A few months ago, Robert Ertl could not have imagined that his signature would adorn the good wishes of the municipality of Aschheim to its citizens for the year 2023. But in September it became clear that the first mayor of the municipality of Aschheim in the district of Munich, Thomas Glashauser (CSU), would have to temporarily rest his office in order to seek medical treatment for a burnout. As his deputy, Ertl from the parliamentary group of the Free Voters’ Association had to appear in the mayor’s chair without much advance notice. Ertl had already represented Glashauser before that, but suddenly being officially in charge of the 10,000-strong community on a permanent basis was a noticeable role change. “Leading a church is a huge task,” says Ertl. “It’s a huge responsibility.”
A responsibility that the 57-year-old, by his own admission, has now settled into well. “The administration supports me actively, so it’s slipping now,” says Ertl. The experience of 14 years on the municipal council and the good connections in his home town help him to fulfill his task. And he’s increasingly enjoying the role. On September 29, 2022, Ertl took a seat at the front of the meeting for the first time to moderate the debates. In the meantime, he is leading relaxedly through the agenda of the municipal council. He also completed the town hall meeting confidently, and in a hitherto unknown record speed.
The job of mayor, with its diverse range of tasks, is very appealing, says Ertl: “You never know what the day will bring in the morning.” He has never had such deep insights into the background of Aschheim’s local politics as now. And even if land use planning procedures are sometimes lengthy, Ertl emphasizes: “I haven’t had an appointment yet that I’m terrified of going to.” There were also some very happy occasions: In November, for example, he was able to symbolically break ground with District Administrator Christoph Göbel (CSU) and colleagues from Kirchheim and Feldkirchen for the new school campus, on which the secondary school will receive an extension and the new Aschheim grammar school should arise.
Pleasant appointment: In November, Robert Ertl (third from left) was able to break ground for the Aschheim school campus with his fellow mayors from the neighboring municipalities.
(Photo: Claus Schunk)
But the time for all this cannot be shaken out of the sleeve, that much is also clear. Ertl has a full-time job, he is in charge of medical technology in the Ebersberg district hospital and is the representative for medical product safety there. Fortunately, the managing director of the clinic, who is himself involved in local politics, showed a lot of understanding for the special situation in the autumn. So Ertl was able to agree that he would initially cut back on his career. On Mondays and Tuesdays he drives to the clinic from 8 a.m. to 2.30 p.m., and there are also tasks that he completes from his home office. The rest of the time he is in the town hall or on the road for the community. That was possible with a clear conscience because the most work-intensive time for his position in the clinic is in the spring and summer, says Ertl. The 57-year-old now works on two construction sites, can be reached by the clinic and is also present in the town hall. “It’s a bit of a juggling at the moment, but that’s the way it is now,” says Ertl. This agreement is still valid until January 31st. How things will continue in the community of Aschheim is still largely open.
“I’m needed again in the clinic.”
He hopes for a sign from Thomas Glashauser by then, says Ertl. “I’m needed again in the clinic.” The 57-year-old leaves open the question of whether he can imagine a permanent job as mayor. In the 2020 local elections, the Free Voter did not run for this post. So far he has continued to work on a voluntary basis in his deputy position. Since October he has received a monthly flat rate of a good 900 euros as compensation for his additional work, as well as a daily rate of 200 euros per replacement day. Glashauser, on the other hand, is like most of the first mayors in the district of the municipal code according to professional first mayors, i.e. temporary civil servants. According to the Bavarian municipal and district election law, his term of office runs for six years, so since the most recent election that would be until 2026. Nobody wants to push the ailing mayor, the understanding for him is great. And yet its representatives need perspective. Important projects are planned for 2023 in Aschheim. The new building of the town hall, the expansion of geothermal energy, the third construction phase of the primary school, the possible renovation of the kindergarten. All of this requires focused church leadership.
The old Aschheim town hall was demolished in May 2022 due to structural and fire protection deficiencies. The new building will be built at the same location.
(Photo: Claus Schunk)
“We have to see how we can find a good solution for all sides,” says Ertl, looking ahead to the new year. The third mayor Marion Seitz (Greens) also pledges her support. Wherever she is needed in the town hall, she will “make possible what is possible,” says Seitz. The working mother of four is optimistic: “I let myself be surprised, you can’t really plan. We have no choice but to react to the situation.”
In the event that the first mayor of a municipality is unavailable, Article 39 of the Bavarian Municipal Code stipulates that he is represented by the other mayors in their order. In accordance with Article 39 Paragraph 1 Clause 2 of the Municipal Code, the municipal council can also appoint further deputies from among its members. In the event that neither the first nor other mayors of a municipality are able to work, the other deputies will represent them within the scope of their possibilities. The regulations do not provide for the legal supervisory authority, in this case the district office of Munich, to take action. An exception would be setting a date that deviates from the election cycle if a new election of the first mayor should become necessary.