Neenah Mayor Dean Kaufert will not run for re-election next spring.
Kaufert announces he will not seek a third, four-year term.
“The decision to retire has not been an easy one due to the love for this community and the opportunity to make it even better tomorrow,” writes Kaufert in a statement. “Getting older makes staying up later past 10 pm to work on the budget harder to do, Committee night meetings after all day at the office are more difficult and answering the phone calls, emails and texts daily is
challenging. Maybe being the only Mayor in the state to give out my personal cell phone is not such a great idea.”
He cites the stress caused by the pandemic the last two years for his decision to step away from public office. “The pandemic has made the last 18 months a challenge that has drained me emotionally and physically. The responsibility of protecting our community was immense,” shares Kaufert.
Kaufert was in the state Legislature for 24-years before running for Mayor in 2014. He also served five years on the Neenah Common Council.
As for what’s next? Kaufert states, “It is time to enjoy my cottage more, do more traveling, find out what a Memorial Day or 4th of July is without a parade or day in the park, help out in the family business and family time. Watching more of the grandkids football and baseball games will be nice.”
You can read a full statement from Kaufert HERE.
