Janesville Council Member Questions Potential Conflict in GM Redevelopment Advisory Board

A Janesville city council member, Heather Miller, raised concerns regarding a potential conflict of interest involving Rock County Economic Development Manager James Otterstein's role in the GM-JATCO Redevelopment Advisory Board. Miller alleges Otterstein's prior involvement in a separate data center project should have been disclosed before his appointment. City Manager Kevin Lahner and Rock County Administrator John Light defended Otterstein’s position, stating it does not represent a conflict of interest. The advisory board will continue discussions on redevelopment options for the former GM site.

Published Mar 20, 2026

Janesville city council member Heather Miller has expressed concerns about a possible conflict of interest regarding James Otterstein, Rock County Economic Development Manager, on the GM-JATCO Redevelopment Advisory Board. This board was established to guide the redevelopment of the former General Motors site.

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Miller pointed to an email from April 2025 suggesting Otterstein's prior involvement in a data center project near Beloit, which she believes should have been disclosed prior to his appointment. City Manager Kevin Lahner and Rock County Administrator John Light defended Otterstein, stating his experience is valuable and does not present a conflict. The advisory board is expected to continue evaluating redevelopment options, including potential data center plans.