CDU mayoral candidate Christian Horn-Heinemann positioned himself early on - and did so consciously. In an interview with NGZ, he talks about his motivation, his political priorities and personal values. He emphasises reliability, the will to shape the future and a willingness to engage in dialogue. At the same time, he makes it clear that sound finances, education and attractive urban development are at the centre of his priorities.
You were the first of the mayoral candidates to come out of the woodwork in September. Why was it important for you to decide so early?
Christian Horn-Heinemann: Why not? Firstly, I'm not a tactician and secondly, it gives people more time to get to know me and form their own judgement. I love clarity and openness. I also wanted to signalise that I am ready to take on responsibility after 25 years of involvement in Kaarst politics and my professional experience.
Please name three qualities that you bring to the office of mayor?
Horn-Heinemann: Reliability, because you can rely on my word. Creative power, because I want to get things done and not just administer them. And listening, because good decisions can only be made in dialogue with people. I am seen as a doer and motivator. As someone who doesn't rest until a problem is solved and who takes others along with him. Straight talking, good communication and real teamwork are key to my success.
What makes Christian Horn-Heinemann tick in his private life?
Horn-Heinemann: I am very family- and home-orientated. My family is my anchor, we can discuss everything internally. Jens (husband, editor's note) also gives me strength and has my back. We discussed the candidacy at length with both children in the family council before we ran for office. I enjoy being outdoors doing sport and often go for walks in the fields. I am even said to have a sense of humour. And I can laugh at myself and don't take myself too seriously.
In recent weeks, the election campaign has been particularly intense on social media. The parties are outdoing each other with posts and videos. Are voters even aware of this and isn't less sometimes more?
Horn-Heinemann: Social media is an important tool, and that became clear during the parliamentary elections. But they are no substitute for face-to-face discussions, meetings, events, neighbourhood parties or door-to-door campaigning. I find some formats to be exaggerated and staged more like a show. That's why it's crucial for me to show content and proximity and to convince people in personal conversations.
Let's move on to the political content. In Kaarst, there is a rumoured renovation backlog of 350 million euros for public buildings. As mayor, what steps do you intend to take to clear this backlog?
Horn-Heinemann: We need a clear renovation plan and must ensure that we receive and consistently utilise funding wherever possible. We need to set clear priorities because we can't do everything at once. We also need reliable figures. No matter how high the refurbishment backlog is, it is important that we tackle it in a structured way.
What would your priorities be?
Horn-Heinemann: We need to upgrade our schools, and as politicians we have already set this in motion. We need good basic facilities in daycare centres and schools, because education is our capital. Sports and club facilities also need to be refurbished.
And we need a well-equipped administration with clear structures, which is the prerequisite for being able to tackle the tasks ahead.
What share of the rumoured 350 million euros is borne by the CDU, which has held the political majority in almost all council periods?
Horn-Heinemann: The council and administration are jointly responsible for the current state of affairs. It has long been recognised that the city needs to invest in its buildings and this has been addressed in recent years. Two new fire stations, a triple gymnasium, a comprehensive school and five new daycare centres are clear evidence of this. Two other projects, the Stakerseite and the KGS, should also have been completed by now according to the agreed timeline. Unfortunately, realisation has stalled here over the last five years.
The municipal budget is in a precarious situation and there is a threat of budget protection. How do you intend to make progress with the budget consolidation that has already begun? What needs to happen for the city to get back on track financially?
Horn-Heinemann: We as the CDU have embarked on the familiar consolidation path, which was accepted across party lines. That was no easy task. Of course, the mayor does not make decisions alone, but he can set the tone. We have to take a close look at the figures with experts and decide together with the relevant committees how to proceed. Solid finances are the be-all and end-all for a municipality. We need spending discipline and to strengthen our income through active commercial marketing. Administrative processes must become more efficient.
The Kaarst-Ost industrial estate has been virtually derelict for years. Do politicians perhaps need to change the criteria for attracting companies to the area in order to bring much-needed business taxes into the cash-strapped region?
Horn-Heinemann: If the settlement concept, which was developed with external help across party lines and approved by the city council, is no longer suitable, we will have to revise the criteria. To date, however, neither the administration nor the mayor has approached us and actively said that we need to change the criteria. No-one will refuse to make a sensible, fact-based change. However, this cannot mean that we allow retail in every business park. Yes, in my view we have to be flexible. Companies are looking for different solutions today than they were 5-7 years ago. The aim must be to attract innovative companies to Kaarst, create jobs and increase trade tax revenues. In addition, business development and administration must have an open ear for companies.
Under the CDU council majority, the expansion of the Kaarster Kreuz industrial estate has been put on hold for the time being. Why?
Horn-Heinemann: Because the other areas have not yet been commercialised. Why should we decide to seal an open space now? Then the necessary measures would have to be taken and costs would be incurred for the development, even though the available areas have not yet been allocated. Only when these have been marketed can we proceed step by step. The transport links must also be right, growth must not be at the expense of quality of life.
The city spends a lot of money on consultants and experts. Couldn't a lot of money be saved here?
Horn-Heinemann: External expertise can be useful for advancing certain projects. But you have to take a close look. The aim should be to solve as much as possible within the administration. This requires good staff and the necessary capacities.
The plans for the reorganisation of the city centre are also on hold. Will they be resumed under your leadership and if so, what would you tackle?
Horn-Heinemann: A resounding yes. The town centre is the heart of Kaarst. We as the CDU and the other parties have expressed our ideas. But despite repeated requests, nothing has materialised to date. That's why the plans need to be revitalised. We must actively engage in dialogue with each other so that we can keep our town centre attractive and move it forward.
As Chairman of the Youth Welfare Committee, youth and family policy are your speciality. What needs to change so that families in Kaarst are better off? Many families complain that daycare centre and daycare fees are too high...
Horn-Heinemann: Families need reliability, I realise that myself as a father. In my view, we also need flexible childcare times and places where young people can develop. We will have to take another look at the fees, but as part of the budget consolidation process, the chairmen of the parliamentary groups have made it very clear that the city adds around twelve million euros every year. In my view, this is money well spent, but measures had to be taken as part of the budget consolidation. I would also take another look at the scale of contributions.
How can new, affordable living space be created?
Horn-Heinemann: Of course we have to create living space, there's no question about that. But when it comes to creating housing, we have to adhere to certain requirements, which is a huge problem. Everyone wants affordable housing, but on the other hand, legal standards are being set ever higher. Housing projects have been launched with the housing co-operative, which was set up by the district CDU and approved by the city council. But the city can only create living space to a limited extent; we also have to give the independent housing industry the opportunity to build. And I think we have to be honest enough to consider how much taxpayers' money we really want to use so that we end up with a price per square metre that is not eleven, twelve or 13 euros. This is a challenge that we can only manage to a limited extent at local level.
Cultural politicians are complaining about cuts in all areas. Will they be able to hope for the "old" subsidies again under your leadership?
Horn-Heinemann: I can't promise anything, that wouldn't be credible. Culture is important for an urban society and can cost money. We have great artists in the city, we have to take a step towards them and ask about their needs. This step has not been taken enough in the budget consolidation, which is why the anger is justified. I can promise that I will take this step. I would also take a closer look at the position of culture in the town hall.
In the past legislative period, many employees, some of them good, have left the City of Kaarst. How do you intend to prevent other long-serving employees from turning their backs on the administration?
Horn-Heinemann: We can't change the framework conditions, we are bound by the collective bargaining system. That's why we have to look at positioning the city as an attractive employer. This includes modern workplaces, more flexible models and, above all, a good management culture. The people who work in and for the administration are a municipality's most important asset. I would dedicate a large part of my working time to them.
What would be your first official act if you win the election?
Horn-Heinemann: Hold detailed discussions with all employees and listen to what urgent issues are at stake. We also need to prepare the political committees so that communication between them, the city council and the administration is better again. At the same time, I would set up a citizens' consultation hour.
What will you do if you lose the election?
Horn-Heinemann: I am keen to become the new mayor and will do everything I can to convince the voters. If I don't succeed, I will remain a committed citizen and politician. For me, politics is not just a question of office, but of attitude.
Would you give up the chairmanship of the CDU then?
Horn-Heinemann: Yes, I communicated that early on. In my opinion, the time to stop after the election is exactly right. And if I win the election, I will be mayor for everyone.
Why should voters vote for you?
Horn-Heinemann: Because I bring reliability, experience, the will to shape and lead. Because I set clear priorities in education, finance and urban development and because I am close to the people. I don't just want to manage, I want to shape. And because I am persistent in order to achieve something for the good of the city.