They are young and from May they will provide a breath of fresh air in the Wartenberg market council. Melanie Falzetta (23 / Greens), Nina Hieronymus (27 / CSU) and Simon Grandinger (28 / CSU) are the U30 trio in the new committee. In the interview, they talk about their goals and how they want to avoid being cheated by the old hands in the council.
Wartenberg - When the newly elected Wartenberg market council began operating six years ago, its average age was 49.1 years. The youngest member of the board at the time was Markus Straßberger at 36. After the recent elections, half of the council is still in office and dignity, but the average age has dropped to 47.5 years. The reason for this is not least a trio of young people who bring a breath of fresh air to the committee. Three new councils are under 30 years old.
In a large interview with our newspaper, Melanie Falzetta (23 / Greens), Nina Hieronymus (27 / CSU) and Simon Grandinger (28 / CSU) talk about how they want to do it, not to cheat themselves from the old hands in the market council to let. You will quickly notice, dear readers: This youngster trio will play anything but an extras role in the new body, but will help to shape it with confidence.
First of all, respect that first you were put up and secondly you were also elected. What was it like when you found out about your choice?
Melanie Falzetta: I worked as an election assistant and learned about my choice from Josef Sedlmaier (CSU Market Council, editor's note). I was absolutely speechless and at first I couldn't quite believe it. There was also the question of whether the older voters would also check the young candidates. I am very grateful that the voters have put their trust in me.
Nina Hieronymus: I had just counted the ballot papers for the district elections when our new mayor Christian Pröbst told me that we had nine seats in the new market town council. I will not forget this moment my whole life - it was incredible. I was just really happy and I'm still over the moon.
Simon Grandinger: I also found out about counting from the district council. Namely from my best friend, who wrote it to me via WhatsApp. "Simon, you are the sixth strongest in the CSU with almost 1000 votes." I was speechless. Because I really didn't expect that, I was thinking about 500 votes. Another friend wrote to me: "If you make it to the market council, I will come to the town hall for every meeting." I will be happy to come back to that (grins).
What do you think: why were you elected?
Hieronymus: Only the voter can answer this question. Before the election, many people told me that they think it is important that more young people and, above all, women are represented in the new market council.
Grandinger: I think I am known in the market through my association activities and also through my work as a farmer.
Falzetta: On the one hand, my age may have been relevant, possibly the desire for a certain change. On the other hand, the Wartenberger Greens with Dominik Rutz and me have a dual leadership - that ensures a certain presence. We had a lot of events to get to know.
There are some old hands in the market council that can get loud. Do you have any respect for this, or do you want to get started with nothing? In the council verbally the shreds fly.
Grandinger: At first a bit reluctant and let everything work on me, but if something doesn't suit me, I will certainly express my opinion.
Falzetta: I know that the scraps occasionally fly in Wartenberg, but that was not an obstacle to my decision to apply. When it gets loud, it can be loud - but in my eyes, the volume is not the key to success or compromise is. Remain on the subject, have respect for one another and discuss objectively - at least that's my approach for the coming years.
Hieronymus: Discussions are part of our democracy. However, respectful and fair dealings with one another must be ensured.
Perhaps it is an advantage in heated debates if you already have political experience. Ms. Hieronymus, you experience politics every day as a research assistant at Ulrike Scharf. Certainly helpful for you.
Hieronymus: I am very lucky to have had a deep insight into the political work of the members of the Landtag every day for almost two years. Understanding the different political structures, how public authorities and administrations work, and knowing the complexity of the different issues will certainly be of great help to me.
You are the youngest on the Council a few years behind, Ms. Falzetta. How are you going to do it so that you can make yourself heard and respected among the old rabbits?
Falzetta: Many of the old hands were also young hands. Years ago, they too were in my position as the youngest on the board. I am very certain that at this point in time they wanted hearing and respect - as I do now. I will be very happy to remind you if I notice that my statements, opinions and demands are mildly laughed at or not taken seriously at all due to my age. But I don't think so.
Do you actually know each other?
Hieronymus: Simon and I have known each other since our youth and have often seen each other during the election campaign. I only know Melanie by sight. On the evening of the election, of course, we congratulated each other and we were happy together.
Grandinger: We knew each other mainly from sight, now through the party I know Nina a little better.
Falzetta: I don't really know either Nina or Simon - although I'm friends with Nina on Facebook, for example (grins).
Do you even consider yourself three as a small team because of your age?
Grandinger: In terms of youth, I see ourselves as a team. The rest will be shown.
Falzetta: Even if there will certainly be different political views in the coming years, I think it is an advantage that there are three councilors belonging to the U 30 generation - especially since the younger ones tick differently than the older ones.
Hieronymus: Melanie, Simon and me, of course, share our age in a way. Simons and my political home is the CSU. Melanie is with the Greens. It remains to be seen to what extent we agree.
As a young citizen, you have an ear for the next generation in the market. What could be improved for him in the Wartenberg market?
Hieronymus: Leisure activities are particularly important for young people. Lake Thenner is a place of relaxation for all of us. Together with the district, we have to further upgrade it. I would like to get young people enthusiastic about politics and especially encourage young women to get involved
Falzetta: Young people need to be more involved in the action. Very important: you have to let them have a say. For example when designing the holiday program. The first youth forum last year was a great idea. We should build on this success and continue the forum - also with citizens who are over 16 years old. Now we have a condom machine that the young people want - but there is more. For example, more frequent public transport, so that young people can travel independently and comfortably from Wartenberg to, for example, Erding or Moosburg.
Grandinger: I see myself as a mouthpiece for the young people and I still have a very good connection to the youth community. More major events would have to be funded. Thanks to my experience as an assessor in the youth community, I can provide support here.
Be honest: Do you feel a lot of pressure now?
Grandinger: Because of my job as an agricultural master, I'm used to making decisions and taking responsibility.
Falzetta: I have a lot of respect for the task, but I don't feel any pressure. I took enough time before my candidacy to think about what to expect in an election. That takes the pressure off.
Hieronymus: It is an honor and at the same time a great responsibility to be significantly involved in the decisions that affect the people in Wartenberg in the future. But I'm ready for it.
You have now taken the first step. Finally, I would like to know whether the mayor post might be something for you at some point.
Grandinger: In this regard, as a farmer, I have enough to do at home. Let's see what time brings.
Hieronymus: Life takes paths and takes turns that cannot be planned and foreseen. Therefore: never say never!
Falzetta: I would put it that way too, because personal views can change over the years. So far, however, my answer has been a resounding no. My studies and my part-time job at the Marie Pettenbeck School show that I really like being a teacher. I just can't imagine swapping a classroom with the mayor's office.
These are the three Wartenberger U30 councils:
Melanie Falzetta of the Greens, who was represented on the council for the first time with three seats, is by far the youngest at just 23 years of age and was even allowed to top her party's municipal council list. She likes to read, collect records - as unusual for her age as her political commitment - and visits art and history museums. The Wartenberger studies German, history and social studies at a high school teaching post. She is currently working on her approval work.
Despite her 27 years of political experience, Nina Hieronymus from the CSU. As a research assistant, she is the right-hand man of ex-environment minister and member of the state parliament Ulrike Scharf. The Wartenberger's great passion is running and moving in the fresh air - hiking, biking, swimming, for example. She has loved traveling and getting to know other cultures since childhood. "And reading is pure relaxation for me," she says.
The U 30 market trio is completed by Simon Grandinger, also from the CSU. The 28-year-old is a real club club in a positive sense. He is a member of TSV Wartenberg, supporting member of the youth community, shooter at St. Ulrich Pesenlern and also at FC Fraunhofer. The master of agriculture's hobbies: skiing, shepherd's head, shooting, hiking, cycling, what to do with friends.