Drebkau dares to take the step: Hire your mayor!

Drebkau dares to take the step: Hire your mayor!

The “Rent a Mayor” initiative was launched in Drebkau, which aims to promote fresh and direct contact between the administration and the citizens. Mayor Paul Köhne is very committed here and offers his help in various areas. After an article in a local magazine, he was inspired by a similar project from Baden-Württemberg and now wants to support people in their everyday lives. The first bookings are already underway, and on June 29th Köhne will be active as an auctioneer at the sports festival in Leuthen to collect money for a robot lawn mower, says LR Online about it.

The idea behind “Rent a Mayor” is to make Mayor Köhne available to provide practical support in daycare centers, schools, clubs and social institutions. Among other things, he will step in as a kitchen assistant or help with mowing the lawn. “The goal is more closeness, dialogue and insight into the reality of people’s lives here in Drebkau,” says Köhne, describing the initiative. He wants to show that administration can be humane and that direct exchange has many positive effects. According to Radio Cottbus, interested institutions can apply to the public relations department in the town hall, whereby lots will decide which institutions will be taken into account.

Focus on proximity to citizens

The theory goes that proximity to citizens aims to improve communication between the government and the population and reduce the distance. In Drebkau, Mayor Köhne shows what this can look like in concrete terms. By actively immersing himself in the community, he not only promotes a sense of belonging, but also sets an example for citizen-oriented, creative and open administration. These initiatives are based on a historical development that dates back to ancient times and is closely linked to the concept of democracy, as explained on KommunalWiki.

The approaches that promote citizen proximity include clear communication, transparency and direct citizen participation. Such measures are particularly important in times of digitalization and political alienation. We hear that Mayor Köhne has a good knack for such projects and takes citizens' concerns seriously.

Two clubs in Drebkau, including the Drebkauer Fußballer and SV Leuthen / Klein Oßnig, have already expressed their interest in working together. Whether as a helper at club parties or in social institutions, the options are diverse and are intended to help strengthen the sense of community and bring politicians closer to the citizens.