Who can persuade Rietberger between Sunder and Talarico?

In the upcoming mayoral election in Rietberg, September 2023, incumbent Andreas Sunder (independent) and challenger Marco Talarico (CDU) are presenting their visions for the city's future. A recent podium discussion, organised by "Die Glocke" and attended by over 450 people, provided an opportunity for both candidates to discuss their concrete goals for Rietberg over the next five years.

Marco Talarico advocates for a more densified city, favouring the conversion of single-family houses into two-family houses as a space-saving and economical solution. He also believes in the concept of grandparents, children, and grandchildren living under one roof as a win-win situation. However, Talarico rejects residential blocks that resemble "stacked shoeboxes" in existing settlements with gabled single-family houses.

In contrast, Andreas Sunder advocates for a hybrid model of creating new living spaces through designated settlement areas for single-family houses and agreements with investors. Sunder believes industrial and commercial areas are the "gold mines" of the city and opposes new designations.

One of Talarico's key concerns is the city's spending, particularly during the construction of the Nepomucenum Gymnasium. He believes the city administration should have been more stringent on costs, and he questions the feasibility of a recycling center at the proposed location. Talarico also thinks 13 million euros for a new Rietberg fire equipment house is too much, comparing it to the cost of previous fire stations in Mastholter and Neuenkirchen.

Sunder, on the other hand, states that the city has not overshot its mark with the 38 million euros spent on the Nepomucenum Gymnasium, citing increased construction costs and high standards. He also suggests that the city could save on materials and the spatial concept for the Rietberg new building.

Both candidates emphasise the importance of citizen participation in decisions and the need for thorough studies and qualitative evaluation criteria before making decisions. After the election, all factions will come together to discuss potential cuts, tax increases, and the possibility of funding for the modernization of the park, despite a potential co-financing of about 100,000 euros.

The renovation at the North Gate is killing two birds with one stone, according to Talarico, as it addresses poor sewage pipes and improves the street. Meanwhile, Sunder criticises the shifting goalposts of the CDU and FDP, which he claims has led to the city spending more on the comprehensive school than if the project had started a few years ago.

More than 100 individual expenses are currently under review in Rietberg, with Talarico focusing on larger amounts, such as the 730,000 euros annual subsidy to the garden show park. Talarico also believes the city could have saved two million euros by not redesigning the area between the town hall, church, and former parish house.

The mayoral election in Rietberg is a significant event, and the candidates' views on housing, costs, and city development will undoubtedly shape the city's future. Voters will have a crucial decision to make in September 2023.