The second term is before Wolfratshausen's mayor Klaus Heilinglechner (BVW). We spoke to him about challenges and wishes.
Wolfratshausen - The beginning is overshadowed by the corona pandemic, the consequences of which represent an unprecedented challenge for the 52-year-old city hall boss. Our newspaper spoke to Heilingchner on the phone.
Mayor, how often does your phone or cell phone ring during the day?
Mostly too often - on some days I can no longer put my phone down. But sometimes it's silent for hours. That makes me startled again.
What has been the most positive experience for you in the past few days?
I am pleased that everyone has learned very quickly how to deal with the corona crisis. On the one hand, there are citizens who observe the exit restrictions. And there are my employees who don't complain, but look for solutions. After the runoff, I got in touch with the city council groups. Through the bank you signaled to me that we want to get out of the crisis together. I am very pleased with this commitment to cohesion.
There has been a crisis team in the town hall since the beginning of the corona pandemic.
Who is one of them?
In addition to me, building manager Susanne Leonhard, the head of the administrative service and education department, Martin Melf, and the head of the citizen service department, Martin Millian.
Do they meet in person or does the crisis team communicate digitally?
We coordinate a lot by e-mail, but my office is large enough to hold a conference with four people at a distance. I will inform the city councilors by email. However, I have to filter the huge flood of information that arrives here in the town hall. I pass on information with priority one or two to the city councils promptly. In addition, I have an open ear for the city councilors: If you want to know something, you can ask me at any time.
Which topic is high on the agenda?
Our local economy! The corona crisis is affecting the companies massively. There is no recommended action "from above" for the municipalities. So virtually every city, every municipality invents an individual solution - which I personally regret because it means a lot of multiple work and unnecessary loops. We offer the tenants of urban properties the deferral of the rent. We also give traders the opportunity to request a deferral of the business tax prepayment. This draft application was drawn up in the Wolfratshausen town hall - and after consultation with, among others, the district's economic development agency, a sample was sent to all cities and municipalities in the district.
When will the newly elected city council be constituted?
The answer to this question has given us a lot of headaches in the past few days. But there is a legal deadline according to which the city council members must be sworn in by 14 May at the latest. The deadline must be met - despite the corona pandemic. The constituent meeting will take place on May 5th, but in no case in the meeting room of the town hall. We will find an alternative location that is so large that we can keep the necessary distance between each individual and minimize the potential risk of infection. There is also the question of how extensive the agenda for this meeting has to be. Should the city council, for example, immediately decide on the new rules of procedure on this day? I will discuss all of this with the political groups.
What big challenge do you and the city council face?
We will definitely critically review the budget for the current year and consistently tap the investment program again. I would like to take a retreat with the new city council. Günther Eibl, leader of the CSU parliamentary group, has already welcomed this proposal to me.
This will be a closed conference in which the red pencil rules ...
... the city council decides. You have to consider: We have already invested a lot of money in some projects. Does it really make sense to cancel such projects? But again: the decisions should be made in accordance with the mayor and the city council.
Do you expect a decrease in trade tax revenue?
Yes. Probably it won't get less overnight, but it will be delayed. Let us think back: After the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 in the United States, it took a year for Wolfratshausen to feel the economic consequences. Trade tax revenue fell by almost 40 percent. In numbers: We currently receive around 11 million euros in trade tax per year - in comparison, we would then only have around four million euros available. Nevertheless: We must not lose sight of projects that have started, it must continue. We cannot zero everything.
What scares you besides the economic impact of the crisis?
I am not moved by fear, but rather by the hope that we can overcome the crisis and emerge stronger from it if we all stick together. We can now set an example together.
What are your plans for your second term?
During my first term in office, I made mistakes and learned from them. I will definitely communicate with the city council as openly as possible, as long as I do not violate applicable law. I hope that the councils, conversely, treat me honestly. My door is open - I am capable of criticism as well as learning.
Do you have a wish?
I would like to thank the Wolfratshausers for adhering to the exit restrictions despite all the problems they entail - and I hope that they will continue to do so.
Can you find some relaxation these days?
Admittedly, that is difficult for me. Sometimes I find myself in a tunnel and I don't come down in the family circle in the evening either. But my family shows great understanding. So I am no different than many, many people in our country at the moment.
cce
Also read:
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