Neenah mayoral candidates showcase their qualifications and abilities at a forum

NEENAH — Voters got a taste of the poise and readiness of the city’s two mayoral candidates Wednesday at a forum sponsored by the Winnebago County League of Women Voters.

Jane Lang and Brian Borchardt answered a series of questions about economic development, downtown parking, electric vehicle charging stations, cooperation with neighboring communities, and maintenance of city streets and bridges .

There were nuanced differences in their responses, but nothing contradictory in substance, approach, or demeanor. Anyone expecting the glitz and bluster of recent presidential debates has likely been disappointed.

Ultimately, Lang and Borchardt were asked what sets them apart.

Lang highlighted her eight years of service on city council and the relationships she has built with city administrators, staff and business leaders.

“I’m a hard worker and I love to work hard,” she said. “I meet with staff before meetings. I’m always prepared. I’ve been proven to do good things for the town of Neenah.”

“I always prioritize Neenah,” Lang continued, “and I think that’s definitely a top priority for me.”

Borchardt said one of his main strengths was his ability to lead and inspire others.

“I think I have the ability to collaborate and build bridges for people in our community,” he said. “I think it’s essential. It’s not about me. It’s about us, and as your mayor, I’m going to make sure that not only am I looking at the next four years of my term, but that it will be the next 40 years.”

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Lang finished first in the Feb. 15 primary election, garnering 49 percent of the vote. Borchardt was second with 40%. Kelly Behrmann finished third with 11% and was eliminated from competition.

The winner of the April 5 election will win a four-year term as mayor. Outgoing Dean Kaufert did not seek re-election after eight years in office.

About 50 people attended the Mayors’ Forum at City Hall. The questions were submitted by those present or by people who emailed the League of Women Voters.

The forum has been recorded and will be posted within a week on the city’s website, on YouTube and on the League of Women Voters website.

Lang, 58, is the executive director of the Neenah Historical Society and is responsible for the organization’s development, budgeting, administrative, educational and outreach activities. She said the experience prepared her to take on the role of city leader and manager “on day one.”

She has served on the council since her first election in 2014. Her family has lived in Neenah for six generations.

“We are blessed to live in a safe, vibrant and healthy community,” Lang said, “and I am committed to ensuring that it will be so for generations to come.”

Borchardt, 49, is a Neenah teacher and board member of Verve Credit Union. He has served on the board since his appointment in September 2020 and his election last April.

He said in his opening statement that he had nothing to do.

“I don’t run for mayor because I’m angry at something or disappointed,” he said. “Quite the opposite. I see Neenah’s best years ahead of us. I want to be part of shaping that future.”

Both candidates found it useful to ask companies to promote public transit for their employees.

Borchardt said public transit and carpooling could reduce the need for more downtown parking.

“I just don’t think, ‘Well, let’s add more parking spaces and then we’ll solve our problem,'” he said. “What are the other ways we can do this?”

Lang said a large majority of employees drive to work alone.

“It’s something that doesn’t have to happen,” she said. “We got used to it. That doesn’t mean it’s the best way to do it. I think there are ways to encourage public transport, to encourage businesses to support public transport, and that’s an area I would work in.”

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In December and January, Borchardt raised $9,077 and spent $4,258 on his election bid, according to campaign finance reports filed with the city clerk’s office.

Lang raised $4,290 and spent $3,260 over the same two-month period.

The next set of campaign finance reports is due March 28.

For more information on registering to vote and polling locations, visit the MyVote Wisconsin website at myvote.wi.gov/en-us.

Contact Duke Behnke at 920-993-7176 or dbehnke@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @DukeBehnke.