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Manuel Feick is a mayor to touch: down -to -earth, open, directly. He has been at the top of the city of Reinheim since 2019 and was most recently confirmed in office with great approval. The administrative specialist was previously active in Messel and Modautal, among others, before he was elected Reinheim in 2016. He is a mayor with a lot of passion and the declared goal of making politics close to people.
In conversation, Feick reports on his motivation why social security and climate protection are central issues for him - and how Reinheim reacts to the departure of the large company Merz. He also gives very personal insights: What is really important to him, what values lead him - and why a cuisine tissue tells him more than oysters and golf courses.
Mr. Feick, you are a popular mayor in your city - this has also shown her recent re -election. What distinguishes them from counterparts in other municipalities and municipalities? What do you do a little different?
I had very good teachers with the former district administrators Alfred Jakoubek and Klaus-Peter Schellhaas. They gave me how important transparent citizen communication is - especially with unpopular decisions. It is particularly important to take people with them who do not understand decisions straight away. You have to take time for them. The handling of social networks is just as important: if you do not actively use them yourself, you will be “used” by others. I do it all myself - I answer personally. Open communication at eye level is extremely important to me.
Let us get to know Manuel Feick a little better: Which hobbies do you have? With what food can you win your heart? And which values are particularly important to you?
I would describe myself as a sociable and enjoyable person who is very down -to -earth and feels a deep connection to his homeland. I always prefer a cuisor cutting to oysters, and I prefer to go bowling rather than golf - although this is not meant in disproportionate to golfers. I am reliable and have an open ear for everyone.
We come to urban politics: Reinheim - like many municipalities - faces financial and structural challenges. Where do you see savings potential and where do you want to invest despite scarce health insurance companies?
Of course, like all municipalities, we are under financial pressure. We have influencing factors that we can hardly control- such as inflation, municipal financial equalization, increasing wage and energy costs. In addition, there are legal requirements, such as afternoon care for children. This is mandatory, but creates deficits because we do not receive sufficient support from the country.
Our approach in the household area is very sensitive: We plan every investment - regardless of your size - very precisely and always ask ourselves: How should this be financed? In private, you don't do it any other way.
Despite all the challenges, we continue to focus on clear priorities - for example in strengthening children, families, seniors and population protection. Social security is very important to me, as well as the preservation and improvement of the infrastructure, energetic renovations and climate protection. This should not be saved.
Basically, we pursue the goal of not taking up any new debts. Reinheim is a lifelong and lovable city with an active club life and an attractive leisure infrastructure- like our outdoor pool. We also have one of the cheapest rates in the district.
Is there any news about Merz? How can this important employer and trade tax payers be adequately replaced - are there already plans?
At the beginning of the process, the question was whether the city could accept the property of Merz - the company gave us it to bring it up to new use. Among other things, it was about the question of gift tax and whether the city can accept such a gift at all. After these legal questions have been clarified positively, the property gerket is on the agenda in the upcoming city council and I hope that the gift will be approved.
In addition, we want to acquire an adjacent area to the "Sonnenhof" so that we can develop a total of 80,000 square meters. We have clear ideas about which companies we want to settle there - the addressing of potential investors takes over a professional service provider for us. This is also in contact with larger companies. With all of this we always have to keep an eye on: How do we compensate for the loss of around 300 jobs and about two million euros in trade tax?
In many cities, politics, businesses and clubs work more side by side - it seems to be different in Reinheim, for example at the "Reinheimer Markt". What do you think that is?
I think this is particularly due to the respectful coexistence between the institutions, the trade association and the urban organizations. We meet at eye level and pursue the goal together to strengthen the business and to keep it in Reinheim. Mutual needs and challenges are taken seriously. Economic development is one of my central political issues.
Like Pfungstadt, Reinheim is broken with a suburb of Bordeaux. Is this city partnership still lived? And maybe there is a nice or funny anecdote?
The partnership with the French city of Cestas is also very important to me personally. Our partnership association is getting a bit old, but it still does great work. The mutual visits - such as the fire brigades - and active youth exchange, for example in youth football, are particularly noteworthy. There are even common WhatsApp groups. I can say with conviction: this partnership lives.
Finally, back to her person: What motivated you personally to run for the office of mayor? And what would you like to leave in Reinheim after your tenure?
I never planned to become mayor. Many coincidences have led to this. After intermediate stations in Messel and in the Modautal, I moved to Reinheim, became the first city council there - and met very competent and supportive people who encouraged me and stood behind me. These were not "traps".
Today I can say: This is my dream job. I can design, influence and actively solve problems. I hope that the people in Reinheim are closer together that real cooperation is created - talking to dialogue instead of one another. For the good of our city and our community.
