Why I am standing for election as mayor

The decision to stand for election isn’t one you make overnight.

It stems from conversations, from experiences and from the conviction that you want to take on responsibility.

I am standing for election because Papenburg is close to my heart. This town is my adopted home. People live here who are committed, who get things done and who want to shape our town together. And there are a great many people living here who mean a great deal to me.

Over the past few years, my professional experience has given me many insights into public administration, business and local government structures. These experiences have shown me how important good cooperation is between the administration, politics, the business community and the public.

A town thrives when everyone pulls together. And when the mayor’s office is led by someone who holds everything together … but above all by someone who has a firm grasp of all the areas mentioned. And that is only possible if one has gained sufficient experience in these fields.

I am convinced that Papenburg has enormous potential: as a business hub, as a city where all citizens can enjoy a good quality of life, and as a place for civic engagement and community.

At the same time, we face challenges: securing a skilled workforce, urban development, infrastructure, education, digitalisation and many other issues.

I am standing as a candidate because I want to play an active role in shaping how we tackle these challenges.

With heart.

With reason.

And with a clear vision of the future.