Brodec faces prolonged administration as candidate runs tenth election attempt

Since the last communal elections could not assemble the legally required seven candidates, the Ministry of the Interior appointed a caretaker to run Brodec, a village of about 80 residents, a role that has continued for several years. Petr Kotek, the head of the lone Pro Brodec list, is contesting his tenth mayoral campaign, stressing that the crumbling fire-tank threatens neighboring property and needs cleaning, shore reinforcement and surrounding work.

The project is finished on paper but has sat idle for years. Kotek, a 41-year-old vulcanizer, will juggle his day job with council duties, sharing responsibilities with fellow candidate Michal Vinš, who seeks the deputy mayor position. Their immediate priorities include fixing the fire-tank, restoring the local playground and reopening the fire station for residents, while longer-term plans involve costly sewage and water system upgrades. The caretaker will hand over all documents, keys and seals to the newly elected council after the inaugural meeting of the new municipal board.