The choice is great.
Nobody really has to complain in Darmstadt.
And almost without exception, they are seasoned politicians who have been committed to their city in one function or another for a long time - and who now want to succeed the mayor of Darmstadt, Jochen Partsch (Die Grünen), who is retiring voluntarily in the summer.
Because, regardless of the outcome of the election, they will probably continue to have dealings with each other in the town hall, there are many indications that the election campaign that is now beginning will not be a mud fight.
What would be desirable for citizens and candidates alike.
However, a clear favorite is missing.
As is usually the case when a popular and well-known incumbent does not step up again to make room for a new one.
His potential successors have two months to advertise themselves and their topics to the people of Darmstadt.
It is ultimately irrelevant whether the ten applicants admitted to date remain or an eleventh is added.
Those candidates who, like Head of Mobility Michael Kolmer (Die Grünen), Head of Building Paul Georg Wandrey (CDU) and Head of Schools Holger Klötzner (Volt), travel a lot in Darmstadt for professional reasons, should have advantages.
On the other hand, the very fact that they are responsible makes them more vulnerable.
What their competitors, such as Kerstin Lau from the Uffbasse faction, who is running for the second time, and Ulrich Franke (Die Linke), who has also been a candidate in 2017, will hardly miss.
The same applies to Hanno Benz (SPD), who, as the son of the former head of town hall Peter Benz, should know best what he is getting himself into.
Many questions arise in the young and still growing Darmstadt, which also concern people elsewhere: Are there enough affordable apartments?
Are we social enough?
How should the scarce traffic space be divided up as fairly as possible?
What can be done to keep the city center attractive?
And: How can climate protection and the energy transition succeed?
Citizens are expecting convincing answers before the ballot in Darmstadt on March 19th.