Port Washington Mayor Responds to Recall Effort in Ozaukee County

Port Washington Mayor Defends Record as Recall Effort Launches

Port Washington Mayor Ted Neitzke IV has responded to a recall campaign launched against him by local group Great Lakes Neighbors United, defending his leadership record and commitment to the lakeside community.

In a statement released Tuesday, Neitzke emphasized his deep personal ties to the city. “I love Port Washington. I was raised in this city, educated in our schools, and Port is the place where my wife and I chose to stay and raise our family,” he said. “My commitment to Port Washington is not just as a part-time elected mayor — it is personal.”

The recall effort, initiated Monday by Great Lakes Neighbors United, centers on allegations that Neitzke has failed to adequately address resident concerns regarding the controversial Vantage data center project. The group claims critical voices have been marginalized during public discussions about the development.

Under Wisconsin state law, the recall organizers must collect signatures from at least 25% of Port Washington voters who participated in the last gubernatorial election before a recall election can be scheduled.

Neitzke characterized his leadership approach as maintaining “strategic balance” between preserving the city’s heritage and pursuing sustainable development. “Our history, traditions, downtown, and our lakefront are our greatest inheritance,” he stated. “My goal has always been to protect the soul of this community — our historical architecture and our environment — while being future-facing enough to ensure our children can have access to live, work and stay here.”

The mayor highlighted his extensive efforts to engage with diverse community stakeholders, including lakeshore residents, environmental advocates, and local business owners. He noted these discussions have extended beyond formal town halls to include direct meetings with high-profile critics, including a two-hour conversation with comedian and social media personality Charlie Berens.

“I was taught and have always believed that you cannot shake hands with a clenched fist,” Neitzke remarked. “Whether I am speaking with a lifelong homeowner or a digital influencer, my door remains open to anyone willing to engage in a civil, fact-based and solution-oriented conversation about what is best for Port Washington.”

In defense of his administration’s accomplishments, Neitzke outlined several major infrastructure and community initiatives completed during his tenure. These include upgrades to water treatment and filtration plants, restoration of the Port Washington Lighthouse, development of a new Fire and Police Safety Center, and attracting industrial development to diversify the local tax base and reduce burden on homeowners.

His administration has also prioritized bluff stabilization, park improvements, and partnerships with utilities like We Energies to increase power reliability for local businesses, including footwear manufacturer Allen Edmonds, a significant employer in the region.

Regarding the data center project at the center of the recall effort, Neitzke emphasized the administration’s commitment to transparency through multiple communication channels, including a dedicated website, PortDataCenter.com. The site provides access to project information, FAQs, independent studies, and financial projections.

While expressing openness to constructive dialogue, Neitzke voiced concern about the nature of the opposition. “True leadership requires providing viable solutions and a clear path forward, not simply a curated list of grievances,” he said. “Much of the rhetoric currently surrounding this recall is rooted in misinformation rather than the complex facts of municipal governance.”

The situation highlights the tensions common in many communities navigating development issues, where economic progress often collides with preservation concerns and resident apprehensions about change.

“Governance is about having the courage to fix what is broken and the vision to see what is possible,” Neitzke concluded. “We have addressed decades-old issues in just four years. I am proud of our record of preservation and progress, and I am not finished working for the people of my hometown.”