LAWRENCEBURG, TN — Mayor Blake Lay announced today that he will not seek reelection.
The decision comes after several months of thought, prayer and conversations with his family. For Lay, the decision to step away from elected office is not about stepping away from Lawrenceburg but about entering a new season of life, one that will allow him to focus more of his attention on his business, his family and the opportunities ahead.
“I love this city and the people who call it home,” Lay said. “Serving as mayor has been a true honor and a blessing. There is no greater privilege than being trusted by your friends, neighbors and fellow citizens to serve the community you love.”
Lay’s service as mayor spans three terms and two distinct chapters in Lawrenceburg’s history. He served his first term from 1999 to 2003 before returning to the mayor’s office in 2018.
“Twenty years passed between my first term and the day I had the opportunity to serve as mayor again,” Lay said. “A lot changed during those years, but one thing never changed: my love for Lawrenceburg. Coming back into this office and having the opportunity to serve this community again has meant more to me than I can put into words.”
Throughout his time in office, he has worked to give the position the same level of commitment he brings to every area of his life.
“I have never known how to give anything less than 100 percent to something I care about,” Lay said. “The mayor’s position may technically be part time, but serving this city has never felt like a part-time responsibility to me. When you care deeply about the work and the people you serve, you give it everything you have. That commitment requires time, energy and sacrifice, and my family and my business have made those sacrifices right along with me.”
Lay said the decision not to seek another term was extremely difficult, but after much reflection, he knows the time is right to focus on his business and pursue the next chapter of his professional life.
“My business deserves more of my attention, and I am excited about the opportunities the future holds,” Lay said. “Sometimes one door must close for other doors to open. I will always cherish the door that opened for me to serve as Mayor, but I believe this is the right time to open a new door for my family, my business and for me personally.”
Reflecting on his time in office, Lay credited the city’s progress to the people who have worked together for the good of Lawrenceburg.
“Anything we have accomplished has been possible because of dedicated city employees, city council members, local businesses, community organizations and citizens who care deeply about Lawrenceburg,” Lay said. “I am proud of the progress we have made and grateful to everyone who has been part of it.”
Although he will not be a candidate in the next election, Lay said his commitment to the community will remain.
“I will support whoever the citizens elect and do everything I can to help keep Lawrenceburg moving forward,” Lay said. “This office belongs to the people, and I want the next mayor to succeed because when that person succeeds, Lawrenceburg succeeds.”
Lay will continue serving through the remainder of his term with the same commitment he has brought to the office throughout his tenure.
“There is still work to do, and I intend to serve with the same dedication on my last day that I had on my first,” Lay said. “I may be leaving the mayor’s office, but I will never stop caring about Lawrenceburg or wanting the very best for its people.”
Lay concluded by expressing his appreciation to the community.
“Thank you to the citizens of Lawrenceburg for allowing me to serve you,” Lay said. “Thank you for your trust, your prayers, your encouragement and even the conversations when we did not always agree. Every part of this experience has made me appreciate this community even more. Serving as your mayor has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and it is something I will carry with me always.”
