Mayor Ansgar Mertens: Interview at the start of his term of office

Interview with Mayor Ansgar Mertens

Mayor Ansgar Mertens talks in an interview about his first days in office, the wishes of citizens and the challenges ahead.

Mr. Mertens, how does it feel to be mayor of the town of Lüdinghausen?

Very good

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So it was the right decision to become the city's first citizen?

That wasn't just my decision. I am very grateful to the citizens for putting their trust in me. I've known the political business for many years - but being mayor is something else again... But yes, it was the right move on my part too.

How did you experience your first day as mayor?

I received a very warm welcome from my colleagues. I already had the opportunity to briefly exchange ideas with all the department heads. In the afternoon, the first mayors' conference in Senden was on the agenda. There I got to know my colleagues from the other towns and municipalities.

That sounds like a long and exciting day.

You could say that. But the next few days were just as eventful. I had my first, longer discussions with the employees, prepared for the Council meeting and there was also the first crisis meeting on the coronavirus.

Apropos: to what extent is the coronavirus affecting your work?

Every day is influenced by the virus - unfortunately. Normally, the job of mayor involves discussing issues in groups, talking to representatives of associations and spending a lot of time out and about in the city. That's all falling flat now. And I'll tell you quite frankly: It's not nice. But unfortunately it can't be changed.

What do you do instead to enter into a dialog?

I already said during the election campaign that I want to talk directly to citizens. I want to find out first-hand what moves people. That's why I offer a telephone consultation on the first Thursday of every month. People can also tell me what's on their minds via messenger (WhatsApp, Signal, Threema). This service is very popular. Sometimes so well that it can take a little longer to reply. I ask for your understanding.

You have also introduced a new format called "Citizens' Dialogue on the Market". What is behind this?

This offer also serves the purpose of engaging in informal discussions with citizens. I set up a small stand on the market square for the first time at the beginning of December. Unfortunately, the format has now been put on hold due to the lockdown. But it will continue. I had the impression that the citizens like it.

What do people want to talk to you about?

Some people really just want to get to know me. They want to know who the new guy in the town hall is. This often leads to great conversations. Others have a specific concern, for example about traffic management or traffic calming. The topic of mobility is one of the issues that will occupy us greatly in the future. That's why a "mobility master plan" is now being developed for our city.

What are the other key topics for the coming period?

Climate protection is a very important issue. Everyone can and should get involved now: Climate change is a global task. I believe and hope that there are many people living in Lüdinghausen who are prepared to take action themselves and make their own small contribution to solving this huge task.

Another major challenge is and remains digitalization.

Right. The coronavirus pandemic has given the whole issue a real boost. Things are finally moving forward a little. Nevertheless, we are still a long way from where we want to be. More progress needs to be made in equipping schools. The digitalization of administrative services is also high on the agenda. A lot should happen here in the near future.

You still have a lot of homework to do...

Luckily, I don't have to tackle these challenges alone, I have a lot of great employees and colleagues to work with. I've been able to rely on the team at the town hall a lot in the first few weeks and have also been able to get some advice from them.

Your tasks certainly involve long working days. How does that go down with your family?

My wife and daughters support me wherever they can. It was clear from the start that my new job would have a big impact on our family life. To be able to hold a position like this, your family has to be behind you. I am lucky that this is the case with me.

A final conclusion: are you already looking forward to the time ahead?

Definitely. We live in a really beautiful city. Nevertheless, I am convinced that we can make it even more beautiful. I'm looking forward to what lies ahead.

Interview: Anja Kleykamp