“I love St Bolton”: City boss celebrates 20 years of service

If Matthias Stadler Mayor’s office 20 years ago St. Bolton took over and was asked if he was not following in the footsteps of his predecessor Willy Gruber will kick. “I wear a shoe size 45,” was Stadler’s reply.

Education and Culture

Indeed, the SPÖ politician left his mark in the state capital. Issues of education and culture were very close to St. Bolton’s heart, and with an absolute majority he was able to implement many projects. The 58-year-old wants to realize the construction of St. Bolton’s University of Applied Sciences and the construction of a public university.

Anyway, Stadler’s milestone anniversary was marked with a big celebration on Tuesday. A large number of party guests arrived at the sweltering Rathausplatz.

Former Federal President Heinz Fischer (SPÖ) praised the development of the city, former state governor Erwin Proll (ÖVP) spoke of a “personal friendship” with Stadler. The former mayor of Vienna made a smile Michael Häuplwho described the city leader as “a tough guy with hand-shaking qualities”.

But there was more celebrity to be found: a diocesan bishop Alois Schwarz Reported on a city tour with Stadler that ended at a restaurant, the former chancellor Christian Kern and Vienna city boss Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) mingled with the sweating spectators in front of the town hall.

Also present: Home Minister Hegard Garner (ÖVP), fire chief Dietmar FahrafelnerDirector of State Police France Pop, Edith GoldbandDirector of the State Audit Office, AKNÖ President Marcus WeiserDistrict Captain Joseph Chronicler, Willy yellow Housing Cooperative, SPÖ State Councillor Sven Herkovic, FPÖ city councilor Klaus Otzelberger and Deputy Mayors Mathias Atl (ÖVP) and Harald Ludwig (SPÖ).

In his speech, Stadler reiterated that he had more to do. However, the politician also insisted that he was looking to the future with some uncertainty. “It worries me that politics has such a bad name,” he said. According to Stadler, the workforce is becoming increasingly thin.

One thing is certain: in the next local council elections, the mayor wants to defend his absolute majority again. “I love St Bolton,” said the man celebrating his birthday.