Lambertville Mayor Julia Fahl has announced she will not seek a second term in office.
In a 12-minute address uploaded to the city’s website Thursday, Fahl said she wants to “refocus my time on my family, my marriage and my personal endeavors.”
“I began my run for mayor just two months after my wedding, perhaps naively thinking the former wouldn’t affect the latter so much,” Fahl said in the video. “I want to thank my wife Kari for her support, encouragement, and her time during these first three years of our marriage and my mayorship. This truly was an endeavor we entered together, and I’m really looking forward to our next adventure together.”
The mayor’s announcement comes only months after a lawsuit was filed against the city by Alex Torpey, a former employee who claimed he was terminated after conducting whistleblowing activities and falling victim to a hostile work environment.
Last month, Fahl also announced the city was phasing out the city’s official Facebook page largely because she was being targeted and bullied by Lambertville United, a citizens group formed in 2020 in opposition to the city’s community development proposal.
Fahl did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday.
Throughout her address, Fahl reflected on her achievements over the past two years. She drew particular attention to increasing transparency between the government and the public, creating stronger protection for renters, implementing a “better affordable housing policy”, and “making Lambertville a good place to work.”
She also noted her intent to move forward with several projects during her final year in office, specifically the finalization of an affordable housing plan, the redevelopment and preservation of the Closson family property, and the improvement of the safety of the city through methods like addressing flooding concerns and expanding utilities services.
“I am excited to accomplish great things with you in my final year as mayor and to continue to make Lambertville an even better place to call home,” Fahl said in the video. “I will continue to do my job to serve this city and ask that you do your part in wearing your mask, keeping your distance, and limiting unnecessary activities.”
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Caroline Fassett may be reached at [email protected].
