Guest Article by Lena Metz
Thomas Bold steps down after 24 years of transforming Bad Kissingen
After 24 years at the helm of the district and countless years of dedicated service on the county council, Bad Kissingen District held its final council session followed by a ceremonial farewell to District Administrator Thomas Bold—and honored the councilors leaving office at the end of April.
It was in 2002 that Thomas Bold was first elected District Administrator of Bad Kissingen. His experience in local politics began earlier, during his time as a municipal councilor and later as mayor of Wartmannsroth.
He had also been a member of the county council since 1990. His tenure saw key advancements in education and infrastructure, the district's growth as a health and tourism hub, and the strengthening of the Rhön region as a place to live and a natural treasure—including the expansion of the biosphere reserve.
In his tribute to Bold, Deputy District Administrator Emil Müller emphasized how profoundly he had shaped the district over nearly two and a half decades: "Today, we are not only bidding farewell to long-serving council members but also to our District Administrator. The euro was introduced in 2002, and by now, it has become second nature to all of us. Similarly, for many people in the district, the name 'Thomas Bold' has become synonymous with the office of District Administrator.
Over 24 years, you have initiated countless projects and driven the district's positive development. You have received many honors for this, most recently the Bavarian Order of Merit. It would be impossible to list all the successful projects you have led in a single speech," Müller said.
"But now, you have earned what your packed schedule over the past 24 years rarely allowed you to enjoy—time."
Reflecting on the many construction projects and renovations during Bold's tenure, Müller joked that it sometimes felt like a game of "Monopoly."
Bold led the district with experience and foresight. Over his 24 years in office, he chaired numerous associations, initiatives, alliances, and boards, including the administrative council of the municipal utility company, the Main-Rhön Regional Planning Association, the supervisory board of the Carl von Heß Social Foundation in Hammelburg, the Franconian Tourism Association, the Bavarian Music Academy in Hammelburg, and many others.
He was particularly committed to the district's partnership with Israel's Tamar Regional Council. With the campaign "Here, Life is Better," he successfully positioned the district as an attractive place to live and work—an achievement recognized in 2023 when Bad Kissingen was named "Municipality of the Year" at the German SME Grand Prize.
His tenure also spanned crises such as the global financial and economic downturn, the refugee influx, and the COVID-19 pandemic, during which the district played a pivotal role—including setting up a vaccination center.
Before the tribute to Bold, the councilors leaving office at the end of the term were honored.
"The end of my time as District Administrator is a major turning point—not just for me, but for many council members who have served in local politics for nearly as long as I have," Bold remarked.
"With half the council being newly composed, there will be significant change. While some may feel that things were better in the 'good old days,' there were challenges back then, too. I am proud that the council has always risen to meet them, contributing to the district's strong development."
A total of 30 out of 60 council members were bid farewell, as they will not return for the next term. Bold highlighted their long-standing commitment: "For many years, they have taken on responsibility, supported political decisions, and actively shaped the district's future—often on a voluntary basis alongside their careers and family lives."
Eleven councilors received the district's coat-of-arms plaque, while five were awarded the district's badge of honor for 12 years of service on the council.
Three district councilors were awarded the County's Silver Badge of Honor in recognition of 18 years of dedicated service to the district. Eight members of the county council received the Gold Badge of Honor for at least 24 years of membership or 18 years combined with an additional official role.
Even though Siegfried Erhard had already been awarded the Gold Badge of Honor, he had reason to celebrate once more: with his departure from the county council, he now looks back on 48 years in local politics. Deputy district administrators Emil Müller and Gotthard Schlereth also received the Gold Badge of Honor.
The Bad Kissingen School of Music provided the musical accompaniment for the ceremony. During the subsequent reception in the atrium, all members of the county council, led by District Administrator Thomas Bold, took the opportunity to reflect on the years gone by.
Whatever the future may hold, the end of Thomas Bold's term marks the close of an era. And his successor is already poised to take over: Mario Götz attended the session as an active council member and will continue to serve on the county council in his future role as the new district administrator.
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