Dispute over new street names: refused referendum, vote in sight

Dispute over new street names: refused referendum, vote in sight

In Hackerberg, the upcoming change of street names and the introduction of a new postcode ensures considerable discussions. A referendum was planned on November 10, but this does not take place. Mayor Karin Kirisits confirmed that the vote had to be canceled due to a parallel-launched referendum, which was initiated by opponents of the new addressing.

The rejection of the referendum means that the municipality cannot comply with the legally defined deadlines to hold this survey. "The opposing initiatives inhibit the deadline for carrying out the referendum," said Kirisits.

referendum in planning

In contrast to the non -executed referendum, the referendum is now in prospect. For this, the initiators need 25 percent of the signatures of citizens who are entitled to vote, which they succeeded comprehensively: after the municipal council meeting in early September, 106 signatures were submitted to the municipal office. This step has triggered real mobilization within the community.

The municipality currently checks whether the signatures submitted are valid. Karen Kirisits informed that this review is currently running and will soon be completed. The results will then be discussed at the next council meeting at when the time for the referendum could also be determined.

The project for the introduction of street names and a new postcode has become a heated topic in Hackerberg due to various opinions. The municipal council factions of ÖVP and SPÖ are the drivers of the initiative. They argue that clear addressing offers both visitors and delivery services better. The new postcode 7575 would also clarify the belonging to Burgenland, in contrast to the previous postcode 8292, which comes from Styria.

criticism of the need

The opponents of the changeover see no right reason for this. They point out that the existing addresses in the small town work well with 365 inhabitants. Neither post nor deliveries would have difficulty getting to the addresses given. The associated costs and the effort for changes in the address do not seem to be justified.

It remains to be seen how the situation is developing, especially in view of the national debate about addressing systems in small communities. The dynamic situation surrounding the referendum raises interesting questions about the role of citizen participation within local administrative structures. Further information on this topic can be found in an article www.meinbezirk.at .