Wisconsin Rapids to issue recall election for District 7 alderperson Michael Timm

WISCONSIN RAPIDS –  The recall was initiated following allegations regarding an email sent by Timm to a local business, which suggested that displaying anti-data center signage could negatively impact business.

The election follows the filing and official certification of a recall petition against Timm. The City Clerk issued a Certificate of Sufficiency on Sept. 18, and the City Council formally ordered the recall election on Sept. 23.

Alderperson Michael Timm issued the following statement regarding the recall:

“I will not resign. A recall is a legitimate part of our democratic process, and I respect the right of any citizen to organize and collect signatures. That process will play out according to the law. What I will not do is abandon the responsibilities the voters entrusted to me by walking away.

“I was elected to serve this community, to make difficult decisions, and to be accountable for them. I have done so openly, and I will continue to do so. Resigning under pressure would short-circuit the very accountability that recalls are meant to enforce. The proper place for judgment is the ballot box — not a forced exit.

“I understand that some of you are frustrated. Disagreement is healthy in a free society. I welcome debate, criticism and the hard questions that come with public service. What I will not accept is the idea that the only acceptable response to opposition is to step aside.

“My focus remains on the work you elected me to do: delivering results for this community, protecting the interests of the people who live and work here, the local businesses and representing you with integrity. That work continues without interruption.

“Now that the recall election has been certified, I will campaign vigorously, answer for my record, and trust the voters to decide. Until then, I will remain on the job.”

Timm also shared correspondence with Hotel Mead, in which he expressed concern that offering anti-data center lawn signs could alienate customers. Proposed data centers have become a significant topic of debate in Wisconsin Rapids, particularly following a proposal submitted by Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams and the PNK Group, an industrial real estate development firm.

Marissa Jönsson, member of South Wood County Neighbors for Responsible Development, publicized a public meeting after learning about it from a local library employee. Several residents voiced concerns regarding a perceived lack of transparency surrounding PNK Group’s development plans.

By a 7-0 vote, the Wisconsin Rapids Planning Commission rejected recommending the conditional use permit for the proposed data center in mid-September. A final decision on the permit will be made by the common council on Tuesday, Oct. 20.

In his statement, Timm further addressed the surrounding controversy:

“I also want to address a specific claim that has circulated — that I improperly pressured or threatened the Hotel Mead regarding “No Data Center” signs.

“Here are the facts. I emailed the general manager at the Hotel Mead with my personal email and shared my opinion that selling those signs in the bar could hurt their business, given how divisive the data center issue has become. We all value the Hotel Mead, and my concern was for their continued success. The GM at the Hotel Mead replied by email and agreed with that assessment. There was no threat, no demand, no ultimatum, and no suggestion of any consequence if they declined. It was simply my opinion. They considered it and voluntarily agreed.

“Businesses have every right to decide what they sell on their own property. In this case, the Hotel Mead made its own decision and communicated it clearly. I respected their response then, and I respect it now. The emails are a matter of record and speak for themselves.

“While these issues have drawn undo [undue] attention, I remain focused on the positive work we have accomplished together. That includes supporting the Safe Haven Baby Box, advancing a sex offender residency ordinance, opening our city to ATVs and UTVs, and working to balance the city budget during a shortfall — along with many other efforts that strengthen Wisconsin Rapids.

“While this recall puts unnecessary costs onto the taxpayers, and I continue to face threats and harassment by people outside my district, I will not abandon my community. 

“I am proud to represent District 7 and all the residents of Wisconsin Rapids. Thank you for your continued support.”

The recall election will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 27.