Frequently Asked Questions.

Sabrina Wendt is an independent candidate for mayor of Papenburg. Born in Papenburg, raised in Dörpen, and now living in Obenende. She is the mother of two children and loves spending time outdoors with her horse Monti and her dog Nala. Her approach can be summed up in three words: listen, take action, and make it happen.

Over 25 years of professional experience, including more than 15 years in leadership roles. She served as the economic development officer for the city of Papenburg for eight years, has led the Emsland Chamber of Commerce for two years, and prior to that spent 15 years in the private sector, including in the procurement departments of large industrial companies. Her background includes a commercial apprenticeship, a part-time degree program leading to a Bachelor of Business Administration (FH), and several continuing education courses, including certification as an Industrial Business Specialist and Business Coach (IHK).

Because a mayor has to be there for everyone, not just for one political party. The challenges facing Papenburg are rarely about party politics: building sites, expedited procedures, and economic development—these are tasks, not ideologies. Sabrina has the support of the CDU, the FDP, and the business community, and she remains open to anyone who wants to get involved. She remains independent in her decision-making.

From 2016 to 2024, as the economic development officer for the city of Papenburg, she helped develop the 81-hectare Value Port, the 2018 and 2022 economic development strategies, and the “Digital Places in Lower Saxony” program. In addition, she served on the supervisory board of Seaports of Lower Saxony. She knows the location inside and out.

Sabrina is focusing on six areas: the economy and the city’s future as a hub, housing and a vibrant city, family and education, health and aging well, volunteerism and civic engagement, and a modern, digital administration. You can find the full plan with specific measures under “Priorities.”

250 building lots over five years. Four new businesses per year, each creating at least ten jobs. A “Digital Papenburg” to keep the city within easy reach. An annual cost report for transparent finances. And more green spaces for the climate and quality of life. Plus two firm commitments: a dedicated point of contact for every business and every organization, and 50 visits to businesses and organizations per year.

Reliable framework conditions, streamlined procedures, and a dedicated point of contact from the initial inquiry through to approval. Their goal: four new companies per year, each creating at least ten jobs, and 50 visits to companies and organizations annually. The Value Port development site, spanning 81 hectares, and the Bokeler Bogen are being developed.

250 building lots ready for construction and on the market over the course of five years, spread across all neighborhoods. Every year, the city brings a previously unused area back into use. There is a binding roadmap for the bike paths through March 31, 2027. And it is breathing new life into the downtown area with its canals.

As a mother of two, she knows what everyday life is really like. She is ensuring reliable, locally available childcare and will implement the right to full-day care starting in 2026/27 with hours that accommodate shift work. She is strengthening the ties between schools and businesses through internships and on-site training, and is expanding educational programs at the Papenburg campus.

A mayor doesn’t run a medical practice, but she makes it possible. According to figures from the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, Papenburg is short 16 family physician positions. Sabrina paves the way for new medical practices and healthcare centers, actively recruits doctors and nurses, and strengthens local healthcare services. For older residents, she ensures safe routes and meeting places in their neighborhoods.

Those who get involved should feel support, not be bogged down by paperwork. Sabrina relieves clubs of bureaucratic burdens, makes recognition visible, and creates opportunities for engagement. For her, participation means accessible paths, entrances, and spaces. And every child in Papenburg should learn to swim.

Not why something can’t be done, but how it can be made possible. Standard cases are handled through streamlined procedures with clear lines of responsibility and quick response times. Digital Papenburg is available around the clock. The data remains in Europe and belongs to the city; it is managed by regional partners.

You can propose an issue or vote for an existing one—via text, voice, photo, or video—and anonymously if you wish. Once an issue receives 50 votes, Sabrina will comment on it publicly; once it reaches 100 votes, she’ll visit the site in person; and once it hits 250 votes, the entire city of Papenburg will vote on it. The top 5 make it onto the 100-Day Agenda, in black and white. Visit 29. Juni 2026 to get started; the status of each issue can be viewed at any time.

The most effective way to make a difference is through the citizens’ vote: say what matters to you and cast your vote. Plus, the newsletter—a concise email every Sunday at 6 p.m. Soon you’ll become an ambassador and share what Sabrina stands for with the people around you. You can make a donation or invite Sabrina to your neighborhood.

You can donate via two secure banking channels, all listed under “Donations,” including via GiroCode for scanning. As an independent candidate, donations go through party accounts—this is the only way to receive a tax deduction. The tax deduction is 50 percent up to 1,650 euros per person and 3,300 euros per married couple per year. To receive a donation receipt, please include your name and address in the payment description.

The first round of voting will take place on September 13, 2026. If no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote, a runoff election will be held on September 27, 2026.

In Lower Saxony, starting in 2026, the term of office will be eight years instead of five—that is, until 2034. Anyone who does not vote on September 13 will not have a say again until 2034. Papenburg cannot afford to spend eight years merely managing rather than shaping its future while other cities surge ahead.

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By email at [email protected], by phone at +49-174-1802087, or via the contact form. Mia, Sabrina’s assistant, is available 24/7 to answer quick questions about Sabrina and Papenburg right here on the site. You can also find Sabrina on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.