Christmas is the celebration that brings joy and hope, that gives new strength, it is the celebration of the birth of Christ.

In the time between the years, we reflect on what the old year has brought and what the new one will bring. An eventful time lies behind us. The global economic and financial crisis did not let go of our country's politics in 2011. Here in Salzgitter, we also had to solve problems and overcome challenges.

I am thinking in particular of the situation at Alstom. Behind the employees lie nerve-wracking weeks and months, because: In the summer of this year, the plant in Salzgitter was threatened with massive job cuts. Together with representatives of state and federal politics, we fought with the workforce against the planned job cuts. I am delighted that the management, workforce, works council and trade unions are now pulling together to make the plant in Salzgitter fit for the challenges of the future. This is a great success! I would like to thank everyone involved for their tireless efforts. This has shown that with unity, unity and perseverance, even seemingly hopeless situations can be overcome.

Overall, the companies based in our city have come through the crisis with flying colors so far. This cannot be taken for granted, but is the result of good management and hard work. That makes me optimistic. One thing is clear: business and the city are in the same boat. Only if the companies are doing well will the people of our city also do well. I have great respect for the exemplary work of the company managements and workforces.

I am particularly pleased that in 2011 we came a great deal closer to our common goal of developing the city of Salzgitter into one of the most child and family-friendly learning cities in Germany over the next few years. Committed citizens developed numerous suggestions on how to make our city even more attractive for children and families. The results of this "guideline process" were presented on December 8. It is now up to the council and administration to evaluate the suggested measures and implement them in a targeted manner - for the benefit of children and families in our city, but also to make our city fit for the future.

The establishment of a "Konrad-Fonds" has also kept us busy this year. Four years of tough negotiations with the federal and state governments are now behind us. I personally put my heart and soul into defending the interests of our city. It was a real tour de force for me. The result is a workable compromise. The main beneficiary of the 100 million euro fund is the city of Salzgitter. The money will be used to promote charitable projects. What is important to me is that we have a significant influence in the decision-making bodies of the foundation that has been set up. And what will happen with the shaft itself? Legally, the storage can hardly be prevented any longer, but from a federal political point of view it can. The Council and I have taken a clear position on this matter on several occasions.

The political highlight of this year was the Kommunalwahl (local elections) on September 11. In this context, I would like to appeal to all political groups represented on the Council: let yourselves be guided by constructive factual work, because: As in the previous election period, successful council work for the benefit of our citizens requires open, honest and trusting political cooperation. Let us work together, not against each other.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our First City Councillor Rainer Dworog for his outstanding achievements, who will be taking his well-deserved retirement in January 2012. He has rendered outstanding services to the well-being of the city of Salzgitter.

I would also like to thank all the many volunteers who put their heart and soul into their work for the community in our city in 2011. This commitment brings people together and creates a sense of togetherness. It is a social resource that we cannot do without under any circumstances. For our city, for our society as a whole, it is of particular importance that there are people who are committed to their environment. A community can only function if its members take responsibility. Voluntary and social commitment are indispensable, now more than ever.

I sincerely wish you all a Merry Christmas with your loved ones and a good and successful start to 2012. Let us continue to work together for the future of our city after the New Year. I am already looking forward to many exciting and impressive encounters with you.

Yours
Frank Klingebiel
Lord Mayor