Soest says goodbye to Mayor Ruthemeyer after 26 years!

Soest says goodbye to Mayor Ruthemeyer after 26 years!

A deep chapter is coming to an end: Dr. Eckhard Ruthemeyer served as the first elected full-time mayor of Soest for 26 years and is leaving the town hall next Friday, October 31st. During his time in office, Ruthemeyer made a significant contribution to the city's flourishing development. A look at the latest successes shows that the quality of life in Soest has increased significantly in recent years. Thanks to his leadership, numerous projects were launched that honored the civic engagement of the citizens of Soest. In his farewell letter, Ruthemeyer thanks the citizens for their valuable contributions in social, cultural and sporting areas as well as in voluntary work, which in his opinion has made a decisive contribution to the liveable atmosphere in Soest, as Eckhard Ruthemeyer's website emphasizes ( eckhard-ruthemeyer.de ).

The developments in the city cannot be overlooked. The area around the train station was transformed into a modern service district. Since 2006, the Soest Economic Development Agency (WMS) has been responsible for the management of the station building, which led to the creation of the city center and the conversion of the Strabag site. These measures have significantly increased Soest's attractiveness as a retail location, so that the city is becoming more and more popular.

Redesigns and mergers

Another highlight of Ruthemeyer's term in office is the redesign of Theodor Heuss Park in 2018, which elicited mixed opinions among residents. However, the result is undisputed: the park has developed into a popular meeting place and attracts numerous visitors. Another important step was the merger of the municipal clinic of the city of Soest with the Catholic St. Mary's Hospital, which led to the founding of the Christian Clinic of Soest. As a milestone for healthcare in the region, this step is appreciated and highlighted by many.

Last but not least, the leisure activities on offer have also been expanded. In 2006, Aquafun, operated by Soester Stadtwerke, opened with an extensive sauna area, which has increased the city's recreational value. The positive changes also include the replacement of the former tax office with the new “Experience Fashion Store Kress”, which brings hope for a revitalization of the Soest retail location.

A look at the cultural challenges

Given the cultural significance and the diverse challenges involved, current events remind us of the importance of preserving cultural objects. Endowed with historical, artistic and archaeological value, these objects play a crucial role in the community's identity, as explained in a comprehensive guide to cultural heritage preservation ( cultures.fr ). They not only serve as witnesses to history, but also as bridges between the past and the present. The challenge remains to preserve these treasures while accepting the changing times.

The civic engagement that Ruthemeyer so emphasized remains crucial to further promoting quality of life. The aim is to develop the city in a trusting and careful manner, which should help to make Soest worth living in in the future. With the handover of the office to Marcus Schiffer, an era comes to an end, but the basis for new beginnings remains laid.