Renate Löffler, Deputy Director of the Salzgitter District Court, thanked the arbitrators for their voluntary work, which deserves respect and recognition. The work of the arbitrators is important and special. "They help to create legal peace," she emphasized. Arbitrators want to find a good solution for both sides. That is why an agreement with the help of volunteers is worth striving for. A judge's decision is the last resort, because with a ruling there is a winner and a loser.
This was also emphasized by Lord Mayor Frank Klingebiel, who also thanked the arbitrators. Arbitration is a special honorary office: the Salzgitter City Council elected the arbitrators and their representatives for the term of office from 2020 to 2024. "This is a great responsibility and a great challenge for all of you," said the Lord Mayor. Every case that the arbitrators settle is a win, he added. "I have great respect for your work," said Frank Klingebiel. Anyone who stands up for people with their wishes, worries or needs deserves special respect and the citizens of Salzgitter are indebted to them. "They contribute to better coexistence in Salzgitter," said the mayor, who promised all arbitrators the support of the city of Salzgitter. He wished them all much energy and joy in their new honorary office.
Katja Stößel, judge at Salzgitter District Court and responsible for the arbitrators, swore in the elected arbitrators and bid farewell to the retiring arbitrators. She thanked all the arbitrators for their special commitment and good cooperation. Her special thanks went to Marita Ambrosius, Thomas Düerkop, Ralf Leve and Klaus Speder, who are stepping down as arbitrators.
She thanked the new arbitrators for their willingness to volunteer as arbitrators. Special mention should be made of the arbitrators Ulrike Donat, Frank-Joachim Hillebrecht and Hans-Georg Schmidt, who are extending their term of office and were confirmed in office by Katja Stößel.
The judge appointed the following as new arbitrators/deputy arbitrators: Ingrid Grecko, Michael Heidenblut, Ulf Küch, Klaus Katzbach and Holger Strübig and wished the new honorary arbitrators every success in their new role, which they should approach impartially and independently. She wished them all a lot of energy for their voluntary work and promised them the support of the local court.
Thomas Kieschke, Chairman of the Braunschweig District Association of the Association of German Arbitrators (BDS), also expressed his thanks and looked forward to working with the arbitrators. Regular further training is just as much a part of this as an introductory course, so that the volunteers are given the knowledge they need for their important office and their work under the title "Arbitration instead of judging".