Gerd Zattler, the long-serving Green Councilor Gerd Zattler, died on Sunday at the age of 72. Zattler was born in Schäftlarn, studied mathematics in Munich and lived in a shared apartment with Susanna Tausendfreund, today’s green mayor of Pullach. In 1984 he became the first and then only member of the Greens to join the Schäftlarn municipal council. At first he was ridiculed for his positions, says today’s Green parliamentary group leader Christian Lankes. But Zattler never let himself get down. For example, he stood up for his concern that the community should purchase green electricity throughout the years – this spring the community changed its electricity provider. Zattler worked as a government director at the Bavarian State Office for the Environment, where he was head of the IT technology and operations department. From 1996 to 2002 Zattler was second mayor in Schäftlarn. In the village, Zattler, who was also chairman of the small Schäftlarn Museum Neuchl property, was valued and respected by many. He was even able to express criticism so objectively and respectfully that anyone could accept it, says Lankes, for example in his position as chairman of the audit committee. Several committee meetings of the local council were canceled because of Zattler’s death. “We will miss him extremely,” says Lankes. “It leaves a gap that cannot be filled.” Gerd Zattler leaves behind a wife, three daughters and two grandchildren. Another grandchild is on the way.
Schäftlarn – mourning for Gerd Zattler – district of Munich
