Data center opponents want to recall Port mayor

A group opposed to Vantage Data Centers Lighthouse Campus is seeking a candidate to run against Port Washington Mayor Ted Neitzke in a recall election.

Great Lakes Neighbors United has posted a notice on social media that it is “actively seeking new potential candidates ... to replace Mayor Ted Neitzke.”

The post also notes that aldermen Paul Neumyer, Dan Benning and Pat Tearney are up for election in April, and states “Let’s save Port Washington from the deception these two have caused our city.”

A call to a spokesman for the group did not return a call for comment. 

Nomination papers for the three aldermanic positions up for election in spring — the city’s 2nd, 4th and 6th districts — can be circulated beginning Monday.

Nomination papers must be filed with City Clerk Susan Westerbeke by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6.

Aldermen serve a two-year term.

Neitzke was elected to a three-year term in 2024, so his seat is not up for election in spring.

He and other city officials have come under fire in recent months as plans for the Vantage Data Center Lighthouse complex on the city’s north side have progressed. Residents and members of other communities have protested not only the data center but also the potential impact of high-powered electrical lines needed to provide electricity for the data center campus.

In the Port Washington-Saukville School District, three seats will be on the April ballot.

They are the Village of Saukville seat held by Sara McCutcheon, City of Port seat held by Kierstin Cira and the Town of Port Washington seat held by Justin Myers.

Board members serve three-year terms.

Candidates must file a campaign registration statement and declaration of candidacy at the district office by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6.

If more than two candidates seek any one seat on the Common Council or School Board, a primary election will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 13. The general election will be Tuesday, April 7.