Jane Lang (Photo courtesy of Jane Lang)
NEENAH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The mayor of Neenah, Jane Lang, has decided not to pursue a second term in office.
“After much reflection and conversation with my family, I have made the very difficult decision not to run for a second term,” Lang wrote in a letter sent to city staff and council members. “This is not a decision that has been easy to make, and I have sincerely struggled to make it.”
Lang, who was elected four years ago, said the job of mayor “can be all-consuming for those who fully commit to it” and she wants to be able to spend more time with her husband, children and grandchildren. She added that it was an “honor and privilege” to have served as the mayor of Neenah.
You can read Lang’s full letter below:
Four years ago, after much discussion with my family, I made the decision to run for mayor of the great City of Neenah. Being born and raised here as well as raising our four children here made the decision to attempt to serve in this role even more important to me. Add to that, my great-great grandparents first arrived in Neenah in 1848 – the same year Wisconsin became a state, and we’ve stayed right here.
Generations of commitment to and love for this special community on the Fox River and Lake Winnebago have made me the person I am. It has been an absolute honor to serve as an alderman for eight years and then as Neenah’s mayor for the past almost four. The excellent team at the city has accomplished so much in those four years, and I will never be able to fully express my gratitude and appreciation for all that this incredible group of people do to serve others. Their examples of unselfish dedication and servant leadership have inspired me and blessed me in countless ways.
After much reflection and conversation with my family, I have made the very difficult decision not to run for a second term. This is not a decision that has been easy to make, and I have sincerely struggled to make it. Ultimately, my decision is based on my desire to spend more quality time with my husband and our four children and grandchildren.
The job of mayor can be all-consuming for those who fully commit to it. I am incredibly thankful to my husband of forty years (Fred) who has completely and selflessly supported me through this journey. Our children have also provided me with their constant and unwavering support and encouragement, and for that I am deeply grateful.
To all of my friends and supporters in this wonderful community, I want to also say thank you. We are extremely blessed in our city to have so many individuals who perpetually focus on making Neenah a better place, and I will forever be grateful to have had the opportunity to have worked alongside all of you who make a positive impact each and every day. Neenah is an amazing community, and my love for it and for those who also call it home, will never waver. Again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for allowing me the honor and privilege to have served as your mayor.
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