The day after the runoff election, Weilheim's local politicians agreed: It was "to be expected" that Markus Loth (BfW) remains Mayor. In the meantime, the race for the two deputy posts has started. And there are very different views - and ambitions.
Weilheim - Mayor Loth was immersed in his current everyday life early on the day after his election success - everyday crisis. He commuted in the town hall between meeting, cell phone and landline phone. Despite the all-determining topic “Corona”: You also have to set the course for further city council work, the city hall boss says on the phone on “Tagblatt” request. Nobody knows when there will be meetings again. The budget meeting would be scheduled for April 23, the last meeting of the incumbent city council for April 30, and the new one for May 7. It is completely open whether the deadlines should be met. "We drive on sight," explains Loth.
The 52-year-old, who has been running the town hall for 18 years, has an eye on the next decisions - especially those about his deputies. Horst Martin (60, SPD) has been 2nd Mayor for six years, Angelika Flock (61, CSU) 3rd Mayor. Will it stay that way? "I don't think so," replies Loth, "you have to be so honest." He wanted to propose Martin again as Vice and Alfred Honisch (66, Greens) as 3rd Mayor.
Greens and CSU report claims
The city council will decide. And that is where exciting coordination is in the offing - because there are definitely conflicting ambitions. Horst Martin would like to remain 2nd Mayor, as he says on request. His previous office has been praised and his style appreciated. However, the SPD will have only two instead of four seats in the future. The Greens, however, have doubled their number, from three to six, which arouses desire. "Of course, the new conditions in the city council must also be reflected in the deputy posts," said parliamentary group spokesman Alfred Honisch, "the green influence as the third strongest group". As for himself, Honisch is diplomatic: "What is the politician's saying? If the matter is brought up to me, I would not say no. "
Also interesting: where the energy of the city of Weilheim goes
The CSU also reports claims. "I can already see a clear electoral mandate that Angelika Flock should be second mayor," says faction leader Marion Lunz-Schmieder, referring to Flock's "respectable" 38.6 percent in the mayor runoff. The candidate herself already interpreted her result in this way on election evening.
"Of course, it is important to consider whether the previous 3rd mayor, who has lost in the run-off election, is not entitled to the 2nd mayor's position simply because of the citizens' will," explains FDP city councilor Saika Gebauer-Merx - although she would "regret this very much for Horst Martin “As she emphasizes. In general, "should not be selected according to party proportions, but according to personal suitability".
Is it about proportion or suitability?
Rüdiger Imgart, a new member of the city council for the AfD, wishes "a deputy with administrative experience and, as a further mayor, a young, if not young, member of the city council". On the other hand, the ÖDP local chairman Andreas Halas, one of two future city councils in the eco-party, calls for content expertise: The city must - as the corona pandemic makes even more aware of - make a contribution “towards less profit-oriented, but more solid and sustainable environmental To promote social and economic structures ”. The 2nd or 3rd mayor should therefore be the one who can best assist our 1st mayor in this sense.
Romana Asam (Free Voters) has no opinion yet about the filling of the positions of deputies: In this regard, one wants to first consult with all candidates for the FW city council. Ullrich Klinkicht, who won a city council mandate for “Weilheim Miteinander”, also finds it difficult to make an assessment. He assumes that there have already been "talks between the larger parties" about the vice positions, but has no preference himself. And he adds with a wink: "I'm assuming you don't vote for me."
BfW parliamentary group spokeswoman Brigitte Holeczek is in line with Mayor Loth: Horst Martin, as the second mayor, "has proven itself well, and good cooperation was also possible with our group". Therefore she sees no reason to change this. “For the office of 3rd mayor, you have to see who is filing claims. But after the Greens have grown so significantly, I see it as a deserved option. ”