In the canton of St. Gallen there are votes or elections in different communities. Choice.
Altstätten
The city council is complete: After the second round of voting, the three independents Aline Schläpfer, Marcel Zünd and Mathias Keel were elected.
Bad Ragaz
FDP cantonal councilor Jens Jäger is the new mayor. The non-party Björn Bolllhalder and Natalie Siegrist (FDP) were elected to the local council in the second ballot.
Balgach
The voters put a clear yes in the ballot box regarding the construction of the new retirement and nursing home and the new building with apartments for assisted living. More than 84 percent approved the total loan of 44.5 million francs.
Goldach
The voters approved a construction loan of almost three million francs for the Goldachpark – with a yes vote of 57 percent.
Mels
Peter Schumacher (center) is the new mayor. The two new local councilors are Marina Kohler-Good (independent) and Michael Grünenfelder (SVP).
Niederbüren
Voters voted yes to buy the former Raiffeisenbank property for 1.3 million francs – with a yes vote of 57 percent.
Rapperswil-Jona
The second round of voting for the city council found a clear winner. More information here.
Rapperswil-Jona says yes twice:
- A construction loan of 17.7 million francs for the expansion of the Weiden primary school complex
- A planning loan of 24.5 million francs for the KEZO replacement building of the waste recycling association Zürcher Oberland
City of Saints Gallen
The city of St. Gallen to expand its electricity network. The electorate approved a corresponding proposal with over 85 percent of the yes votes. The municipal utilities have reserved almost 82 million francs for expansion by 2030.
Ground
The community clearly says yes twice: On the one hand, the “Dorfbach Circle” will be abolished and Flughafenstrasse and Dornierstrasse will be renovated. The loan of 2.6 million has been approved.
Will
Manuel Nick (SP) and Cornelia Kunz (FDP) were elected to the city council in the second round. Ursula Egli (SVP) was unsuccessful in being re-elected to the executive branch. With Manuel Nick, the SP was able to defend its seat. The SVP is no longer represented on the Wil city council.
Wil also rejected the construction loan of almost 26 million francs with more than 54 percent.
Zuzwil
The community said that the entire village stream is to be widened by more than 61 percent. The “retention basin” version was rejected with a partial halving vote of over 82 percent against it. The village stream in Zuzwil will be protected from flooding for a good 15 million francs.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Local Governance Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone! Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Anja Meier, an expert in local governance and community engagement. Dr. Meier, thank you for joining us today.
Dr. Meier: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss the recent developments in local elections in St. Gallen.
Editor: There have been quite a few significant outcomes in communities like Altstätten, Bad Ragaz, and Balgach. What do you think these results indicate about the current political climate in these areas?
Dr. Meier: Absolutely, it’s fascinating! The elections highlight a few important trends. In Altstätten, the election of independent candidates like Aline Schläpfer and Marcel Zünd suggests that voters may be looking for fresh perspectives outside traditional party lines. This could indicate a desire for local solutions to local issues, which is often more relatable than broader party ideologies.
Editor: That’s an interesting perspective. On the other hand, in Bad Ragaz, we saw the FDP taking a strong position with Jens Jäger becoming the new mayor. What does this tell us about party dynamics in the area?
Dr. Meier: Yes, the election of Jens Jäger reflects the continued influence of established parties in certain communities. It shows that while there is room for independents, parties like the FDP still hold significant sway, especially if they are aligned with the interests of the community. This balance between party loyalty and individual candidates can vary widely across different municipalities.
Editor: And what about the clear support for social infrastructure projects, like in Balgach where over 84% approved the construction of a new retirement home? Is this support indicative of evolving community values?
Dr. Meier: Definitely. The strong approval for initiatives like the retirement home signals a community that values social welfare and is willing to invest in essential services for its residents. This kind of overwhelming support often indicates that citizens recognize the long-term benefits of such projects, contributing not only to the well-being of vulnerable populations but also enhancing overall community resilience.
Editor: You mentioned community resilience—how do these local governance decisions affect the economic landscape?
Dr. Meier: Local governance decisions around infrastructure and community services play a tremendous role in shaping economic health. For example, investments in community centers or housing can drive local business growth and attract new residents. In Mels, the election results indicate a shift with a new mayor and new councilors, potentially bringing innovation in governance that could further stimulate the local economy.
Editor: And let’s not overlook Rapperswil-Jona’s new construction initiatives. They voted on substantial loans for city improvements. What do you make of that?
Dr. Meier: Rapperswil-Jona appears to be making significant strides towards a more vibrant community. Approving a construction loan indicates a commitment to urban development and a forward-thinking approach to city planning. It’s essential for communities to balance growth with maintaining the quality of life, and these decisions often reflect broader community aspirations.
Editor: Dr. Meier, your insights are incredibly valuable. Before we wrap up, what final thoughts do you have on the importance of local elections and voter engagement in these Swiss communities?
Dr. Meier: Local elections are crucial as they directly impact everyday lives. Voter engagement is essential for healthy democracies, and when communities take part in these decisions, they ensure that governance reflects their needs and values. The diverse outcomes in St. Gallen show a dynamic political landscape that can adapt and respond to community desires. We can’t underestimate the power of grassroots movements and local engagement.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Meier, for sharing your expertise with us today. It’s critical to recognize the importance of these elections and the voices of local citizens in shaping their communities.
Dr. Meier: Thank you for having me; it was a pleasure!
Editor: And to our readers, stay tuned for more updates on local governance and community engagement where you live!
