Albrandswaard bids farewell to veteran councillors with Royal honours as new council takes over
Nine councillors in Albrandswaard were honored for their years of service, with two receiving Royal distinctions. As the municipality transitions to a new council, residents can expect fresh leadership shaping local policies and community projects.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Municipality | Albrandswaard |
| Departing councillors | 9 (2 received Royal honours) |
| Royal honours awarded | Marco Goedknegt (Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau) |
| Fer van der Stam (Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau) | |
| Years of service | Marco Goedknegt: 12 years as councillor, 8 years as alderman |
| Fer van der Stam: Since 2014 | |
| New councillors appointed | 21 (3 declined, replacements appointed) |
| Installation date | 1 April 2026 |
| Key projects | Solar park in Rhoon (Goedknegt), Safety initiatives (Van der Stam) |
The municipality of Albrandswaard is responsible for local governance, including policy-making, community development, and public services. Councillors play a crucial role in representing residents' interests and shaping decisions that impact daily life in the municipality.
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Farewell to councillors, Royal honours and new council in Albrandswaard
During a special council meeting on Monday 30 March, the municipality of Albrandswaard said goodbye to nine councillors. Two of them, Marco Goedknegt and Fer van der Stam, received a Royal honour during the event.
The evening was dedicated to reflection and appreciation. The departing councillors have dedicated themselves to the municipality with great commitment and involvement over the past few years. This work is often done alongside a job and personal life, and is not always visible, but it has a major impact on the decisions made in the municipality.
Mayor Cees Pille acknowledged this commitment and the importance of the council’s work in his speech: “With the departure of these councillors, we are closing a chapter. Much of their work goes unnoticed, but it truly makes a difference for our residents. At the same time, we look ahead to a new council term.”
Royal honours
The meeting took a special turn when two councillors were surprised with a Royal honour.
Mr Marco Goedknegt has been appointed Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau. He served as a councillor for twelve years and was also an alderman for eight years. He worked on important files in the areas of finance, sustainability and the economy, and contributed to projects such as the solar park in Rhoon.
Mr Fer van der Stam has also been appointed Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau. He has been a councillor since 2014. With his background in the police, he brought a wealth of knowledge, particularly in the area of safety. He was known as a committed and reliable force within the council.
The honours are a recognition of their long-term and valuable commitment to society.
New municipal council
During the same meeting, the council also acknowledged the appointment of the new municipal council.
The credentials committee has checked all the documents of the newly appointed councillors. These are the documents required to become a member of the council. The committee has confirmed that everything is in order. No errors or objections were found regarding the elections.
On Thursday 26 March, 21 councillors were appointed. Three of them did not accept their appointment. As a result, other candidates were appointed in their place. The committee has advised the council to admit all 21 appointed persons to the municipal council of Albrandswaard.
A closing and a new beginning
With the departure of the councillors, a council term comes to an end. On Wednesday 1 April, the installation of the new municipal council will take place, marking the start of the new council term.