Dolfi Müller writes letter of farewell

As has previously been reported, Dolfi Müller is to withdraw from political life later this year. The SP politician has been a city councillor since 1983 and mayor since 2007. Once retired, the 62-year-old intends to go on a lengthy tour of the world with his wife.

In his letter, Müller paid tribute to all those who had worked with him on the city council and those among his team with whom he worked most closely, not to mention all those involved in administration. “Let it be said the past few years have been a wonderful and exciting time at the Stadthaus,” he wrote. In addition, he thanked members of his party along with all those who were prepared to get involved in municipal and cantonal politics, especially bearing in mind all the challenges they faced in their day jobs. “This is not something we should take for granted,” he wrote, as he also paid tribute to his wife, Ursula, and family, whose support had been invaluable.

He also mentioned a few “almost magical moments” he had experienced during his term in public service, such as the time when the possibility of building an CHF 800 million city tunnel to alleviate traffic problems was being debated. “There was a time when, in discussing this at the Casino, I thought some 90% of those present would have supported it. Yet, one year later, it was all so different.” He also mentioned the acquisition of the former Landis+Gyr headquarters on Gubelstrasse to house administrative offices, watching nerve-wracking ice-hockey matches when EVZ was playing against Bern, and presenting awards to those who had done so much for the cultural life of the city. “Then there was that spontaneous moment in 2016 when we decided to accept Bitcoin, worth only CHF 500 at the time,” he added. “At present it is as if Zug is sensing the pulse of the future. As to what will become of it, we will have to wait and see.”

Müller went on to say how well things were going at present in Zug, in particular on the economic, political and social fronts, thanks in no small way to the “can-do” approach of its citizens, citing at the same time the diversity of the people who live here, and their openness. “Let it be said what luck it is to be able to live here,” he wrote.

As to what he will not miss as he stands down, he mentioned the endless discussions about car-parking spaces, casino balconies and whether there should be a “Cherry Cake Square” in the city.

On a more serious note, he did say he was saddened by the fact that there was trend for matters decided in a democratic way to continue to be questioned. He felt it only right minorities should accept defeat if this is clearly shown in referenda results.

Drawing to a close, he summed up his time as mayor as being “interesting and diverse, if not burdensome at times”, adding how holding this office had been one of joy and honour.
 
In conclusion, he wished the city and all those who would follow in his footsteps all the best for the future and ended up citing a quotation by Eleonora Roosevelt, who once said, “Do one thing every day which scares you.”