"Some are trying to undermine democracy"

Created: 01/08/2022, 06:23 AM

“Sitting together at the table again and being able to laugh carefree.” This is what Altomünster's Mayor Michael Reiter wants.

Photo: © Photo: Archive

In an interview, Mayor Michael Reiter, Altomünster, speaks about projects, plans and the effects of Corona.

What impressed you most in your community over the past year?

Michael Reiter: The great interest and participation in our ISEK, which is groundbreaking for the next few years, with the large number of feedback and suggestions, made me happy and impressed.

What went well in 2021?

In general, thanks to the very good non-partisan cooperation in the municipal council, we have been able to initiate many measures, such as the planned daycare center for senior citizens or the purchase of a turntable ladder, which means that our citizens have less time to provide assistance and thus more security.

The vaccination campaigns also went very well, for which I would like to thank the many volunteer supporters and contributors in Altomünster.

What are you particularly looking forward to this year, what will be the most beautiful project, what will be the most important for the community?

We have many important projects planned and hope to be able to implement them.

So, if everything goes well, we will start with the already mentioned senior day care center on Brechfeld and build the necessary extension to our fire station with three parking spaces.

Which projects have to be canceled due to the financial losses caused by Corona, which can still be implemented?

I can't say much about that yet.

We will discuss this in detail in the spring, when the forecasts for the income side are available, and weigh up what we can afford and what we may have to push back a little with a heavy heart.

In general, I hope that the numbers are not as negative as in recent years and that we can work through a lot.

How is the cohesion in your church during these difficult times?

Are you worried about the so-called Corona walks in your community?

The cohesion is very good with us, which was again shown by the support for the big vaccination campaign at the beginning of December.

Everyone helps everyone here.

Indeed, I am concerned about the attempted division of society by some groups.

These are apparently trying to sustainably fuel the citizens' fears about vaccination and apparently also to undermine democracy.

Unfortunately, many citizens obviously do not know who is really behind the so-called "walks".

What do you wish for in 2022?

That we are on the home straight when it comes to the pandemic and that we will soon be able to lead a carefree life again and devote ourselves to “normal” things.

Above all, however, that society cannot be divided into “vaccinated” and “unvaccinated”;

that everyone, regardless of status, can sit back together at the table and laugh carefree.

Do you have new year's resolutions?

Continue the excellent, trusting and goal-oriented cooperation with the municipal council and the administration for the citizens in our beautiful Altomünster market.

And privately: Spending many wonderful and carefree hours with my loved ones.

Interview: Sabine Schäfer