After 20 years

Politician of consensus steps down without noise

Rupert Dworak (center) in Ternitz with Samwald and Spicker (left)(Bild: Doris SEEBACHER)

On May 11, 2004, Rupert Dworak was elected head of the town of Ternitz in the district of Neunkirchen. Exactly 20 years later to the day, he is stepping down.

A veteran of the Lower Austrian political landscape is stepping down. 36 years as a local councillor, 13 years as a town councillor, 20 years as mayor of Ternitz in the district of Neunkirchen - Rupert Dowrak (SPÖ) has achieved a great deal during this time. "Ternitz became a school town, the local economy and infrastructure were strengthened, a nursing home and kindergartens with seamless all-day care were built, as well as a new train station," the outgoing mayor sums up.

His decision was not taken lightly, but after consultation with his team and the fact that his wife has recently retired, the decision was an easy one. "I've noticed that my batteries run out more quickly and it takes longer and longer to recharge them as I get older," explains the 62-year-old father of two.

Rupert Dworak, a consensus politician who has always worked for the municipalities in a solution-oriented manner, is stepping down.

Johanna Mikl-Leitner, Landeshauptfrau

Bild: NLK Pfeffer

Samwald to take over
Dworak will be succeeded by his current deputy mayor Christian Samwald. He will follow in the footsteps of his father Franz Samwald, who was Mayor of Ternitz from 1974 to 1993. The deputy mayor will be the current city councillor for finance, Peter Spicker.

What is Dworak looking forward to after his political career? "No more late-night appointments, but more time for hobbies," says the soon-to-be former mayor, who has been elected President of the SPÖ Association of Municipal Representatives until 2026. Dworak left it open as to when he will retire.