Staying grounded

In everything I do professionally and in society, it matters to me to stay grounded.

I come from Saarland. After professional stations and a few years in Munich, Saarland is my home again today. This is where we live as a family, where I get involved, where I am close to the topics that really concern people in everyday life.

An important part of my life is my family. Through my wife and our family ties in the USA, we also regularly spend time there. This view beyond Germany shapes me: different perspectives, other realities of life and open conversations help me not to look at things from only one direction.

Almost always with us is our family dog Dasher, a black standard poodle. He is part of our everyday life and is often wherever we are.

Privately and professionally, it matters to me to stay approachable. I like people who say things honestly, take responsibility and help when help is needed. That is exactly how I want to be perceived: not aloof, not unapproachable, but clear, reliable and helpful.

For me, responsibility does not begin only in big projects or political offices. It begins in the small things: in how we treat each other, in the family, in the town, in the association, in conversations with neighbours and in the willingness to get involved.