Hold onto your hats, Thurgau! Decision Day is Here!
Ah, the Canton of Thurgau. A place where the rivers are swift, the valleys are lush, and the decisions you make today could change everything tomorrow! Yes, folks, it’s election day, and judging from the headlines, it seems there’s more drama unfolding here than in an episode of *EastEnders*! Did someone say “surprising resignation”? Sounds like a plot twist straight out of a soap opera. Who knew local politics could be this juicy?
Arbon: The City Council Showdown
In Arbon, we have ourselves a council seat up for grabs after the shock resignation of Sandra Eichbaum (XMV). Who knew leaving a job in local politics could be so popular? It’s like everyone around here wants to make an exit that would make a Broadway star jealous! Jörg Zimmermann (SVP) and Reto Neuber (Center) are stepping into the ring, and let’s be honest, it’s about as thrilling as watching paint dry… unless you count the gossip that’s circulating. Forget *Who Wants to Be a Millionaire*; this is *Who Wants to Be a City Councilor?*
And while they are debating who will fit into Sandra’s shoes, there is a whopping 8.5 million loan proposal for a gym renovation on the table! That’s right, folks! They’re about to give a 50-year-old gym a facelift that would make any Hollywood starlet jealous! That’s some serious MAJOR renovations to go along with that council drama, don’t you think?
Ermatingen: Drama? What Drama?
Over in Ermatingen, we’ve got elections for the primary and secondary school authorities, and it’s about as exciting as a game of fetch with a rock. The candidates equal the seats, but hold the front page, folks! Antonio Basile may have gotten a bit of a snub from his own political party. Forget Gladiator battles; this is more like kindergarten yard drama! Will Basile find a way to prove that he is as essential as chocolate in a cake?
Frauenfeld: Bicycle Battle Royale!
Now, moving on to Frauenfeld, where the local electorate is primarily concerned with one vital question: do they want bikes or not? The Chrampfe & Hirne (CH) political group is charging forward with a bicycle initiative that’s almost as thrilling as a trip to the dentist. With over 1,500 signatures gathered, it’s clear the pedal pushers are out to make a point. If the vote passes, the city will invest three million francs annually into bicycle infrastructure — stepping out like a diva on the red carpet!
But hold your horses! The city council is waving a big red flag, urging a vote against it. Who knew cycles could provoke such passionate discussions? What’s next? A debate over whether lycra should be mandatory for commuters?
Horn: The Lady Wars
If you thought local politics were dry, Horn is here to spice things up with a girl-on-girl battle for the local council position after Michael Glanzmann makes his exit. Karolin Halter vs. Vreni Jordi! Who will clinch the title? The local FDP party is backing Jordi, like it’s the final match of the season. Let’s hope they bring popcorn for the drama!
Kreuzlingen: Parking Garage Pandemonium!
In Kreuzlingen, it’s not just about any old parking garage… oh no! We’re talking an 18.8 million franc project! That’s right, folks! For the citizens that think a parking garage deserved an award, this is essentially the Golden Globe of parking lots! Surprisingly, not everyone is in favor… shocking, I know, in politics! It’s like a family feud at Thanksgiving, just with more signs and less warm pie.
Münchwilen: The Historic Hall Face-off
Münchwilen’s multi-purpose hall is getting a potential makeover, but judging by past attempts, think about how many times that makeover has flopped. A substantial loan of 9.4 million francs is presented! This is not just any renovation; this is like giving a grandma a makeover on her 80th birthday — brilliant in theory, and yet, who knows how it’ll turn out!
Münsterlingen: Chaos in Office!
And how could we forget Münsterlingen? Where local council drama has escalated to heights usually reserved for reality TV. Mayor Hans-Jörg Saner seems to be clinging to his position like it’s the last piece of cake at a wedding reception! The remaining councilors have asked him to resign, and he’s about as willing as a cat in a bath! Talk about tension!
Romanshorn: Fancy Townhouses!
The Romanshorn station is undergoing a makeover, with a loan proposal looking for approval. The idea of transforming Bahnhofstrasse into a paradise of trees and quaint townhouses sounds lovely, doesn’t it? Well, it might take longer than trying to get on a fully packed bus during rush hour!
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! Election day in Thurgau! A mix of drama, suspense, and foot-in-mouth moments. The stakes are high, the community is buzzing, and when the dust settles, we’ll see who comes out on top. Will it be the bicycle activists? The parking garage enthusiasts? Or perhaps a councilor who just wants to replace their office chair? Only time will tell!
Now grab your ballot, folks! It’s decision time!
Decisions
The overview of the most important votes and elections in the canton of Thurgau
On Sunday, elections and votes will occur across many towns and communities in Thurgau, with several compelling issues on the ballot. Here, we spotlight the most significant proposals and contests that locals will address.
Jump directly to your community:
Arbon: City council election and gym loan
In Arbon, a pivotal city council seat has opened due to the unexpected resignation of Sandra Eichbaum (XMV). Jörg Zimmermann (SVP) and Reto Neuber (Center) are two candidates vying for her position in a closely watched replacement election. Following an inconclusive first round on September 22, where no candidate secured an absolute majority, Neuber joined the race, leading to heightened interest. Meanwhile, competitors Elia Eccher (SP) and Reto Gmür (Arbon Citizens Group) opted to withdraw their candidacies.
The Arbon primary school community (PSG) has put forward a substantial proposal for an 8.5 million franc loan aimed at renovating the Stacherholz sports hall. This renovation is critical, as the facility, constructed in 1972, has reached the end of its functional lifespan. Last year, residents approved a smaller project loan of half a million francs, paving the way for renovation activities scheduled to commence in summer 2024, with a completion timeline set for autumn 2026.
In addition to the renovation loan, community members will also vote on a proposed building loan of 920,000 francs designated for expanding the kindergarten on Brühlstrasse, allowing for an extra class to accommodate growing needs. They’re also expected to decide on the budget for 2025, which anticipates a budget shortfall of approximately 70,000 francs, as income projections at 22.7 million francs do not cover expenses pegged at 22.8 million francs. Additionally, the PSG Arbon has introduced a measure to amend the municipal code to expand the school board from four to five members going forward. (shi/sju)
Ermatingen: School elections
While the general renewal elections for the primary and secondary school authorities in Ermatingen seem straightforward at first glance, with candidates matching available seats, there is underlying tension. Antonio Basile, currently presiding over both educational bodies, is facing pressure after the local FDP party omitted him from their public election proposal, an act interpreted as a lack of support for his re-election. (ubr)
Frauenfeld: Bicycle initiative
On Sunday, the electorate in Frauenfeld will cast their votes on the municipal bicycle initiative. This initiative was propelled by the political group Chrampfe & Hirne (CH) who collected 1,502 valid signatures during the summer of 2023, demanding increased efforts from the city council to enhance bicycle traffic. The proposed legislation not only aims to formally incorporate cycling advocacy into municipal statutes but also sets forth quantitative objectives to guide implementation. Should voters approve this initiative, the city would be required to allocate 3 million francs annually towards bicycle improvement projects, targeting high-traffic and danger areas as well as filling any current gaps in the cycling network. Additionally, the city would need to undertake two major construction projects each year for the first three years, followed by a detailed implementation and financing agenda for the subsequent seven years.
Despite the city council’s validation of the bicycle initiative and intentions to boost cycling infrastructure, they have advised constituents against its legal entrenchment, suggesting ongoing pre-developed strategies will suffice. In the municipality, while left-leaning and green parties advocate for the measure, middle-class parties have aligned against it. (shoe)
Horn: local council
In the municipality of Horn, a vacancy in the local council is compelling voters to participate in a crucial replacement election following Michael Glanzmann’s (Die Mitte) upcoming departure at the year’s end. The contenders for his spot are Karolin Halter (Die Mitte) and Vreni Jordi (SVP). Notably, the local FDP party has publicly endorsed the SVP candidate, making it significant given the local political landscape where the largest voter base is not currently represented in the council. (dwi)
Kreuzlingen: parking garage and school building
In Kreuzlingen, voters face an important decision regarding an 18.8 million franc proposal for a new parking garage, which will also include designated spaces for city buses and post buses at the harbor station. This project has incited significant controversy and the formation of a strong opposition committee, with multiple local parties—the FDP, SVP, Free List, Greens, and the GLP—urging constituents to reject the initiative. Conversely, the SP, Center, and EVP express their support for the investment. Additionally, voters will consider the city’s budget, which currently reflects a deficit of 3.2 million francs while maintaining the existing tax rate.
The revised version of the parking garage at the harbor station features a green facade.
Image: zvg
Additionally, the Kreuzlingen primary school community has put forth a loan request of 13.2 million francs aimed at expanding the Seetal school building. This expansion project has garnered widespread support among local political factions, signifying community consensus. Furthermore, budgets reflecting deficits for both the primary school (1.1 million francs) and secondary school (also 1.1 million francs) communities will be presented for approval, with an anticipated tax increase of four percentage points to 50 percent for primary schools suggested to cover the shortfall. (ubr)
Münchwilen: multi-purpose hall
Münchwilen residents will be voting on Sunday about the future of their listed multi-purpose hall, where a proposed renovation and expansion plan requires a loan of 9.4 million francs—6.58 million from the school community and 2.82 million from the political community. This proposition comes after an unsuccessful planning loan request for a new facility in 2021, indicating heightened community scrutiny on this current venture. (kuo)
Built in 1940, the Oberhofen gymnasium in Münchwilen has long been a listed building.
Bild: Donato Caspari
Münsterlingen: local council
Significant turmoil within the Münsterlingen municipal council has led to an urgent need for leadership restructuring. Following three recent resignations, the remaining four councilors have lost confidence in Mayor Hans-Jörg Saner, calling for his resignation and revoking his oversight of the finance department. Saner remains defiant in the face of this growing criticism and is resisting calls to leave, resulting in a fraught atmosphere in local governance.
Amidst this discord, Sunday will also see a second round of voting for one of the three currently vacant council seats, specifically for the position left by Stefan Egger. In a previous round held on September 22, Simon Spirjak led with 260 votes, while Bastian Aebischer secured 178, Eric von Ballmoos had 144, and Peter Leutwiler obtained 100. Crucially, none of these candidates are aligned with the polarized factions that have emerged in recent months. The remaining two council seats will be filled in an upcoming election on February 9. (ubr)
Romanshorn: Bahnhofstrasse
Recent years have significantly transformed the Romanshorn station district, thanks to developments around the harbor and various projects in the “Bodan” area, as well as upgrades to the space between Löwenstrasse and Mittlerer Gasse. Plans are also underway for a redesign of the station square, for which the community previously approved a loan of 2.1 million francs two years ago; however, disputes have hindered progress.
On Sunday, residents will vote on a proposed loan of 3.1 million francs aimed at improving the lower Bahnhofstrasse. The city plans to construct townhouse units while implementing a comprehensive redesign that includes a 30 km/h zone, one-way traffic, green pre-zones, and new meeting spaces. These enhancements are intended to improve the area’s aesthetic and function, thereby revitalizing local shops and dining establishments along the street. If all goes well, construction could kick off in the fall of next year. (mso)
Salenstein: schoolhouse
In the unified municipality of Salenstein, community members are asked to vote on a proposed loan of 2.85 million francs to expand the primary school building. The new facilities will primarily cater to kindergarten students, significantly enhancing early childhood education options in the area. (ubr)
Thundorf: Windpark
Wind energy from Wellenberg will be used to supply numerous Thurgau households with energy.
Image: Samuel Koch
More articles from these communities
How will improved pedestrian pathways impact local traffic patterns and accessibility in Romanshorn?
Nd improved pedestrian pathways. The goal is to create a more attractive and functional urban space for residents and visitors alike. This initiative has garnered mixed reactions, with some local residents concerned about potential traffic restrictions and alterations to the character of the neighborhood. Supporters argue that the improvements are essential for increasing safety and enhancing the overall quality of life in the area. The decision will impact not only the local infrastructure but also future development opportunities in Romanshorn. As the vote approaches, the community continues to engage in discussions about the implications of the proposed changes.
