Christian Horn-Heinemann has been at the helm of the town of Kaarst for around 100 days. A period of intensive work, many discussions and the first noticeable changes. Anyone who has met him during these weeks quickly realises: the new mayor has arrived - in office, in the issues and in responsibility.
Support as a foundation - also from within the company's own ranks
Christian Horn-Heinemann is a member of the CDU. Following his election as mayor, he deliberately put the CDU chairmanship on hold in order to fulfil his office in a non-partisan manner and with a clear focus on the city. At the same time, he appreciates the strong support of his CDU colleagues.
He receives support, trust and constructive guidance from the party - an important basis for tackling the challenges ahead. Horn-Heinemann is convinced that with this backing and objective, open cooperation across party boundaries, good solutions can be developed for Kaarst.
Visible, approachable, right in the middle of things
Right at the beginning of his term of office, the mayor made a conscious decision: He changed his office. Instead of a large, closed-off room, he now works in a smaller office with a view of the market square. The former office is now used as a meeting room.
For Horn-Heinemann, this is more than just an organisational decision - it is an expression of his understanding of his office. Proximity to citizens, transparency and dialogue should be a matter of course.
A complex office with many levers
In terms of content, we got down to business from day one. Contracts had to be checked, regulations made and processes initiated. It quickly became clear how varied and demanding the role is.
The mayor often describes his task as bringing together many individual parts. Whether it's property issues, business development or urban land-use planning - different areas need to be coordinated and harmonised. This is precisely where he sees his role: listening, connecting, preparing decisions.
Building bridges between politics and administration
As a former councillor, Horn-Heinemann knows the political work from his own experience. This perspective helps him today in the town hall. He can better categorise processes, explain expectations and also provide critical feedback when issues are not communicated clearly.
He describes the collaboration with politicians as constructive and respectful. The tone has become more objective and the dialogue more intensive. Specialised administrations are more frequently involved at an early stage and misunderstandings are clarified more quickly.
Economy and urban development: initial progress
Concrete results can also be identified after 100 days:
- Several properties in the industrial estate Kaarster cross were released for commercialisation
- Further areas are in advanced discussions
- New prospects are emerging for two plots on the former Ikea site
- International contacts, including to Japan, are intended to attract new companies to Kaarst
At the same time, existing requirements for company relocations are being reviewed. The aim is to create modern framework conditions without losing sight of the political objectives.
City life, encounters and social infrastructure
City life, encounters and social infrastructureIn addition to economic issues, the mayor is also focussing on social life. New impetus was provided by, among other things:
- a joint New Year's reception with „Kaarst is colourful“
- New dynamics in the city centre working group
- Talks on revitalising the catering facilities in the community centre
- Commitment to the development of the new daycare centre in Rottfeld
According to current plans, the former Frankenheim will reopen around carnival time.
Honestly naming finances, acting together
The city's financial situation remains the biggest challenge. A structural deficit of 15 to 18 million euros per year cannot be tackled single-handedly.
Horn-Heinemann relies on an open dialogue here: within the administration, with politicians, with the state and the federal government - and also with the citizens. Savings, investment priorities and possible tax adjustments must be discussed honestly. He sees education and childcare as essential investments.
Personal balance and a clear view of the future
Despite the high workload, his family remains an important anchor for the mayor. There is time for them - and they sometimes accompany him to appointments.
Horn-Heinemann is optimistic about the coming years. He is relying on a strong administrative team, on increasingly constructive political cooperation and on support - including from within his own CDU ranks.
His claim is clear:
Kaarst should remain worth living in. The difficult times should be overcome together. Politics, administration and citizens must all play their part. With support, openness and mutual trust, the mayor sees good opportunities to successfully shape the future of the city.