ELECTION PROGRAM
Does not promise the world, but keeps its word for Elmshorn.
Elmshorn in your head. Elmshorn in the heart. Elmshorn in action.
My election program
Dear Citizens,
I would like to use all my skills to work towards our common goal: A liveable and efficient city of Elmshorn now and in the future!
For me, the key building blocks for the future of our city include the following topics in particular, which each of you will prioritize differently depending on your perspective and life situation.
- Urban development incl. major projects
- Sustainable budget consolidation
- Labor and economy
- Education and lifelong learning
- Mobility and climate protection
- Social justice
- Sustainable society
- Cultural life
- Citizen participation
- Modern administration / digitization
Allow me to make a few comments on the individual topics.
1. urban development incl. major projects
The planned major construction projects are important and timely - but they are not the only necessary construction projects in Elmshorn. In addition to the major Krückau-Vormstegen project around the new town hall, all other districts also have urgent individual questions about the future that need to be answered.
Sustainable urban development is a fundamental task that encompasses all areas relating to a liveable city. It includes key aspects such as quality of life, safety and cleanliness, affordable housing, combinations of different socio-demographic requirements, local supply and mobility as well as redensification in a limited urban space. The current requirements in Elmshorn are diverse and the resources needed to meet them are high. However, financial and human resources are limited.
In close cooperation with local government and with the best possible involvement of citizens, I will work to clearly prioritize the various projects and take the next steps in a targeted manner. What is particularly important to me here is a regular exchange with citizens. The respective development status should be presented transparently and an understanding of upcoming measures should also be generated through involvement.
The topic of urban development is associated with many organizational, financial and administrative requirements for the office of Lord Mayor. I can look back on relevant professional experience in this area. Furthermore, I hope that my time studying in Harburg, which included a lot of civil engineering content, will also help me to explain key aspects of urban redevelopment to citizens in discussions. In any case, I am convinced that a basic understanding of construction technology is an advantage with regard to the major future tasks and construction projects that lie ahead.
2. budget
consolidation
The uncomfortable truth is that the City of Elmshorn's budget is increasingly in deficit. In order to stabilize it in the medium and long term, sustainable budget consolidation is essential.
There are also clear guidelines from Kiel in this regard, which, in addition to stringent investment planning, require a reduction in consumptive expenditure in particular. This includes voluntary services, streamlining the administration and reducing duplicate structures. The good news is that the first cost-saving measures have already been successfully introduced.
The aim must be to achieve a balanced budget again as quickly as possible. This opens up the necessary focused scope for action, for example in the area of important voluntary services (youth facilities, childcare services, sports funding, cultural services, etc.). As a former committee chairman of the AKJS, I was able to experience the impact of these services on social cohesion, voluntary work and the development opportunities of children and young people.
In this challenging process, I would like to contribute my previous professional experience in dealing with financial planning, cost containment and increasing efficiency. In my current role, I am responsible for managing the funds made available to the school and, together with the school board, I draw up the double budget that is approved by the district council. In my previous role as deputy managing director of a regional vocational training center (RBZ), I was responsible for budgeting the institution's funds on behalf of the managing director.
3. labor and economy
Economic development in our city is partly responsible for the quality of life and future viability of Elmshorn. Among other things, it has an impact on training and job opportunities, tax revenue, population development, purchasing power and infrastructure.
Elmshorn's location in the strong economic belt around the metropolis of Hamburg has always offered enormous potential. It is important to make use of this locational advantage in the smallest but at the same time most populous district and, in addition to supporting local companies, to enable new companies to settle here and to create positive locational advantages.
Important economic location factors are, for example, good transport connections, digital infrastructure and an attractive living environment for employees. In terms of climate neutrality, sustainable economic concepts (renewable energies, circular economy) are particularly important.
New business parks are important. Parallel to planned industrial estates such as Bokhorst, further settlements must be detected and existing ones upgraded or expanded. One example of this is the area in Heinrich-Hertz-Straße, which can be taken as an exemplary model for the conversion of existing infrastructure.
As a vocational trainer and dual partner of industry and the skilled trades, I have been working intensively, successfully and trustingly with all parties involved in this area (employees, employers, guilds, chambers, IHK in Kiel, HWK in Lübeck and many more) at local, district and state level for over 20 years.
I would like to use this extensive experience to provide impetus for sustainable economic development in constant exchange with all stakeholders. This includes the areas of business promotion and location development, training and further education, career guidance, business start-ups as well as wholesale and retail. Consistent further development of Elmshorn as an educational location also strengthens the economy.
4. education and lifelong learning
Elmshorn is the most densely populated educational location in Schleswig-Holstein in terms of the education on offer and the spatial density of the numerous institutions.
In a relatively small urban area, there is a comprehensive range of educational opportunities that is unparalleled in the state. Starting with numerous but unfortunately not yet sufficient day care centers, special education centers, elementary school, three community schools - including the largest community school in Schleswig-Holstein with an upper school - and five grammar schools. Completed by a vocational school with dual training opportunities, vocational preparation and also all general education qualifications and even a university of applied sciences, which is the envy of many other cities.
In the context of strengthening Elmshorn as a business location, it is also important to expand this strong educational offering in the future and to further develop it in terms of networking and permeability in the educational landscape.
Further investment in the future will strengthen educational equality and reduce the risk of poverty. Investments in early education bring the highest return. Every euro invested in education is returned to society many times over. The earlier children receive support, the greater the effects later in life. In terms of lifelong learning, it is important to expand and network the extensive range of educational opportunities and further qualification measures in order to keep young people and employees in Elmshorn. The same applies to good childcare facilities for young children so that parents can pursue their careers as close to home as possible.
As the former chairman of the Committee for Children, Youth, Schools and Sport (AKJS), I was able to help set the course for this area. As a school principal, cooperation with all schools and the Nordakademie has always been a particular concern of mine in order to ensure equal opportunities for all pupils in Elmshorn.
In the interests of educational opportunities for all children and young people, I would like to continue to advocate for an educational campus that works together even more closely and enables short distances between educational institutions. The campus model that I support, together with the Raboisenschule, pursues an integrative approach. Pupils at the Förderzentrum are given the opportunity to gain qualifications on the primary labor market. They are empowered to earn their own living and to shape their lives independently and self-determinedly.
As a former member of the Digitality Working Group in the district of Pinneberg, which helped develop the so-called coworking space in Heinrich-Hertz-Straße, among other things, I have recognized the potential that still exists in the area of further education and training as well as in making workplaces more flexible and the power that an idea can have. I would like to continue to support innovative ideas.
5. mobility and climate protection
In addition to the major mobility projects (new railroad station, expansion of the rail network, new central bus station), numerous other aspects need to be brought together in a holistic mobility concept for all road users in Elmshorn.
The promotion of the expansion of cycle paths, public transport, car-sharing models, etc. should take place in parallel with raising public awareness of sustainable mobility through events and information campaigns.
An urgently needed optimization of traffic routing in the city of Elmshorn should also lead to relief for motor vehicle users. If you look north across the border to our neighboring country Denmark, you will notice the traffic circles at numerous junctions and intersections. This should also be promoted in Elmshorn. Traffic lights in traffic circles, such as in Langelohe, seem more like a prank.
In Elmshorn, progress has already been made in the planning of cycle paths, both on and off the road. The routing needs to be expanded and optimized in the interests of coherent cycle traffic. Here, too, we can learn from our Scandinavian neighbors. There, cycle paths are planned that are separated from roads and pedestrian paths wherever possible. In Elmshorn, this is difficult to implement in a confined space. In principle, however, measures to improve road safety for pedestrians and cyclists, such as better lighting, traffic calming and clear signage, should also be considered here. Furthermore, the use of bicycles as part of a multimodal mobility strategy should be considered in the further planning of public transportation (e.g. secure parking facilities at the train station). Similar to other larger cities, we in Elmshorn should (again) consider a bicycle rental system that is not limited to the station area.
At the same time, appropriate planning in the area of motor vehicle traffic should relieve urban traffic. Any measures must be planned in the interests of all citizens - including the retail trade.
The construction of the new central bus station (ZOB) with optimized connections to bus routes - both in the city centre and beyond - will also improve and relieve urban traffic. Bus routes must be more closely aligned with the different needs of the population. To this end, negotiations with the responsible district of Pinneberg need to be intensified.
I am aware that the traffic routing can only be solved in the medium to long term. As a driver from Elmshorn, I already found it very "special" as a young driver, when I delivered goods all over Elmshorn every day in addition to going to school.
One aspect of the quality of life in our city, on the other hand, could be implemented very quickly: we should keep what we have clean! Unfortunately, the littering and improper disposal of waste is an issue in Elmshorn. One glaring example is the illegal disposal of obviously worn-out, scrap-ready cars in urban areas, which is unfortunately on the increase.
A simple step in terms of implementation is also to connect the existing green spaces even more with each other - among other things by planning the pathways accordingly. And, of course, we must always consider the opportunities to linger in the city center as well as in the districts in all our planning.
In addition, energy-efficient refurbishment of municipal buildings, especially sports halls, makes sense in order to reduce energy consumption and costs. Agreed measures such as the climate protection master plan and the solar offensive must be continued in order to make our city fit for the future. The planned new construction of the multi-purpose hall at Langelohe is the result of my initiative in the two responsible committees of the city and the district. The new building would not only relieve the unsustainable hall situation in Elmshorn, but would also provide a venue that meets the latest energy requirements.
6. social justice
Equal access to educational institutions for all is an essential building block for social justice and a sustainable society.
Elmshorn must ensure that all children have access to high-quality education, regardless of their social or economic background. As the child of a middle-ranking civil servant who grew up in social housing, I know what it means to have to work hard for future prospects. The future of our children lies in strengthening the already good network between Elmshorn's educational institutions!
In an inclusive society, it is also important to pay attention to the integration of people with disabilities. This applies equally to the integration of migrants. I would like to live in a city in which the topics of integration and inclusion no longer have to be mentioned separately, but are taken into account as a matter of course in everyday life and in the planning of infrastructure both in the city center and in the neighborhoods. A very positive example has already been in place for 10 years on Henry-Dunant-Ring: the "Self-determined living on Sandberg" residential project enables people with disabilities to live largely independently.
Everyone (!) should feel comfortable in our city, regardless of their age, origin and/or any limitations. These and other criteria such as participation, safety and order as well as neighborhood work need to be reassessed in existing districts and taken into account in planned construction projects from the initial planning stage through to the respective tenders.
Social justice is also closely linked to employment opportunities in our city. In this sense, the promotion of the business location, combined with training and further education, is one of the basic prerequisites for social peace.
7. sustainable society
Elmshorn is a city with a future. It offers good educational, cultural and shopping facilities, secure jobs, peaceful coexistence as well as attractive forms of housing and social participation for all population groups.
Elmshorn is a vibrant city that dares to break new ground while preserving what is worth protecting.
Intergenerational urban development, needs-based healthcare, a good retail concept and diverse educational and participation opportunities are just some of the aspects of a sustainable city. The basis is formed by economic strength, orderly municipal finances, safety and order as well as a functioning infrastructure.
In terms of my own upbringing in a rented apartment, affordable housing is one of my basic needs. In this regard, I am an advocate of neighborhoods where there is a socio-economic mix. Where everyone feels comfortable and finds their home - regardless of income, origin, religion, age or gender. A tailored range of housing, individual developments and buildings with several residential units, age-appropriate living in small residential units with communal areas, nearby shopping facilities, childcare, primary and secondary schools, short distances to other services (healthcare, social services) ensure social interaction and the corresponding perceived quality of stay and life.
Quality of life is becoming a key factor and guarantor for the social, economic and ecological future of our city. To achieve this, Elmshorn must offer the services and standards of attractive residential, economic, educational, scientific and working locations. I would like to work towards this.
8. cultural life
In addition to basic services, educational facilities, shopping facilities, etc., a city worth living in must include leisure activities.
Places to meet - whether for a cold drink, a meal, a chat, a shared hobby, dancing or to see a play, concert, exhibition or film - are essential for a sense of community, to get to know your fellow human beings and to feel at home in a city. They contribute significantly to identification with the city.
The opportunities for this urban social interaction must be preserved and further expanded. Decisions regarding the city's buildings worthy of preservation must be made in the interests of this quality of life and cultural diversity (Torhaus, Speicher, Kleine Knechtsche Halle, Kranhaus, Mantelhalle, Cita building, Stadttheater, Haus 13, Dittchenbühne, Saalbau, Klostersande etc.), insofar as this is possible under state law. Not least as a now passive member and supporter of the Liedertafel Schleswig-Holstein, as the father of a daughter who sings there, as a supporter of the theater company and of art projects, the topic of culture is very close to my heart. I have always been committed to making the auditorium of the vocational school available for numerous cultural performances (anniversary concert of the successful accordion orchestra of the Elmshorn music school, annual musical evenings of the German-French Society, weekly rehearsal evenings of the Liedertafel, weekly rehearsals of the theater company).
Professionally, I have also been used to regularly concluding European partnerships and integrating them into school life for 15 years. Partnerships with other countries and cities always strengthen the intercultural competence of citizens through mutual understanding.
9. citizen participation
Not least in view of the many major goals and challenges facing our city, I always want to keep an eye on the daily needs of our citizens.
People without heating are not interested in a new town hall. The same applies to families without daycare places or children without enough teachers. There will certainly also be issues for which the town hall and local self-government are not responsible. But here too, I see it as my responsibility, in the interests of the citizens, to point out ways that may lie in other legal areas or areas of responsibility or in the responsibility of the district, state or federal government.
It is important to involve citizens in the relevant decision-making processes in order to understand decisions and the changes to the cityscape that are due to take place over the next few years - so that they can identify with the city of Elmshorn!
This identification with our city and its cohesion must be maintained and promoted. To this end, I would like to expand the dialog between the administration, politicians and citizens and seek further opportunities for participation. In close cooperation with the mayor, this could include more frequent and even more interactive residents' meetings, increased citizen consultation hours or new platforms that allow citizens to express their needs and concerns.
One possible format would also be a sponsorship of the elected political groups with the individual districts (knowing full well that this division has never existed administratively, but it is lived practice), in order to take up the concerns and needs as well as the suggestions and wishes of the citizens of the districts in a regular exchange on site or in a joint meeting in the town hall and to learn from each other. I was able to see the impact of this idea for myself at a recent event attended by all of Elmshorn's school students, represented by their student representatives. Not only I, but also the political representatives of all the parliamentary groups in Elmshorn, learned in a direct exchange with the pupils that the needs of the young people were in some cases far removed from our assumptions. Such a format, transferred to district conferences, creates an even broader basis for the whole of Elmshorn.
Elmshorn must continue to grow together and must not develop into a city of several suburbs - even in the wake of new districts such as Papenhöhe. The cohesion in Elmshorn, which in many ways has retained the character of a large village despite its size, must be preserved.
Those who feel well informed and involved are prepared to support decisions and/or perhaps even play an active role in the community, for example as volunteers. I would like to encourage this.
10. modern administration / digitalization
The city administration is the center of our community and contributes significantly to the quality of life with its functioning structures.
The administration sees itself as a service provider for the citizens of Elmshorn.
With the citizen portal, the Elmshorn city administration is generally well positioned in terms of online services and is making very good progress. Many other applications are to be digitized in the future to make it easier for citizens to contact the authorities and, for example, to complete forms and applications from home.
The emphasis here is not only on digitization, but in particular on simplification. The digital templates must be in simple, understandable language and reduced to the essential content. It is about pragmatic and, in particular, easy access to digital administrative services.
Administrative employees must also experience relief through the "real" digitalization of work processes! The switch to digital processes and documents should also make it easier for the administration to access information quickly. In addition to faster processing of citizens' concerns, I hope that digitally supported efficiency improvements will also streamline processes and reduce the workload of administrative staff.
I can experience the benefits of user-oriented digitalization of administrative processes, which I was able to play a key role in shaping at my school, on a daily basis in school processes on site and in exchanges with the state.
Furthermore, I believe it is possible to work even more efficiently and save resources in terms of best practice examples and/or the use of shared digital solutions. This can also have an impact on the consolidation of the municipal budget, for example through more cost-effective standardization, as well as on strengthening the business location, for example through faster approval processes.
Non-party candidate
As a non-party candidate, I see myself as exclusively committed to the well-being of my home town of Elmshorn. I want to move our city forward and stand for objective and cross-party action. I have been actively committed to social cohesion for over 20 years. It is the foundation of our free and democratic basic order. I am a conservative person with clear values. Politically, I find myself somewhere between the CDU and the Greens. I left the Greens at the beginning of 2025 after many years and don't want to join any party in the future. Only a non-party mayor can comprehensively represent the interests of Elmshorn, for example in Kiel. He does not have to take any party interests or interests into consideration.
CONTACT
Do you have any questions? Please feel free to contact me