critiques Oversight of Data Centers and Surveillance Cameras
On Saturday, Stephen Wagley, a congressional candidate from Louisiana, voiced concerns that career politicians have allowed the unchecked expansion of data centers and Flock surveillance cameras.
During an interview with Matthew Boyle on Breitbart News Saturday, Wagley pointed out that both of these issues stem from a lack of transparency among officials making deals with private companies. As the chief operating officer of Delta College, a proprietary healthcare-training institution, Wagley is among six Republicans vying for the state’s open 6th District, with the jungle primary set for November 3.
Wagley criticized lawmakers for approving projects related to data centers without disclosing key terms.
“Our elected officials seem to think it’s acceptable to enter into NDAs with private corporations that will essentially be funded by our tax dollars,” he stated. “If NDAs are in play, then who are they actually representing? Us, or the large corporations?”
The Delta College executive noted that residents are kept in the dark regarding how these projects might impact the electrical grid or their bills, highlighting the rising costs even before the facilities are operational.
“Everyone I talk to is already noticing how our electrical costs are going up before these facilities have even been built,” Wagley said. “We’re all in favor of economic progress, but transparency is essential.”
He linked similar concerns to Flock surveillance cameras, suggesting that some police departments misuse these technologies, invading residents’ privacy without proper oversight.
“For far too long, these career politicians have been allowing deals to go through, giving funds to permit devices like Flock cameras to monitor us without restraint,” he said. “People deserve privacy; it’s really gotten out of hand.”
The candidate, who became interested in politics after a unique experience in 2014, where he drove Donald Trump around New Orleans during a pre-campaign visit, shared a memorable exchange with Trump. “Just before he left the car, he commented, ‘You’re quite a driver. I doubt that’s where your career lies. I look forward to seeing you in politics one day,’” Wagley recounted.
While Wagley mentioned that his campaign has been in discussions with the Trump administration and would be “honored” to receive an endorsement, he noted that Trump has not yet made any endorsements for this race.
He also criticized Congress for not passing the SAVE America Act, which would mandate proof of citizenship for voter registration. Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) recently stated that Democrats are responsible for blocking this legislation, while Trump has hinted at declaring a national emergency to enforce voter-ID requirements.
Nationwide, the issues surrounding Flock cameras and data centers are becoming more prominent in the lead-up to midterm elections. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) initiated an investigation into the company’s data practices last month, while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis ordered the removal of license-plate readers from state highways.
