Gaston Jehle has served as municipal
director in an honorary capacity for 4 years.
In addition, at age 33 he is the youngest municipal director in Liechtenstein.
Planken, with only 365 inhabitants, is the smallest municipality in the Principality of Liechtenstein. It lies on a sunny terrace at the foot of the «Drei Schwestern» («Three Sisters»), surrounded by forests and meadows. Far from traffic, idyllically embedded in the mountain world. Planken is quite well-known for its wonderful view above the Rhine Valley, which stretches all the way to the Bodensee (Lake Constance). Old and new houses blend in quite well together. A real «village» by every definition of the word. Inhabitants as well as visitors enjoy the village atmosphere as well as the peace and quiet. Nevertheless, in only a few minutes you are in the valley down below.
Planken has changed in recent years. As a result of the rapid population growth the infrastructure had to be improved and expanded. And so in recent years a new municipal works was constructed, the primary school was expanded, the kindergarten was able to move into a new house only a few months ago, the water supply system was partially renovated and expanded, various roads were redeveloped. The municipality is well prepared for the years to come.
One concern of the municipality is that inhab-itants get to know one another and the anonymity among neighbours is eliminated. That’s why, in addition to the clubs, various project groups have also been formed, and they attempt to bring inhabitants closer to one another on a mutual basis. We have noticed that at various events more visitors are showing up than in previous years. In addition, more activities are being offered.
The children and youngsters are also an important element in the municipality. A childcare facility was constructed a few months ago so that single parents also have the possibility to pursue a job; or, if both parents work, that they are able to place their children under supervised care by the hour or for the entire day. A youth centre, which is supervised by two professional youth specialists, was established for the youngsters. Furthermore, the municipality supports physical education for children and youngsters within the municipal area.
Not only are the children and youngsters supported, but also the adults. Various clubs and groups are anxious to host regular events in the municipality in order foster mutual acquaintanceships and common interests. A «senior citizens afternoon» is held once a month for our senior citizens. Over 30 individuals regularly attend this sociable event.
The future is also very important for the municipality. Various projects are in the planning phase or are already buzzing around in the heads of the planners. Planken is a lively village. This is evident in the fact that every 3rd inhabitant serves in a commission or in another duty for the municipality. Not only politics are pursued, but considerable value is also placed on the co-operation among the population.
A few years ago an older Plankner was asked how he would describe Planken. He said: «You come home. Into the sunshine. This feeling of happiness to find a home. A village where you can stay. A village in the light of the future.»
There are certainly no more appropriate words to describe Planken. Thus said, until we meet on Liechtenstein’s «sunny terrace».
For more informations:
gemeinde@planken.li