Görlitz District Administrator Stephan Meyer: Citizens' feedback and challenges in focus

Von Kl Redaktion

Stephan Meyer, the district administrator of the Görlitz district, is often in direct contact with the citizens of his region. Despite his intensive presence, the question arises how popular he is actually among the residents. A survey in the Saxony compass recently caused a sensation, in which the focus was on satisfaction with various political persons. While the Saxon Prime Minister and the Mayor obviously achieve high popularity values, Meyer seems to shine less in the perception of the citizens.

But what does the district administrator see the result of the survey? "I would not interpret the answers as negative," explains Meyer. He refers to the high proportion of positive feedback and notes that it is more important for him to look at the proportion of the dissatisfied. "If this bar were larger, I would have more reason to worry," he continues. In addition, he emphasizes that the expectation of the awareness of an administrative head cannot be the same as with a prime minister or a mayor who act through a smaller, locally limited population.

challenges in the administration

Administrative work in Görlitz is anything but easy. The district administrator is currently facing the challenge of managing the deficiency in local finances. Topics such as theater financing and the upcoming restructuring of hospitals shape its agenda due to the nationwide hospital reform. "My job is to make difficult decisions and to explain the unpopularity of these decisions to people," says Meyer.

The district administrator explains that

his direct influence on the satisfaction of the citizens should not be underestimated. Nevertheless, there are phases in which negative feedback are a normal side effect of political work. "I discussed the hospital reform at an early stage and raised a lot of criticism. But this early discussion has helped us to bring the situation better," he says, emphasizing that the communication of such changes is often a major challenge.

  • On the questions of dissatisfaction, he believes that he would like to try to hit a bridge to the citizens through personal meetings, such as the so -called campfire talks.
At these meetings, Meyer comes to the citizens with his deputies and responsible experts to get into conversation directly. "It is essential to be present and talk to the residents about their concerns and wishes," explains the district administrator.

In addition, Meyer addresses the differences in the mentality between the north and southern halves of the district. "In the north, the reality of life is strongly shaped by Brandenburg," he notes, analyzing that this region is currently severely affected by structural change. Many people who work in lignite are worried about their future, while similar fears are less pronounced in the south of the district.

Meyer does not recognize any fundamental differences in the concerns of both regions, but emphasizes the need to initiate large projects that affect the entire circle. "We have to create a unit, for example through projects in timber construction or in tourism, so that all residents can pursue a common goal," he calls for cooperation.

important political measures

How will he deal with dissatisfaction? Meyer is certain that his work can earn positive feedback, even if the survey values ​​do not always reflect that. "It is important to always go into dialogue and show people that their concerns are taken seriously," concludes Meyer. The challenge of creating trust and actively involving people remains a central task for the Görlitz district administrator.

The connection between the districts through common interests could be a way to strengthen the feeling of connection in the circle. Meyer relies on more intensive cooperation across the regional borders and sees this strategy a key to successful political work.

insights into the local finances

The local finances in Saxony have been under pressure for years. The problems are not only limited to Görlitz, but also affect many rural regions in Germany. Due to the increasing demands on social services and the limited sources of income, many counties are forced to check their expenses. Data of the Statistics Sachsen show that the financial equipment of the district of Görlitz has fallen in particular in recent years, which leads to cuts in the infrastructure.

The discussion about voluntary tasks such as regional cultural offers and social projects is therefore crucial. Meyer emphasizes that debt admission is limited and legally regulated, which further restricts the scope for the district's scope for action. This shows the constant balancing act, which the municipal administration has to master in order to meet the needs of citizens.

demographic change and its effects

A central aspect that also affects the satisfaction of the citizens with their politicians is demographic change. According to Federal Center for Political Education , the population structure in rural regions such as Görlitz is very dynamic. Falling birth rates and a emigration of young people to urban centers mean that the age structure is shifting. Lower income from income tax can in turn burden the financial strength of the municipalities.

Meyer recognizes these challenges and promotes targeted projects that offer young people perspectives in the district. Initiatives to create living space and support start-ups were started to reduce the emigration trend towards large cities.

trust formation by citizens' dialogue

The campfire talks are an innovative approach to create transparency and communicate directly with the citizens. Meyer emphasizes that personal conversations often do more than formal events. These formats offer a valuable platform to take care of the population and inform about current projects.

experiences show that citizens often want to treat socio -cultural and infrastructural questions. The direct address has the goal of actively involving the citizens and giving them the feeling that their voices are heard. In the long term, this is intended to restore confidence in the administration, which is particularly important in times of election surveys and political uncertainties.

The role of digitization in the district

Another relevant point that Meyer appeals is digitization in the administration. The district of Görlitz has taken various initiatives in recent years to improve digital services and to make it easier for citizens to access information. According to a study by the Federal Statistical Office For digitization in municipalities, more and more citizens use online offers for information procurement and use of services.

Meyer is convinced that increased digitization can help increase citizen satisfaction by making administrative processes more transparent and efficient. This could also improve general perception and popularity of politicians in the region.