LETTER: Free market capitalism at its best seen in Port data center

To Ozaukee Press:

The development of the Port Washington data center is a story of American economic history. American economic growth is based on the free market combination of capitalism and private property. Ventures such as this help grow our economy.

Over the years, Port Washington has lost industries that provided jobs for multiple generations. This data center project will help to reverse this trend.

The Port Washington Common Council did due diligence before approving this project. Through a series of public hearings, the preliminary plans for the data center were presented to the public. After careful examination by the council and mayor, the council voted to approve the annexation of Town of Port Washington  property and the plans for the data center. This project brings in $15 billion to the community in construction spending. This process was “civics by the letter.”

The residents of the Town of Port Washington chose to sell their property. This is what happens in a free market. The community will have to tolerate a period of construction. It’s inevitable that the presence of thousands of workers will create discomfort for those living on the fringe of the development, but that will end. Employment and tax benefits for the area will result.

I am convinced that the finished project will be an asset to the community.

John Taucher

Port Washington