Hagen chooses: OB candidates face the entrepreneurs!

Hagen chooses: OB candidates face the entrepreneurs!

Hagen. The tension increases: seven brave applicants are in the spotlight, while the Hagen entrepreneurial council feels on the tooth-just ten months before the decisive election for the mayor!

In a rousing entrepreneur arena that breaks expectations, candidates Dennis Rehbein (CDU), Thomas Köhler (SPD), Jörg Fritzsche (Greens), Josef Bücker (Hagen Aktiv), Katja Graf (FDP), Michael Tropp (Hagenerkreis/HAK) and Philipp Jung (party) on one podium. Here they had to ask themselves the urgent questions of the Hagen economy. The message was clear: a “further thing” is not acceptable in the tense situation of Hagen! Managing Director Jörg Bachmann made it clear that the time for changes came.

challenges and expectations

Winfried Bahn, the initiator of the entrepreneurial council, opened the evening with an urgent fact check about the dark location in Hagen: traffic infrastructure, city center, unemployment - the list of problems is long and the challenges for the new mayor enormously. "Everything must be done to redeem the clouds through target -focused action," he said.

The candidates had the opportunity to present their main topics, with the focus of the perspectives of young Hageners in particular. A survey showed alarming results: Almost 60 percent of those surveyed cannot imagine staying in Hagen, and 80 percent feel politically powerless. The parties have to act urgently!

The discussion also made central issues such as business development, security and budget consolidation. There was agreement on the need for an old debt relief to improve the ailing budget situation. "It is now the responsibility of the new mayor to ensure growth impulses," said Bahn. The entrepreneurs demand clear visions and stronger target focusing from the candidates.

The evening ended with symbolic fireplace wood for all applicants, a sign of hope for light moments and new shores for Hagen. The entrepreneurs are ready for changes - now the candidates are on the train!