Interviews with Candidates

06.03.2026

Dear Thalwil Families

The upcoming Municipal Council and Commission elections are an important moment for the future of our community. The association Thalwil for Families (TFF) is committed to ensuring that the needs of families are consistently taken into account in political decisions.

To help you get a better picture of the candidates, we asked them to share their views on family policy issues in Thalwil.

What is their position on school space planning?
What measures do they support in the area of supplementary childcare?
And how do they envision the integration of international families?

On the following pages you will find the answers of the politicians who took part in our interview.

We thank all candidates for their participation in this project. We are aware that answering these open questions required considerable effort. We are pleased that family policy attracts such great interest in Thalwil.

With best regards, Your TFF Board

Answers were translated from German using AI and may not be perfect. Zur deutschen Version

David Brüllmann

Gemeinderat | Dorfverein Gattikon

Connection to Thalwil: How long have you lived in Thalwil?

1979

What is your connection to family policy in Thalwil?

I spent my entire childhood in Gattikon, and my two children went to kindergarten and primary school here.

Attractiveness of Thalwil: Thalwil is very attractive with its low tax rate, beautiful nature and excellent transport connections. Should Thalwil become even more attractive specifically for families?

Absolutely! Families bring life to the village community and often get involved in local clubs and associations. This creates a vibrant community – something I care deeply about.

Integration: Thalwil is home to many international families. How should Thalwil handle this?

We absolutely should integrate these families into the community so that a shared understanding can develop and we can learn from and benefit from one another. In my experience, newcomers who are involved are very active and are happy to contribute to the community.

Childcare and School Space: The shortage of school and childcare space, as well as the compatibility of work and family life, are recurring issues in Thalwil. What 2-3 concrete priorities or measures are important to you in the next legislative period?

Construction of the long-planned after-school care and lunch facility at Öggisbüel
Expansion of the Schweikrüti school (vote in March 2026) and other necessary expansions
Include childcare planning in larger new residential developments
Also enormously important: safe routes to school

Closing Question: What message would you like to give to families in Thalwil?

In Thalwil, a lot has been achieved in recent years. For school and after-school care projects, the population has always voted in favour at the ballot box. It is very important that parents get involved – in parent councils, associations, and in politics. In Thalwil, decision-making pathways are short and many concerns can be picked up very quickly. Getting active pays off.

Erika Böni

Gemeinderat | FDP

Connection to Thalwil: How long have you lived in Thalwil?

2013

What is your connection to family policy in Thalwil?

I am very familiar with these issues on multiple levels:

As a member of the Social Commission, I know where the shoe can pinch
As a board member of the FDP, which is fundamentally committed to a modern school system, work-life balance, and an attractive tax environment that relieves families and the middle class
As a member of FDP Women and the Women’s Centre, which advocate for family issues such as the current campaign for individual taxation
As a board member of Ökopolis, for sustainable action and development in the municipality
Professionally, I experience the challenges of balancing business viability with attractive working conditions

Thalwil should become even more attractive for families through:

Targeted support for sports clubs and facilities, such as at Brand, where the whole family can let off steam
Targeted support for cultural activities such as those at the Pfisterschür, which are also open to families, or the Gschichtliweg (story trail), which was recently launched
Targeted nature conservation, such as at the Bönibach playground, where families find inviting spaces for walks, play and relaxation

Integration: Thalwil is home to many international families. How should Thalwil handle this?

Thalwil should fundamentally welcome everyone who lives here and wants to contribute: young, old, Swiss and foreign nationals. They should be encouraged to contribute to the civic community – through our rich associational life of sports and cultural clubs and political parties. At the same time, Thalwil must ensure that all residents who receive state benefits genuinely need them. This requires binding regulations and regular checks, such as on social welfare.

What matters to me is not 2–3 specific projects, but the strategic perspective. We must also think in scenarios and plan in a modular way in this area. Not all school buildings need to stand forever. It makes more sense – including from a sustainability standpoint – to build certain structures so that they could be dismantled again after 5, 10 or 15 years. This would free up the space again, for example as a playing field in front of school buildings. Looking at demographic trends, we know that the younger age groups will decline significantly in the medium to long term. In 15 years’ time, we will need to focus far more on age-appropriate housing and corresponding support for older residents.

Closing Question: What message would you like to give to families in Thalwil?

Thalwil should remain an attractive community that is open to everyone: young and old, who live here and want to contribute.

Andrea Cattani

Schulpflege | Dorfverein Gattikon

Connection to Thalwil: How long have you lived in Thalwil?

1987

What is your connection to family policy in Thalwil?

I grew up in Gattikon and already as a child I was able to enjoy the many advantages our community offers families. I am now a father of two primary school-age children myself, and over the past four years as a school board member (Schulpfleger) I have been able to engage with the concerns, wishes, worries and many interesting ideas of Thalwil families.

What distinguishes our community is that it offers a central place to live for everyone – regardless of family structure, income or background. That should remain the case in the future. That requires investment. At the same time, it is important to me that we develop the quality of the diverse range of services already available. Especially in the areas of education and childcare, it is important that we create reliable frameworks that support children, ease the burden on parents and remain financially sustainable.

Integration: Thalwil is home to many international families. How should Thalwil handle this?

International families are part of Thalwil today and enrich the community. As a school board member, what matters to me is that integration succeeds above all through the school. This includes early and targeted language support, clear communication with parents and shared values in everyday school life. At the same time, all children – regardless of background – should have the same expectations and opportunities. When integration happens consistently but supportively, it strengthens cohesion and the overall quality of the school. And all of Thalwil benefits from that.

The shortage of school and childcare space remains a challenge despite existing plans. Forward-looking planning is therefore indispensable in the coming legislative term as well. Population growth and new residents must be factored in early so that interim solutions remain the exception.

Coordination between school, childcare and families must continue to improve. A good and close exchange is needed for a reliable and flexible childcare offering.

Beyond this, our school units also need to optimise the use of existing resources and spaces, and possibly explore entirely new concepts (such as learning hubs) in everyday school life.

Closing Question: What message would you like to give to families in Thalwil?

Families carry an enormous amount of responsibility. It is important to me that they feel taken seriously and supported in Thalwil. Good schools, reliable childcare and open collaboration between parents, schools and authorities are central to this. If we listen to each other and look for solutions together, Thalwil will remain a place where families enjoy living and children can grow up well.

Adrian Dürlewanger

Gesellschaftskommission | FDP

Connection to Thalwil: How long have you lived in Thalwil?

1999

What is your connection to family policy in Thalwil?

As a father of two school-age children and a member of the parent council, I experience family policy issues in Thalwil directly in daily life. I advocate for good schools, reliable childcare, safe neighbourhoods and attractive leisure offerings. Families should be able to live with personal responsibility, with a framework that encourages achievement and enables freedom of choice.

Yes. Thalwil is already very attractive, but we must secure affordable housing for families, continue to develop high-quality schools and promote flexible childcare options. A sustainable fiscal policy is important here: family-friendliness must not lead to higher taxes. Attractiveness comes from quality, safety and reliability.

Integration: Thalwil is home to many international families. How should Thalwil handle this?

International families enrich Thalwil. Integration succeeds through clear expectations and genuine participation: learning the language, respecting our values and actively taking part in community life. At the same time, we should foster encounters in schools, clubs and neighbourhoods. Integration is not a one-way street, but a mutual process on equal terms.

Forward-looking school space planning with a clear needs assessment and swift implementation of expansions. Temporary solutions must not become permanent ones.
1. Expansion of flexible childcare options (all-day school, modular care) so that work and family life are more compatible – with genuine freedom of choice for parents.
2. Efficient use of resources: maintain quality but keep costs under control. Investments in education are a priority but must be financially sustainable.

Closing Question: What message would you like to give to families in Thalwil?

As a father I know how challenging and at the same time enriching family life is. Thalwil offers a great deal – nature, safety, good schools. My aim is to preserve and further develop this quality without jeopardising our financial stability. Families should have prospects here, be able to get involved and feel at home. That is what I work towards – with both heart and mind.

Sarah Frischknecht

Umweltkommission | Grüne

Connection to Thalwil: How long have you lived in Thalwil?

2023

What is your connection to family policy in Thalwil?

I have two children myself who attend a daycare (Kita) and kindergarten in Thalwil. A progressive family policy is therefore very important to me.

Yes, the focus should above all be on a good social mix and on ensuring that Thalwil also offers housing for families with lower incomes. I also care about achieving the greatest possible equal opportunities in education – there is certainly room for improvement in Thalwil in this area.

Integration: Thalwil is home to many international families. How should Thalwil handle this?

Thalwil should be open to international families. I hope that many of these families will also stay in Thalwil in the long term, get involved and thus contribute to a good and diverse village life.

I am running for the Environmental Commission, so the topics mentioned above are not my main focus. Personally, what matters to me is:

a school/kindergarten close to where children live, reachable on foot
a good, reliable, public after-school care facility (Hort) that also covers early morning, late afternoon and holidays without additional logistical effort for parents

Closing Question: What message would you like to give to families in Thalwil?

Mothers and fathers do an enormous amount. I think they are allowed to simply be proud of everything they manage to achieve.

Adrian Furger

Rechnungsprüfungskommission (RPK) | glp

Connection to Thalwil: How long have you lived in Thalwil?

2016

What is your connection to family policy in Thalwil?

I am the father of two school-age children. Family is therefore the pivot of my life. I experience the influence of politics on social and family life at first hand. I also coach the U9 football team, which gives me an insight into family life from all of Thalwil’s neighbourhoods.

True, we already have a very high standard. Good school infrastructure, excellent leisure options and a lively associational life make a big difference.

However, I think there is room for improvement in the area of housing. The municipality is already working on creating more affordable housing for families more consistently. A stronger land-use regulation (BZO) could provide additional momentum here.

In my view, the safety of school routes is at a low level. There is still more that can be done.

Integration: Thalwil is home to many international families. How should Thalwil handle this?

In my view, this is not a local political issue. Integration into a society must happen on both sides. Thalwil can facilitate opportunities for this. Through our very active associational life and first-class infrastructure, these are already quite extensive.

Family life is primarily a private matter. The municipality can promote offerings, set guardrails and provide a platform. With the new childcare regulation, we were able to take a major step last December (also thanks to the GLP).

Regarding childcare space, the municipality could promote a greater variety of offerings by, for example, making municipality-owned premises available at cost price to providers who want to establish new, innovative childcare services.

In terms of school space, Thalwil is in a phase of strong expansion. I think the situation will ease there.

Closing Question: What message would you like to give to families in Thalwil?

Enjoy life here. Thalwil is a little paradise.

Andi Gallmann

Schulpflege | FDP

Connection to Thalwil: How long have you lived in Thalwil?

2002

What is your connection to family policy in Thalwil?

I am the father of three (school-age) children and serve as an elected member of the school board (Schulpflege). I am currently running for the school board again.

Thalwil is very attractive for families – we have countless offerings (leisure, childcare, support in difficult situations, youth work, etc.) and village/neighbourhood/school festivals. We should strengthen the existing offerings and expand them where needed.

Integration: Thalwil is home to many international families. How should Thalwil handle this?

Nurture, live and explain Thalwil traditions (e.g. Schulsilvester – school New Year’s Eve). NEST is planning an event on 11 March for this purpose.

We are a vibrant village and there are countless opportunities for exchange. What is important is that these opportunities are actually used.

The municipality has almost no reserve building land. To meet the space requirements of schools and childcare, a comprehensive overview is needed: How can municipality-owned properties be used optimally? Does it make sense for the administration to ‘occupy’ properties in the centre, or would there be space there for schools or childcare?

Thanks to the new, flexible childcare regulation, Thalwil now offers structures similar to an all-day school – an important step in reconciling work and school. Further improvements are desirable.

Closing Question: What message would you like to give to families in Thalwil?

Thalwil offers a lot for families – we have local recreation areas (forest, lake) and many clubs. These live on voluntary work. Get involved in these clubs – it’s fun, brings contacts and is important!

Eveline Graber

Sozialkommission | SP

Connection to Thalwil: How long have you lived in Thalwil?

What is your connection to family policy in Thalwil?

A big one. We in the SP won a citizens’ initiative for a family liaison officer at the municipal assembly – about 15 years ago. This led to the Early Childhood Support (Fachstelle Frühe Förderung) office. Thalwil is a model municipality in the Horgen district when it comes to family policy.

Yes, more efforts are still needed regarding meeting places, political anchoring, financial resources and quality improvements in offerings. I do not support the low tax rate at all, because as is well known, family policy suffers in times of budget cuts!

Integration: Thalwil is home to many international families. How should Thalwil handle this?

Invest more in integration, participation and inclusion.

Thalwil is already making great efforts to expand school space and childcare according to need!

Closing Question: What message would you like to give to families in Thalwil?

More time for and with children, lots of shared experiences and a relaxed togetherness!

Thomas Henauer

Gemeinderat | FDP

Connection to Thalwil: How long have you lived in Thalwil?

Born in Zurich, resident of Thalwil since 1970.

What is your connection to family policy in Thalwil?

A very close one. I grew up in Thalwil, attended school here, and was active in the Scouts as well as in the local sports club (TVT). Our 21‑year‑old son has lived in Thalwil since birth. This gives me first‑hand experience of, and appreciation for, the family‑friendly character of our municipality. Even my mother was actively involved in the local school board and parents’ association, thereby contributing to Thalwil’s long‑standing commitment to families.

Thalwil is already highly attractive for families, as reflected in the high number of families moving to Thalwil. In addition to a competitive tax rate, attractive natural surroundings and excellent transport connections, its family‑friendly infrastructure plays a key role: modern school buildings, well‑developed childcare and after‑school facilities, a vibrant club and community life, good sports infrastructure, and numerous public playgrounds. Not to be overlooked is the new (family‑oriented) public swimming facility at Bürger, which is expected to be completed by 2030 latest. Already today, more than 45% of the municipality’s annual total expenditure benefits children and families. Over the past eight years, Thalwil has invested more than CHF 120 million in school and childcare infrastructure.

Integration: Thalwil is home to many international families. How should Thalwil handle this?

This diversity reflects the attractiveness of Switzerland and of Thalwil as a place to live. It is important that newcomers feel welcome quickly, are well integrated, and are able to participate actively in community life. Initiatives such as Café International, language programs for pre‑school children, and the wide range of clubs, sports and leisure activities make an important contribution. Integration, however, also requires a willingness on the part of international families to get involved and to engage beyond their own social circles.

Key priorities are forward‑looking planning of school and childcare facilities and the necessary investments to support this. I also support the user‑pays principle: those who make use of childcare and after‑school services should contribute to the costs in an income‑related manner, while also being given opportunities to participate in shaping these services. In addition, I am currently working on a project that could create additional space and a new leisure meeting point for families. Further information will be shared once the project is ready.

Closing Question: What message would you like to give to families in Thalwil?

Stay in Thalwil and engage actively in community and club life. Be proactive and challenge the authorities. We are very keen to work with you and to continue developing Thalwil together. Do not underestimate what can be achieved through individual initiative or through collaboration. Or, to paraphrase John F. Kennedy: Ask first what you can do for Thalwil before asking what Thalwil can do for you.

Sabrina Hösli

Schulpflege | FDP

Connection to Thalwil: How long have you lived in Thalwil?

2019

What is your connection to family policy in Thalwil?

I am the mother of two school-age children and a child psychologist. Every day I see what children need for a healthy and resilient development. I want to bring this expertise into politics to create conditions that strengthen families, children and schools.

Thalwil has a lot to offer families: nature, playgrounds and an active associational life. We can further strengthen the compatibility of family and work and secure affordable, family-appropriate housing.

Integration: Thalwil is home to many international families. How should Thalwil handle this?

International families enrich Thalwil. Integration starts early – in early childhood support, playgroups, clubs, family meeting points, and in school and childcare.

Plan school and childcare space proactively – good and affordable supplementary childcare for all families; strengthen compatibility – reliable structures ease daily life, facilitate returning to work and increase working hours.

Closing Question: What message would you like to give to families in Thalwil?

Get involved – in clubs, at school or in politics. Come to the municipal assemblies. Your voice makes Thalwil strong and family-friendly.

Christian Kling

Gemeinderat | GLP

Connection to Thalwil: How long have you lived in Thalwil?

2004

What is your connection to family policy in Thalwil?

I don’t have children of my own, but in my circle of friends and in my clubs I am surrounded by many families with children – there is currently almost a small baby boom in Thalwil. For me, children are a natural part of life, including in day-to-day activities and shared activities. In the fire brigade, in business and in clubs, I often hear about the challenges: affordable housing, daycare (Kita) places, school routes or road safety. These conversations have reinforced my decision to get more politically involved so as to have an open ear for families in Thalwil and to drive solutions forward. I must not forget, however, that families often span multiple generations. Family policy must encompass all generations.

Clearly yes. Thalwil is already very attractive, but through conversations in my social, fire brigade and work environment I can see where families hit their limits – as already mentioned, in affordable housing, childcare places or road safety. At the same time, I am convinced that there are further issues we should tackle together, and I am happy to lend an open ear to those. Improvements in these areas benefit not only families, but all residents and visitors in our beautiful community. I also hope that this will help further strengthen voluntary engagement. This means that people truly live in our community, rather than just reside there.

Integration: Thalwil is home to many international families. How should Thalwil handle this?

Thalwil should continue to openly welcome international families and at the same time actively promote integration. We are, after all, an international community, and that is more of a strength. What is decisive is good language learning opportunities, early involvement in school, clubs and the neighbourhood, as well as clear information about our local structures. In the fire brigade, clubs and in local business, I see how integration succeeds in everyday life when people meet and take on responsibility together. But here too we must not only offer, but also make demands and model community. Encouraging participation is a concept that goes both ways.

For me, three points are paramount: First, we need forward-looking school space and childcare planning that factors in population growth and new residential areas at an early stage.

Second, sufficient and affordable childcare places must be available – with flexible models that genuinely enable the reconciliation of family and work. Third, better coordination between school, childcare and road safety is important to me, so that children have safe routes and families have planning security in their daily lives.

Closing Question: What message would you like to give to families in Thalwil?

In my social circle, club and fire brigade environment, I experience every day how important families are – across all generations – to cohesion in Thalwil. My aim is to listen, to develop solutions together with you and to create conditions that ease the demands of family life – so that children can grow up here safely and happily, parents have planning security, and grandparents are included and feel at home too.

Anne-Marie Kristokat

Gemeinderat | Ich kandidiere parteilos

Connection to Thalwil: How long have you lived in Thalwil?

2012

What is your connection to family policy in Thalwil?

Family policy in Thalwil affects me directly – it is part of our everyday life. I represent a modern family model in which both parents can or want to work. This requires well-developed, high-quality and affordable childcare offerings such as after-school care and holiday programmes.

For me, such offerings are not an optional extra but a central component of forward-looking infrastructure policy. I was therefore all the more relieved that the petition against the increase in after-school care fees was successful.

As a mother, I know the needs and challenges of families. I want to bring this understanding constructively into the political debate.

Absolutely. Families – and especially children – make a community vibrant and future-oriented. They shape social life, strengthen schools and clubs, and ensure long-term stability.

A major challenge in Thalwil is affordable housing. When families cannot find a suitable and affordable home, they are forced to move away – as are older people or those on lower incomes. This weakens not only individual neighbourhoods, but in the long run our schools, associational life and social cohesion.

A future-oriented housing and location policy is the mammoth task facing Thalwil.

Integration: Thalwil is home to many international families. How should Thalwil handle this?

Thalwil is experiencing strong growth and a cultural shift. Our community is deeply rooted locally while also being internationally connected – I see this primarily as an opportunity rather than a risk. Integration is an ongoing process and requires commitment from all sides. From personal experience I know: integration is not a one-way street. It succeeds through openness, interest and exchange. That things don’t always go smoothly is part of it. Awareness of traditions, identity and language is important – as are places to meet. Schools, clubs, public institutions and the workplace are central spaces where connections form. That is where community is lived and cohesion is strengthened.

I want to bring my own lived reality into the municipal council. The reconciliation of family and work is not an abstract debate for me – or for many families in Thalwil – but lived everyday life. The interplay of work, family, school and childcare must remain reliably organised and affordable.

Three priorities are particularly important to me:

Forward-looking school and childcare planning
Affordable and high-quality childcare
Reliable structures for families

Our children and young people deserve a strong advocate. They are the foundation of our future society – investing in them is not an expense, but an investment in the future of Thalwil.

Closing Question: What message would you like to give to families in Thalwil?

Together we are strong.

Whether in everyday school life, in the neighbourhood or in leisure time – community sustains us. I am always impressed by how much commitment, solidarity and mutual support families show in managing their often demanding daily lives.

Especially in times of great strain, it is important to connect with others, to listen to each other and to strengthen one another. Families are the heart of our community – when we stand up for each other, all of Thalwil benefits.

Elsbeth Kuster

Schulpflege | EVP

Connection to Thalwil: How long have you lived in Thalwil?

1960

What is your connection to family policy in Thalwil?

I have 3 adult sons and 4 grandchildren living in Thalwil. In school board work, the child is at the centre and our efforts are aimed at enabling all children to develop and learn in the best possible, adapted and most nurturing way.

There is a lack of affordable housing for families and for all generations.

Integration: Thalwil is home to many international families. How should Thalwil handle this?

With an open welcoming culture. Inclusion in school festivals, parent councils, cultural weeks and community events should be taken for granted. Early childhood support and linguistic integration are important factors. In clubs, open hall / sports facility / training sessions are promoted and used by many families.

Construction activity and the associated population development must be continuously monitored and actions aligned accordingly. In our densely populated municipality, school spaces, childcare spaces and recreation and leisure spaces must be carefully planned and implemented. The goal of keeping school and childcare geographically close must be pursued tenaciously.

Closing Question: What message would you like to give to families in Thalwil?

Connect with others, take advantage of the offerings. Many international families are very much on their own, without family support nearby, which can be lonely and burdensome.

Enjoy the beautiful surroundings, the lake and the forests of Thalwil; let children play and explore, and be there alongside them.

Hansruedi Kölliker

Gemeinderat | FDP

Connection to Thalwil: How long have you lived in Thalwil?

1965

What is your connection to family policy in Thalwil?

I grew up in Thalwil and my two children went to school here.

Thalwil is very attractive for families, with a great range of clubs, beautiful and nearby local recreation areas and excellent sports facilities. Add to that a well-run and modern school with excellent infrastructure.

Integration: Thalwil is home to many international families. How should Thalwil handle this?

Thalwil offers a great deal for integration. Clubs play a big role in this. We also run early childhood support for children who don’t speak German, and the school makes a very large contribution to integration.

Ultimately, however, integration is not a one-way street and must first and foremost also be embraced by the families who have moved here.

The top priority is school space and more room for childcare. It is important that we are able to implement the planned projects and are not once again slowed down by appeals.

Closing Question: What message would you like to give to families in Thalwil?

Enjoy our beautiful community, the good infrastructure and the many clubs. Get actively involved in village life. It is an enrichment for everyone.

Claudio Maag

Gesellschaftskommission | die Mitte Thalwil

Connection to Thalwil: How long have you lived in Thalwil?

2014

What is your connection to family policy in Thalwil?

My connection to family policy in Thalwil is very personal: I grew up here, went to school here, and have known the community since my own childhood.

Today I experience Thalwil from a new perspective – as a father. My child goes to school here, attends the after-school care programme and is actively involved in the football club. This puts me directly in touch with the issues that concern many families: school, childcare, leisure activities and community life. In everyday life I see what works well and where there are challenges.

Absolutely! Families are an important part of a vibrant community: they provide stability, bring life to village and club activities, and contribute to a balanced age structure. Thalwil already offers a great deal – nature, good schools, safe neighbourhoods and excellent public transport connections. However, there are areas where families could be better supported, such as through affordable housing or the preservation of attractive play and meeting spaces in an increasingly dense Thalwil.

I deliberately use a broad definition of «families»: this includes single parents, blended families and households with relatives requiring care. Family-friendly policies enhance the quality of life for all generations.

Integration: Thalwil is home to many international families. How should Thalwil handle this?

Thalwil has been a community in transition for many years – and this diversity is a great strength. Many international families bring new perspectives, experiences and cultural backgrounds. It is therefore important that integration in Thalwil is understood not merely as a task, but as an opportunity. This is precisely why I am standing for the Gesellschaftskommission: it matters to me that encounters happen in everyday life. Clubs, sport and culture play a central role in this. They bring people together – old and young, long-established residents and newcomers – and create shared experiences that connect.

For many families, reliable childcare is central to balancing family and work life. Childcare provision around the school should therefore be organisationally well coordinated with the school day.

Key to this are stable, needs-oriented conditions such as opening hours, quality of care, flexible offerings for school holidays or non-teaching days, as well as affordable fees.

In addition, the needs-based and timely expansion of school and childcare spaces, as well as flexible space concepts, should continue. This requires forward-looking school space planning that is consistently aligned with future population trends.

Closing Question: What message would you like to give to families in Thalwil?

Families make an enormously important contribution to life in our community. They shape how people live together, get involved in schools, clubs and neighbourhoods, and help ensure that Thalwil remains a vibrant and liveable community.

It matters to me that families feel supported and heard here. The municipality should create conditions that make everyday life easier – whether in school, childcare, leisure or public spaces. At the same time, a family-friendly community also thrives on the engagement and exchange of its people. Only together can we ensure that families feel at home here today and in the future!

Pascal Meyer

Sozialkommission | FDP

Connection to Thalwil: How long have you lived in Thalwil?

2022

What is your connection to family policy in Thalwil?

I am a secondary school teacher and the father of a daughter.

The compatibility of family and work should be improved. Particularly for working women.

Integration: Thalwil is home to many international families. How should Thalwil handle this?

Through early support in acquiring German.

Safe school routes for young children and childcare spaces close to their neighbourhood.

Closing Question: What message would you like to give to families in Thalwil?

Thalwil is a community with a very high quality of life and numerous clubs. Get involved for Thalwil!

Petra Monsch

Schulpflege | GLP

Connection to Thalwil: How long have you lived in Thalwil?

1999

What is your connection to family policy in Thalwil?

My sons went to school in Thalwil.

Yes, absolutely. Children are our future and parents need to be relieved of some pressure during the intensive years of raising young children.

Integration: Thalwil is home to many international families. How should Thalwil handle this?

Mutual responsibility: openness on the part of the community and active participation from those who have moved in.

Stay in constant dialogue between parents and authorities and continue to improve.

Closing Question: What message would you like to give to families in Thalwil?

The journey is the destination. A lot has changed since my children were small. Good things take time.

Stefan Oderbolz

Gesellschaftskommission | Grüne Thalwil

Connection to Thalwil: How long have you lived in Thalwil?

2018

What is your connection to family policy in Thalwil?

I am the father of three school-age children in Thalwil. Issues such as school space or childcare therefore affect me directly. Politically too, as president of Grüne Thalwil (the Thalwil Greens), I advocate for the reconciliation of family and work. This also includes traffic, cultural and leisure offerings, and an active associational life.

Yes, absolutely! There is a lack of informal meeting places in Thalwil. I am committed to bringing the Pfister area to life (e.g. with a café). But the childcare situation is also very unsatisfactory: children have to travel large distances or are even transported by bus. Additional school and childcare space is urgently needed.

Integration: Thalwil is home to many international families. How should Thalwil handle this?

We should appreciate and make use of the great diversity. Especially through shared activities or meeting places, new acquaintances can be made. The Thalwil school is already doing well with the ‘Götti project’ (mentoring programme) for new arrivals; the municipality could extend this engagement to other areas (e.g. sport or culture).

Get new school space underway
Introduce an all-day school
Eliminate taxi trips for children, find local solutions for school space and childcare

Closing Question: What message would you like to give to families in Thalwil?

Solutions are possible if we work together to find and pursue them. Thalwil needs to be particularly creative given its limited building reserves. We owe it to future generations to act and to change things.

Eric Patry

Sozialkommission | GLP

Connection to Thalwil: How long have you lived in Thalwil?

2015

What is your connection to family policy in Thalwil?

We have a daughter and I know from personal experience how important good conditions are for families. It matters to me that family and work can genuinely be combined in daily life. That is why I worked successfully with the GLP at the municipal assembly in December 2025 to ensure that after-school care (Hort) remains affordable and reliable. When work-life balance works, families, the economy and the municipality as a whole all benefit.

Our daughter is growing up in Thalwil, is now in primary school and partly in after-school care. My wife and I deliberately share paid employment and family responsibilities 50/50.

Professionally too, at the Canton of Zug’s social services department, I deal with questions of work-family balance.

Family-friendliness does not happen on its own. It requires planning, clear priorities and political decisions. School and childcare must keep pace with growth. For it to work in daily life, sufficient affordable childcare places, adequate school space, good schools, safe school routes, and engaged neighbourhoods and clubs are needed.

A strong Thalwil needs strong families. And families need a municipality that reliably and purposefully takes some of the burden off them.

That is what I want to work towards on the Social Commission.

Integration: Thalwil is home to many international families. How should Thalwil handle this?

International families belong to Thalwil. This diversity brings new languages and experiences, and that is a gain for children too. At the same time, I understand when some people ask whether cohesion is still holding up.

What is decisive is what happens in daily life: in school, after-school care, clubs and the neighbourhood. Integration means belonging. That succeeds when we all take part.

The municipality should create effective access points for this – with clear information, straightforward meeting opportunities and targeted language support. But it is also important that newcomers play their part: learn German, make contacts outside their own bubble and get involved in community life.

Daycare/childminders (Kita/Tagesfamilien): Design childcare subsidies and supply so that care remains affordable and parents have planning security.
School/after-school care (Hort): Think of school and childcare as a whole. Children experience their day as one unit, not in separate jurisdictions. It also matters to me that childcare is not segregated by income. A voluntary, modular all-day school is for me a sensible guiding idea.
School space: Anyone who allows growth must also plan for infrastructure. Short-term temporary solutions are expensive; long-term planning saves money and stress. Early, transparent communication creates acceptance and constructive solutions.

–> High quality, sound municipal finances and manageable costs for families must remain in balance.

Closing Question: What message would you like to give to families in Thalwil?

Families do an enormous amount every day. They deserve respect and a policy that supports them rather than creating new hurdles.

At the same time, I hope that families will get involved wherever possible – in clubs, in the neighbourhood, in the parent council or in municipal politics. Those who get involved help shape things and strengthen cohesion.

It also matters to me that children and young people experience having a say – in school and in political matters too. There are proven, low-cost formats for this. When young people experience that their voice counts, it strengthens their sense of responsibility and their identification with Thalwil. And their concerns are better heard.

Dorothea Hug Peter

Umweltkommission | parteilos

Connection to Thalwil: How long have you lived in Thalwil?

2016

What is your connection to family policy in Thalwil?

On the Environmental Commission I will specifically advocate for a liveable and family-friendly Thalwil – for today and for the future. Families need an environment that is healthy, safe and close to nature – with a clear sense of our responsibility towards future generations. For today, that means: keeping nature and all generations in mind when designing outdoor and recreational spaces, preserving and expanding green areas, and promoting safe school routes. For the future, that means: consistently supporting climate- and biodiversity-friendly solutions so that future generations too can grow up in as intact an environment as possible. Sustainable decisions today determine the quality of life tomorrow – especially for families.

At the very least it should remain attractive. Affordable housing in particular is an important issue in this regard. But attractive outdoor spaces also play a role, as does residential development in general.

Integration: Thalwil is home to many international families. How should Thalwil handle this?

Closing Question: What message would you like to give to families in Thalwil?

As a mother I know the balancing act between everyday family life, school, leisure and the responsibility for our children’s future. That is precisely why it matters to me that politics takes the daily lives of families seriously. Families need safe routes, accessible nature, clean air and environmental policy that thinks long term.

I am committed to ensuring that Thalwil remains a place where families enjoy living – with space to play, to discover, to breathe and to grow up. The decisions of today should benefit the families of today and of tomorrow.

Jessica Salminen

Hochbaukommission | Grünliberale Partei

Connection to Thalwil: How long have you lived in Thalwil?

2016

What is your connection to family policy in Thalwil?

Family policy in Thalwil is a central concern for me because children are our most important investment in the future. Even for those without children, this matters, since our economic system depends on there being a next generation that works and pays taxes. The Building Commission (Hochbaukommission) is only indirectly connected to family policy, for example through school route safety and statutory requirements for play and rest areas in new building projects. Personally, I have a 3-year-old son.

Yes. We can and should afford to provide good conditions for families.

Integration: Thalwil is home to many international families. How should Thalwil handle this?

I myself come from an international family; my parents are from Finland. For integration, the German language is central. It should be encouraged, and where possible required, from daycare (Kita) level onwards.

Future pupil numbers are difficult to plan. The precautionary principle should be applied more consistently here, because an overcapacity of school space – which can be repurposed if demand drops – is far less serious than a shortage. The current reshuffling of pupils from Thalwil to Gattikon etc. must be avoided.

Closing Question: What message would you like to give to families in Thalwil?

To the extent that the Building Commission has room to act in the interests of families, I will continue to advocate for them.

Tanja Sax

Sozialkommission | parteilos

Connection to Thalwil: How long have you lived in Thalwil?

2012

What is your connection to family policy in Thalwil?

As a mother of two teenagers and as the head of a child and youth welfare centre, family policy issues are part of my daily life. I exert influence as a member of the Social Commission, as a delegate of the Zweckverband Soziales Netz Horgen (the Horgen social services association) and as a representative of the Samowar association.

Thalwil should remain attractive, including for families. The quality of life for people in various situations should be maintained, as a good social mix is important. It promotes integration, cohesion and innovation.

Integration: Thalwil is home to many international families. How should Thalwil handle this?

Thalwil welcomes all families and invites them to get involved. They can participate in social, cultural and economic life. Parents should ensure that their children develop in an age-appropriate way. This requires networking and engagement – ideally also on a voluntary basis – and German language skills.

Support for all children within their family and/or in daycare centres/playgroups before entry into kindergarten
Maintaining easily accessible counselling services for families and young people
Provision of integration measures into the labour market

Closing Question: What message would you like to give to families in Thalwil?

Every act of engagement makes a difference! For the family and for the community.

Adrian Schmidlin

Gemeinderat | die Mitte Thalwil

Connection to Thalwil: How long have you lived in Thalwil?

1968

What is your connection to family policy in Thalwil?

I grew up in Thalwil as a child and teenager. As a father of three now-adult children, I had to – and was able to – balance work and family from the very beginning, through part-time working arrangements and periods of full-time family and household work. The challenges that families face today are ones I experienced personally, and they continue to be the subject of conversations and discussions.

Family policy has always been a core concern for Die Mitte. Intergenerational coexistence, the reconciliation of work and family, and strong clubs with diverse offerings for children and young people are central pillars of an intact society, and that is what I stand for.

Families, thought of across generations, are the core of our social existence.

I am committed to ensuring that Thalwil remains an attractive place to live for all residents. This includes an appropriate tax burden, affordable housing, a diverse and active local business community, a progressive school, the reconciliation of family and work, and strong clubs as the social backbone.

Integration: Thalwil is home to many international families. How should Thalwil handle this?

A diverse and mixed population reflects Thalwil’s capacity for change. The unfamiliar challenges us, but it is also always an opportunity for something new. The task is to actively build bridges, foster mutual understanding and create opportunities for shared activities. From this, an enriching exchange can emerge, which strengthens cohesion.

The choice of family model should be made as a family decision and not be dictated by restrictive conditions. Childcare offerings should be affordable so as to promote the reconciliation of work and family life. This also means strengthening private providers and local solutions, so that a variety of possible solutions is available for the differing needs of families.

Closing Question: What message would you like to give to families in Thalwil?

Thalwil is a very beautiful and attractive place to live that offers diverse opportunities and possibilities for both children and adults. In Thalwil and its surroundings, lasting relationships, friends and a sense of home can be found. This also requires that each individual is willing to take an interest in and engage with community life. Active involvement – for example in clubs, even in small ways – is indispensable for our society.

Jens Schweizer

Rechnungsprüfungskommission (RPK) | Parteiunabhängig, mit dem DVG

Connection to Thalwil: How long have you lived in Thalwil?

2014

What is your connection to family policy in Thalwil?

I am an engaged dad of two children (aged 6 and 8); we are both working. I experience the effects of family policy – and its existing shortcomings – every day in school, kindergarten, supplementary childcare (SeB), daycare centres (Kitas), sports clubs and infrastructure. I feel underrepresented and frequently misunderstood as a family in municipal politics. Families must be at the centre of municipal policy. My core motivation for running for the Financial Audit Commission (RPK) is to give families, and gender equality between men and women, a stronger voice.

Yes, absolutely – families are the foundation of a healthy, functioning, robust and modern society. We need more happy and engaged families in Thalwil!

Integration: Thalwil is home to many international families. How should Thalwil handle this?

Families are the basis of a sustainable society, regardless of where they come from. Foreign families also contribute to social development through engagement, intellect and taxes. They must be integrated into political decision-making and their civic education must be made possible.

Strengthen supplementary school childcare (SeB): align SeB with the realities of modern families and the labour market. Structure financing in a socially equitable way, review costs, stabilise opening hours, simplify planning for parents, ensure quality of care.
School space: unfortunately, projects are repeatedly blocked by individuals. School space planning must therefore become more flexible. Temporary solutions must also be reconsidered.
School: improve focus on pupils’ strengths.
Generally: improve the flow of information from the municipality to parents.

Closing Question: What message would you like to give to families in Thalwil?

Get politically active, put yourself forward for public offices and attend the municipal assemblies! Discuss and decide with us! I know – and experience it myself – that doing this alongside family and work is brutal. But it is necessary for families to gain more weight and decision-making power. I will advocate for family-oriented policy through my engagement in the RPK and as a member of TFF in Thalwil! Together we are strong! (“Gmeinsam simr stark!”)

Martin Tagmann

Gemeinderat | Parteilos

Connection to Thalwil: How long have you lived in Thalwil?

What is your connection to family policy in Thalwil?

At the municipal level, the primary responsibility for family policy lies, in my view, mainly with the school and its childcare models. Since I am not running for that position, and I am convinced that we have a school president in Thomas Hunziker who does a good job and has brought important calm to this topic, I do not intend to intervene heavily.

Although my children did not go to school here, I was able to benefit from the daycare offering during their early years – an offering that has since improved further. Even then I greatly appreciated the excellent playground situation in Thalwil.

I believe Thalwil has the best cards in the district thanks to its location on the lake, at the gateway to the Sihlwald, and its infrastructure. It is not without reason that it is a very attractive place to live, even if in the Bilanz municipal ranking – in my view unfairly – it has slipped back. We have one of four indoor swimming pools in the district and the only ice rink. The Dutti Park is almost in Thalwil, and many playgrounds are near shopping locations, which makes shopping with children much easier. I also think the range of clubs is excellent – there is something for everyone who wants to get involved, from a young age.

In that sense, I believe Thalwil already has a top-tier offering for families, as few other communities in the region have.

Integration: Thalwil is home to many international families. How should Thalwil handle this?

This is genuinely an enrichment, but also a challenge. Ultimately, the will to integrate must always come from the person themselves. The state can provide low-threshold offerings, but people must use them themselves.

Here I see clubs as important incubators for community life in Thalwil. In the rowing club, for example, many nationalities are united; everyone has the opportunity to participate in community life, and this is actively used – including as a chance to speak German.

In school, multilingualism is certainly a particular challenge. For this there are good and well-established offerings such as DaZ (German as a second language). Because when the child is integrated, it is often easier for the family to integrate too.

This also primarily concerns the schools department under school president Thomas Hunziker, which I am not running for.

What is clear: we need needs-based expansion of school and childcare space, but always with a sense of proportion. New buildings should be planned from the outset so that if child numbers decline in 20 to 30 years, they can be converted into housing if needed. This creates flexibility and at the same time helps to provide affordable housing.

It is important to me not to focus solely on families. Other population groups – notably the 60+ generation – also make a significant contribution to social cohesion. Thalwil should remain an attractive home for all generations.

Closing Question: What message would you like to give to families in Thalwil?

I think you have made a good choice with Thalwil. Thalwil offers a great deal, but a community is above all defined by the people who get involved. My wish to all families is therefore to actively help shape Thalwil – whether in a club, in the neighbourhood or in the school environment. And that works best in our shared language, German. Language is the simplest and most direct way to become part of this community.

Alex Widmer

Sozialkommission | Die Mitte

Connection to Thalwil: How long have you lived in Thalwil?

1974

What is your connection to family policy in Thalwil?

Family policy has always been a core concern for Die Mitte. Intergenerational coexistence, good conditions for children in school and leisure offerings, and the reconciliation of work and family for parents. As a father of 2 daughters (now 14 and 18 years old), I know from direct experience how important it is for the municipality to know and meet the needs of children and parents as well as possible. This includes childcare for pre-school children and during school years – in sufficient quantity and quality, and at an affordable price. Also for families with 3 or more children.

The school and childcare offering should maintain its current level and improve in targeted areas. Sports and leisure options are already good, but can also be improved in specific areas. It is also important that spaces for community events for and by young people and families are made available at low cost. Cooperation between the municipality and clubs is important here – regular exchange should take place to make progress together.

Integration: Thalwil is home to many international families. How should Thalwil handle this?

Diversity is always both a challenge and an opportunity. The task is to actively build bridges, foster mutual understanding, and plan and carry out shared events. From this, a mutually enriching exchange can emerge and social cohesion is strengthened. A mere coexistence should become a true togetherness.

The further expansion of school and childcare spaces should be continued.

The fee structure for family and school supplementary childcare must become affordable for families with 3 or more children.

In addition to the municipality’s own offerings, private providers should be able to enrich and make the offering more flexible under the same conditions.

Closing Question: What message would you like to give to families in Thalwil?

Families are a core concern for Die Mitte Thalwil. We look forward to the exchange and collaboration with Thalwil’s families and their representatives.