Entertaining lesson with the mayor

After class teacher Jana Spanke handed over the leadership of the politics lesson to Mayor Michael Gerdhenrich, many fingers shot up. And the pupils from class 5a at Albertus-Magnus-Gymnasium (AMG) peppered the head of administration with their questions, who did not fail to answer any of them.

Do you ever have time off? What is your favourite animal? Is it difficult to make decisions for Beckum? For a lively full hour, the discussion covered personal preferences such as favourite colour (blue) or favourite football club (Schalke 04) as well as local political issues and the duties of a mayor. Michael Gerdhenrich explained the interaction between the council and the administration, gave an insight into his duties as head of the administration and representative of the city, explained the urban development based on the market square and the church square or the four city districts.

The children did not shy away from complex topics either. For example, the mayor patiently and comprehensibly reported on the difficult budget situation due to the unfavourable framework conditions and the urgently needed investments. "In difficult times, we cannot and will not place an even greater burden on the people and companies in Beckum. At the same time, it is the city's responsibility to offer the people of Beckum a vibrant city with modern schools, a reliable safety infrastructure, intact roads and attractive leisure facilities," said the mayor. Even if this sometimes feels like squaring the circle. This difficult task is being tackled with determination. The most pressing question from the AMG newcomers about the modernisation of their school was met with delight. Michael Gerdhenrich was able to report that a lot of money will be spent on the modernisation and expansion over the next few years.

He added that being able to play a key role in shaping the development of his home town as mayor was one of the most rewarding tasks imaginable.

"What did you think of the 800th anniversary celebrations?" Everyone agreed on this question: "Super! It was a great celebration that we will remember for a long time to come". After a lively and informative lesson, everyone went into their lunch break.

Mayor Gerdhenrich was enthusiastic about the special external appointment in view of the wide range of eagerly asked questions: "In local politics, decisions are made about what happens on our own doorstep and for the benefit of our home town. That's why it's great to see that even children in the fifth grade show a broad interest in local political issues."