Local Enzkreis-Kreislagsfactions express outrage towards the mayor

In a surprising turn of events, the five factions in the Kreistag of the Free Voters' Association Enzkreis (FWV) - CDU, SPD, Greens, and FDP - have expressed their displeasure over Pforzheim's bid for the European Capital of Culture. The source of their ire is the city's announcement of a financing concept, which included a 2 million euro contribution from Enzkreis.

The faction leaders of Enzkreis believe that Pforzheim's Mayor, Schüssler (Greens), has snubbed them twice in just a few months. The city's plans for a new industrial area in Klapfenhardt and the planned co-financing for the Capital of Culture bid were both discovered through newspapers without prior consultation.

Günter Bächle (CDU) compared the Mayor's approach to building a house and including neighbors in the financing plan without asking them first. Elisabeth Vogt (Greens faction leader) criticized the approach, stating it shows no respect for the county council. Prof. Dr. Erik Schweickert (FDP Kreistag faction leader and state parliament member) sharply criticized Mrs. Schüssler's calculation for Pforzheim's bid, as it asks Enzkreis to contribute a large sum of tax money that Pforzheim does not want to provide itself.

Werner Henle (FWV faction leader) expressed surprise and discomfort about the Mayor's statements regarding the Capital of Culture, suggesting that the funds could be used to build kindergarten places to permanently solve Pforzheim's lack of places. Hans Vester (SPD faction leader) pointed out that after a guest speech by Mayor Peter Boch, a new era in the relationship between Pforzheim and the Enz district was expected, but the lack of consultation about the Capital of Culture bid indicates otherwise.

Enzkreis faces major tasks of its own, including raising around 100 million euros for the renovation, rebuilding, or new construction of Mühlacker and Neuenbürg clinics, schools for the disabled, and maintenance of its own properties. In light of these challenges, the faction leaders of Enzkreis have decided that they will not financially participate in Pforzheim's bid for the European Capital of Culture.

The bid for Pforzheim to become the European Capital of Culture is a joint project that the faction leaders believe should have been discussed with Enzkreis beforehand. The announcement of the financing concept for Pforzheim's bid was met with anger by the factions in the Kreistag of the Free Voters' Association Enzkreis (FWV), CDU, SPD, Greens, and FDP. Vogt stated that this is not how you treat a partner, and Henle emphasized that financial resources of the district should not be planned without prior conversations.

Vester expects that in any plans at the Pforzheim town hall that affect the Enz district, the district will be involved in the discussions in a timely manner. Schüssler's approach to the European Capital of Culture bid has not only raised concerns about the financial implications but also strained the relationship between Pforzheim and the Enz district. The faction leaders of Enzkreis criticized being informed about the financial contribution via a press release and not being consulted officially.

In conclusion, the bid for Pforzheim to become the European Capital of Culture has stirred up a storm in the Enz district. The faction leaders of Enzkreis have expressed their displeasure in a unified manner, highlighting the importance of consultation and respect in inter-municipal partnerships. The future of this partnership remains uncertain as both parties navigate this contentious issue.