Mauerstetten’s mayoral debate puts two visions for the town’s future on stage

Mauerstetten’s mayoral race is heating up ahead of Bavaria’s local elections on March 8. A public debate, titled Mayoral Showdown, will take place on February 3 at the Sonnenhof, giving voters a chance to hear from the two candidates vying for the top job. The event, hosted by Allgäuer Zeitung Kaufbeuren, will also include brief statements from the 30 candidates running for town council seats.

The debate will feature incumbent Armin Holderried, 59, who has led the town for 18 years, and challenger Benjamin Schick, a 40-year-old dental technician with six years on the town council. Holderried’s campaign focuses on continuity and non-partisan local politics, while Schick, a married father of two, brings experience from his council work. Neither candidate is publicly affiliated with a political party.

Residents can submit questions in advance, with the editorial team planning to include as many as possible. The discussion will cover key issues like finance, transport, housing, and infrastructure—critical topics as Mauerstetten faces a sharp drop in business tax revenues by 2025. Admission to the event is free, though voluntary donations will support the Allgäuer Zeitung’s reader assistance fund, Karte der Not. No food will be served, but drinks can be purchased before the debate and during the break.

The Mayoral Showdown offers voters a direct look at the candidates’ plans before the March 8 election. With financial challenges looming, the debate will highlight how each proposes to address Mauerstetten’s future. The event also gives town council hopefuls a chance to present their ideas to the community.