Michael Asam was mayor of the market town for 24 years. His last official act was the wedding of his successor Peter Ostenrieder in the foyer of the Sparkasse on Thursday afternoon. The walk to the town hall over the deserted square is visibly difficult. But despite Corona and the canceled farewell party, his long-time employees naturally don't just let him go - and move Asam to tears.
Peiting - Michael Asam had a lot planned for his last day at work. His employees do a lot more. They all wanted to say goodbye to their boss, who had been with them for many years for the good of the community. It should be a mixed farewell firework. With brass music, draft beer, snack and lots of fun performances. You wanted to let it rip again. But then Corona came.
A last sign as an expression of sympathy for the mayor hangs between two trees at the Barbara fountain in front of the town hall. A big THANK YOU for everything for the best boss. And hope to see you again. Then nothing. The square was empty, all the windows of the town hall were closed. District Administrator Andrea Jochner-Weiß and his successor Peter Ostenrieder also have long faces - they are very good actors.
All employees have set up a trellis - by far
For a last photo, Asam positions himself in front of the poster. Smiles on his face. Ostenrieder unlocks the main entrance and opens the door. A few hours early, but that's his first job as the new town hall host. Then the blast. They are all there. The employees who have been valued and loved for years. Keep the distance exactly. Face mask, of course, lined up from the basement to the attic to the last trellis. An impressive picture.
The district administrator leads an almost speechless Asam towards the duty room. Past his great team to the anteroom. A colorfully decorated barrier blocks access to his desk. "You are crazy", the first comment from Asam, who has now found his language again. However, Sabine Hickisch, chairwoman of the staff council, took the floor. Her words in absolute abbreviation: "A great boss who is reluctant to let go", confirmed by loud applause. As I said, from the basement to the attic. The barrier in the form of a colorfully decorated bicycle turns out to be a voucher for an e-bike, Asam's secret wish.
A very special gift from the construction yard employees
The next hammer from the building yard, where the employees also know a secret wish of their boss. He is already planning a pool in his garden. For this, the men will carry out the excavation. Of course, in her free time. And they put a grant for the swimming facility on top. Not to forget a third, very personal gift. All of the employees collected and made available pictures, newspaper clippings and comments, which resulted in a unique illustrated book.
"You managed to bring tears to my eyes," said a moving Asam. He lets his feelings run free. You can see how difficult it is for him to say goodbye to his team. Weeks ago, he was still looking forward to the future, to sleeping in late. But now he can only describe this moment with a "sh ...".
And then a farewell song
A song by all employees of the town hall kindergarten and the children's house follows. Once again "we have taken you to heart", based on a well-known children's song melody. Then the shouts of farewell: "Super boss", from female, "Hallows stiff ears", from male throats.
Of course they weren't allowed to stay dry. Sparkling wine and Augustinians at a suitable distance. And a last call from Asam through the town hall to everyone: “I would hug you all now, every single one. But there is a time after Corona. I'll make up for it. ”And everyone knows that Michael Asam will keep his word. Just like he always did for his team. For 24 years.
Hans-Helmut Herold
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