"Velberter's politics emphasizes non-burial as a significant concept"
In the upcoming municipal election in Velbert, less than six weeks away, the candidates for mayor have been questioned about their economic plans and urban development proposals. The Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) has focused on three key areas: industrial and commercial areas, urban development and pedestrian zones, and commercial and property tax rates.
Incumbent Dirk Lukrafka (CDU) emphasised the importance of the trade tax, stating that it has remained stable for 20 years and the city cannot do without the revenue it generates. Lukrafka also highlighted the central location of Velbert as attractive to companies from outside, with Lidl expressing interest in building a logistics center there.
One of the major topics under discussion is the large field, a potential development area. The city council recently rejected a development, but all candidates can imagine something being built there. Frank Hölschler (UVB) emphasised the importance of promoting and supporting the economy and jobs, while Dirk Lukrafka and Hölschler are both in favour of the large field.
Esther Kanschat (Greens) is against the project, but would not try to prevent it if decided to go ahead. Kanschat instead focuses on greening and shortening the pedestrian zone, an idea supported by Volker Münchow (SPD). Kanschat agrees not to tamper with the trade tax increase if she becomes mayor, as it was decided on together. Münchow is open to raising the trade tax if necessary.
Münchow also emphasised the need for public participation and not just for opponents. Hölschler proposes redesigning the city center, including a recreation area on the former Hertie site and an area for food trucks at the Sparkasse.
The discussion about car traffic in Neviges is ongoing, with some wanting to ban cars completely and others wanting more in the city center. Esther Kanschat stated that mayors do not make decisions, but provide information and let politics decide.
The IHK's election check is available as an audio file on www.ihk.de. The candidates' responses provide a glimpse into their economic and urban development plans for Velbert, offering voters a chance to make informed decisions ahead of the election.
In the light of the ongoing discussion about the large field as a potential development area, all candidates seem to envision some form of construction there, with Frank Hölschler (UVB) stressing the importance of promoting and supporting the economy and jobs. Esther Kanschat (Greens), on the other hand, takes a more balanced approach, focusing on greening and shortening the pedestrian zone, as well as agreeing not to interfere with the trade tax increase if she becomes mayor. Meanwhile, the IHK's election check offers voters a glimpse into the candidates' economic and urban development plans for Velbert, allowing for informed decisions in the upcoming municipal election, which carries a strong political and general news significance.
