Save Piqua announces recall effort against three city commissioners
Save Piqua, LLC is circulating petitions in Piqua, Ohio, to ban data center and cryptocurrency mining facilities within the city limits. The group is also seeking to recall three city commissioners—Mayor James Vetter, Vice Mayor Frank DeBrosse, and Third Ward Commissioner Rick Walker—over concerns about power and water demand from a proposed 1,400 MW data center and perceived lack of government transparency.
Save Piqua, LLC has initiated two major petition drives in Piqua, Ohio, aiming to give residents a direct say on future development and local governance. The first effort seeks to place a ban on the construction, use, and expansion of data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities before Piqua voters. The organization reports being close to the signature threshold required for this ballot initiative, with daily signature-collection events planned.
Simultaneously, Save Piqua is circulating recall petitions targeting three members of the Piqua City Commission: Mayor James Vetter, Vice Mayor Frank DeBrosse, and Third Ward Commissioner Rick Walker. The group cites growing resident concern over the environmental impact, particularly the large-scale power (1,400 MW) and water demands of a proposed data center, as well as a perceived lack of public disclosure and accountability from local government regarding major development projects.
Group representatives Nancy Roof, Damon Wilson, Kimbe Lange, Alisha Lange, Millie Sheats, and Christopher Wheelock emphasized citizens' rights to use initiative and recall tools outlined in the Piqua Charter and Ohio Constitution. They highlighted concerns about water resources, the city's power system, and the need for commissioners to listen to and respect residents. The group continues to seek signatures for both the data center ban and the recall efforts, urging community participation.