An email about anti-data center signs could cost a Wisconsin Rapids politician his job

Wisconsin Rapids Alder Michael Timm is facing a recall election, initiated by residents concerned about his actions related to a proposed data center development in the city. The controversy centers on an email Timm sent to Hotel Mead, a local business, expressing his opinion that displaying "No Data Center" signs could negatively impact their business, implying a previous establishment with such signs had closed. Opponents of the data center viewed this as an attempt to pressure the business and an indicator of Timm's pro-developer stance, despite his claims of neutrality.

The recall effort gained momentum after the city's planning commission unanimously recommended denying a conditional use permit for the data center, proposed for the site of a historic paper mill. This decision followed months of vocal community opposition, which included large turnouts at local meetings and a contentious public forum led by former New York City Mayor Eric Adams, which devolved into heckling.

Kaitlyn Federwitz, co-founder of South Wood County Neighbors for Responsible Development, a group actively opposing data center proposals in Wisconsin Rapids, highlighted Timm's email to Hotel Mead as a primary reason for initiating the recall. Timm, a first-time alder elected unopposed in 2025, maintains he did nothing wrong, stating his email was merely an opinion and contained no threats or demands.

The city council approved the recall, which will proceed with a primary on October 27 and a potential election on November 24. Timm has stated he will not resign, citing the unnecessary costs to taxpayers and continued harassment.