Wisconsin Rapids Alderman Faces October 27 Recall Election

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. — Wisconsin Rapids District 7 Alderperson Michael Timm will face challenger Rusty Brown in an October 27 recall election stemming from allegations that he pressured a local hotel over its decision to sell signs opposing a proposed data center.

The controversy began in July, when Timm emailed management at Hotel Mead Resort and Convention Center after learning that "No Data Center" signs were being sold at the hotel's bar. Timm denies threatening the business and says he was concerned about how selling the signs could affect the hotel.

The signs opposed a proposal by PNK Group USA to build an artificial intelligence data center at the city's former paper mill site.

In the email, Timm identified himself as a Wisconsin Rapids alderperson and mentioned his connections to the local Chamber of Commerce. He warned that selling the signs could drive customers away and pointed to another local bar that had closed after allowing similar signs to be sold.

"By allowing this, you're alienating A LOT of people from your establishment," Timm wrote. "While I remain neutral on the issue, I know of several people that won't be going in there knowing this is going on."

Hotel Mead General Manager Tucker Christensen responded that he personally opposed selling the signs because he wanted the hotel to stay out of the controversy. Christensen said the hotel's owners had approved the sales and that he had discussed Timm's concerns with them.

Christensen thanked Timm for sharing his opinion and said he hoped the owners would reconsider.

After the email became public, residents accused Timm of using his elected position to pressure a private business and interfere with free speech.

A recall petition was circulated, and residents gathered enough signatures to trigger an election. The city certified the petition September 18, and the Common Council voted September 23 to schedule the recall.

Timm has rejected the allegations. In a September 25 public statement, he said he sent the message from his personal email account and was concerned about the hotel's continued success.

"There was no threat, no demand, no ultimatum, and no suggestion of any consequence if they declined," Timm said. "It was simply my opinion."

He also announced he would not resign, saying voters should decide whether he remains in office.

Timm was elected without opposition in 2025 and is serving his first term on the council. Brown is challenging him in the recall election.

The winner will serve the remainder of the District 7 term, which expires in April 2027. Voters will return to the polls that April to elect someone to a new two-year term.

The October 27 recall election is open only to Wisconsin Rapids District 7 voters. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

In-person absentee voting continues Friday, October 16, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Wisconsin Rapids City Clerk's Office. Voters must present an acceptable photo ID.