Social democrat Manfred Menke has been a member of the Wolfratshaus city council since 2014. Now he wants to be mayor.
Wolfratshausen - A January afternoon in Wolfratshausen: the freezing cold is on the streets. Manfred Menke quickly enters the Ratscherl coffee shop. He lives only a few minutes' walk away. From time to time Menke withdraws here to have a cup of coffee in peace. He sits down in the corner at a table, orders a cappuccino and begins to tell the story. The 61-year-old has lived in Loisachstadt with his wife Birgit (65) for over 20 years. The two sons Christian (28) and Patrick (23) have already moved out. The oldest has just finished his studies, the other is doing an internship in Malaysia.
Wolfratshausen: Social Democrat Manfred Menke wants to become mayor
Wolfratshausen is not Menke's birthplace. The teacher originally comes from the Sauerland. He moved to the Free State in 1986 after completing his teaching degree in mathematics and physics in Dortmund. “Back then, it was difficult as a teacher in North Rhine-Westphalia to find a job,” explains Menke. He had no choice: he had to reorient himself, moved to the industrial sector in Munich. There he worked as an electrical engineer in project management.
The next turning point came 20 years later: Menke and his family already lived in Wolfratshausen. Then the company filed for bankruptcy in Munich. But Menke was lucky in misfortune: "At that time they were urgently looking for math and physics teachers in the St. Matthias high school."
Manfred Menke's great passion is cycling
Back in the coffee Ratscherl: Menke sips his coffee cup, looks out the window. The native of Sauerland is very close to nature - and athletic. His great passion is cycling. In the city, he usually covers short distances on two-wheelers. Menke is most fond of riding his racing bike and struggling up steep alpine passes. He travels about 6,500 kilometers a year. But that is not enough for the 61-year-old, he has set a goal: "I would like to drive every Alpine pass once." “This feeling when you slowly fight your way up the steep pass. Always a different curve, always a different scenery, and the panorama - that's just wonderful, ”says the athlete. The teacher also enjoys nature in Loisachstadt. For example, a walk with Mrs. Birgit along the rafts or in the mountain forest.
While sport has always been part of Menke's life, his political career was based on the “principle of small steps”, as the Sauerlander calls it: through the children, he came to the parents' council and later to the support association. It did not take long to get into local politics: Menke has been the SPD local chairman for six years, and he has had a seat on the city council since 2014. The family council at home was given extensive advice on his candidacy as a candidate for mayor. "" Daddy, just do it, "said my sons finally. The matter was decided, ”says the teacher and laughs.
Menke's political career was based on the "principle of small steps"
He is deeply rooted in Wolfratshausen, the city is close to his heart. Menke is certain that the experience he has gained in project management could be useful to him as a city hall manager. "The risk analysis is working, for example, to ensure that the risk factors do not confuse the project." According to Menke, this could have helped with the surf wave planned in Weidach - with several cost increases. The most important concern for him, however, is to maintain the high standard that we currently have in Wolfratshausen in the future. This is a challenge, similar to that in the Bundesliga. Menke: "Getting to first place is exhausting, but keeping it is at least as difficult."
Project management experience could help Menke as mayor
Wolfratshausen is currently in a particularly good position when it comes to childcare places. Menke: "We have to keep going." Another concern for him is to "get the traffic under control". His suggestion: a solution through inter-municipal cooperation with Geretsried. As is well known, traffic there is also “a permanent topic”. For this, the neighboring cities should meet more often than before, once or twice a year. Menke: "The fact that we work really well together has already been shown in the inter-municipal indoor pool."
The city mission statement is an important issue for the Social Democrats
Menke mentions the city mission statement as an equally important topic. "We have to ask the central question: How do we want to develop - and not just for the next six years." Rather, it is important to set the course for the future. "We will clearly change in demography, the proportion of 65-year-olds is increasing," emphasizes Menke. Here, as a city, one has to react and ensure that there are enough places to care for the elderly.
Chatted enough. The cappuccino is empty. Menke orders a piece of cake. "Which exactly do I have to think about, they all taste great here," he says with a wink.
Questions after questions:
Favorite place in Wolfratshausen?
Raft area with a view of the church and mountain forest.
Brass music or rock / pop?
Rock / Pop.
When was the last time you were in traditional costume?
Not yet in Wolfratshausen.
Do you like pets?
Depends on the effort.
Order fan or easy going?
Rather relaxed.
Beer lover or wine lover?
To 82.515 percent beer lover
Beach vacation or city break?
City trip with explorations in the surrounding nature.
Resentful or forgiving?
Forgiving.
Three things for the island?
F3 (family, friends, bike)
Pork knuckle or vegetable casserole?
Vegetable casserole with dosed meat deposits.
Severe or good-natured as a boss or father?
Good-natured.
Do you have a role model?
Especially my mother.
Your motto?
Enjoy life together.
Mayor Klaus Heilinglechner is not the only one who is challenged by Social Democrat Manfred Menke. The other candidates: Annette Heinloth from the Greens, Richard Kugler from the Wolfratshauser list and CSU parliamentary group leader Günther Eibl.
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