Ingeborg Hartmann-Seibt: Political legend says goodbye after 40 years!

Ingeborg Hartmann-Seibt: Political legend says goodbye after 40 years!

Ingeborg Hartmann-Seibt, one of the defining figures of Auricher's local politics, said goodbye to her political office on September 18, 2025 after 40 years. The 75-year-old, who was elected council chairwoman in 2021, chaired her last meeting in the town hall and was personally recognized by Mayor Horst Feddermann for her long-standing and influential career. He emphasized how much she helped shape the city's development and that she always had an open ear for newcomers to the council, which certainly speaks for the good cooperation in the council. This is particularly noteworthy because the Council is not only a place for political debate, but also for communicative encounters, as various Council colleagues have emphasized.

The shared political history was particularly highlighted on this occasion by Gila Altmann from the Greens and Arnold Gossel from the CDU. Both remembered numerous projects in which Hartmann-Seibt was involved, including the Herms Center, the new police building and the redesigned bus station. Your voice for social issues, such as the expansion of kindergartens and the support of women's shelters, will not be forgotten. Hartmann-Seibt made it clear that the city's voluntary services should not be cut - an issue that future council members should also take up.

Last meeting and resignation

Hartmann-Seibt announced her resignation from the council on August 26, 2025, which took effect at the meeting on September 18. As a result, she lost her seat on the council in accordance with Section 52 Paragraph 1 Sentence 1 No. 1 NKomVG. This led to the need to elect a new council chairperson. At the last meeting she handed over the scepter to Sarah Buss from the FDP, who will now carry responsibility into the future.

The election of the new council chairmanship is based on the current regulations: If the deputy council chairman runs, the oldest council member present will chair the meeting. The oldest council members are Gila Altmann, Erika Biermann and Artur Mannott, who are all 76 or 75 years old. Mayor Feddermann takes part in the election as a council member, but is not allowed to stand for election - proof of the democratic principles that are lived in Aurich.

A look back

Ingeborg Hartmann-Seibt not only made decisions, but also became a role model for many younger council colleagues. Sarah Buss, newly elected council chairwoman, emphasized how important Hartmann-Seibt's influence was for her political career. This continuity and experience will be in demand more than ever in the new council term, especially given the major challenges facing the city.

The last few weeks have undoubtedly shown that a change at the top of the Council brings with it a lot of emotions. Hartmann-Seibt leaves behind great work that deserves to be appreciated - and many people in Aurich will be eagerly watching what happens next under the new management.