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Menlo Park council member Jen Wolosin is not running for reelection in November, she announced on Sunday, March 31.
Wolosin, who represents District 3, said the decision came after “much contemplation and soul-searching,” she said in the email newsletter in which she broke the news. Her time on the City Council, which began when she was elected in 2020, will wrap up in December.
“Many familial and personal considerations have factored into my decision not to run,” she said. “While I have relished my service to the larger community, I now need to turn my attention to my own needs and to those of the people I love. I am announcing this approximately seven months ahead of the November election to make room for those interested in serving so they can come forward and explore their potential candidacy.”
‘While I have relished my service to the larger community, I now need to turn my attention to my own needs and to those of the people I love.’
Menlo Park Council member Jen Wolosin
She said that serving as a council member, including as mayor in 2023, has been “the honor of a lifetime.”
“I am grateful to have been trusted with this decision-making position to help our community navigate through challenges, and I have really enjoyed getting to meet so many amazing residents and stakeholders that are deeply invested in our wonderful city,” she said.
District 3 includes a section of Menlo Park bounded between Palo Alto and Atherton, stretching southwest to Crane Street and northeast to the Veterans Affairs property off of Willow Road. It includes the Civic Center, the Caltrain station and the neighborhoods of Vintage Oaks, Linfield Oaks and Felton Gables, among other areas.
After her term ends, she said people can still expect to see her face around town, riding e-bike, walking her dog, at back-to-school-nights and at other community venues.
“I am and will continue to be proud to call Menlo Park home,” she said.
Other council seat up for grabs in November
Aside from District 3, the District 5 seat filled by Maria Doerr will also be on the November ballot. The council appointed Doerr in January 2023 to replace Ray Mueller who was elected to the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors.
Doerr has not announced if she will run this fall to continue to represent the area that encompasses Sharon Heights and West Menlo Park.
Jen – Thank you for your years of service and Bravo for your decision to return to a more normal life.
Elected service is both a privilege and a huge drain on one’s energies.
Peter
Thank Goodness. Maybe we can get someone who will actually advocate for Menlo Park homeowners and families over external developers and social advocates.