Mayor Anke van Extel-van Katwijk shares insights from a week of democracy, fire brigade tributes and community walks
From engaging with students about local politics to honoring long-serving firefighters, Mayor Anke van Extel-van Katwijk highlights the diverse aspects of her role. Discover how she connects with citizens, encourages political participation, and fosters community spirit in her latest blog.
| Event | Date | Location | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guest lecture at Varendonck College | 25 February 2026 | Varendonck College | Discussion with students about the mayoral role and Q&A session. |
| Women in politics debate | 8 March 2026 | Not specified | Zij Actief debate on International Women’s Day to encourage women in politics. |
| Visit to De Voordeldonk | 4 March 2026 | Town hall | Group 8 students visited town hall to learn about elections. |
| Visit to De Horizon | 13 March 2026 | De Horizon | Mayor discussed elections with primary school students. |
| Fire brigade tribute | Not specified | Asten | Honored Jan Meulendijks (40 years) and Jan Kouwenberg (35 years) of service. |
| Municipal elections | 18 March 2026 | Asten-Someren | Turnout dropped to 56.1% from 56.8%. Provisional results announced by 23:15. |
| Pecha Kucha event | 21 March 2026 | ’t Kwartier | 21st edition featuring diverse topics and community engagement. |
| ‘Walking with the Mayor’ | 8 April, 20 May, 8 July, 9 September 2026 | Asten, Heusden, Ommel | Community walks to connect with residents and discuss local issues. |
The mayor of a Dutch municipality plays a key role in local governance, acting as a bridge between citizens and the municipal council. They are responsible for representing the community, fostering civic engagement, and ensuring the smooth execution of local policies and events, such as elections and public safety initiatives.
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external link to whydonate.comRead the full translated article below
Blog 35: A glimpse into the mayor's working life
From elections to Pecha Kucha and fire brigade anniversaries: a look at the mayor's working week.
Mayor Anke van Extel-van Katwijk regularly shares her experiences, findings, and encounters from her role as mayor in this column. On Wednesday, 25 February 2026, I was a guest at the Course of Honour at Varendonck College. Together with my fellow mayor Dilia Blok from the municipality of Someren, we gave the students an insight into our work. The students were also able to ask questions about our roles. The questions ranged from how to become a mayor to the enjoyable and sometimes less enjoyable aspects of the job. At the end of the meeting, I was interviewed by two young girls. I always appreciate seeing this kind of personal interest.
Women in politics
It would be impossible to miss that this month has been all about the municipal elections. On Sunday, 8 March – International Women's Day – Zij Actief organised a debate with female lead candidates and councillors. The debate was intended to explain to women what municipal politics entails and what the important work of councillors involves. Ultimately, the aim is, of course, to encourage more women to become politically active. Election theme at primary schools Group 8 of De Voordeldonk visited the town hall on 4 March 2026. It was great to welcome all these enthusiastic and curious children. On 13 March 2026, I visited De Horizon. The number of questions the children asked made it clear how interested they were – too many for the time I had available. I believe it is important for primary and secondary education to pay attention to the topic of elections. That is why I always make time to talk about it. As the saying goes, “what is learned young is done old.” It may be an old saying, but in my view, it is still very true.
Fire brigade
At the Asten fire brigade, we said goodbye to two veterans: Jan Meulendijks, who served for 40 years, and Jan Kouwenberg, who served for 35 years. They have, as the saying goes, hung up their fire hoses. In my speech, I thanked them for the many years they stood ready day and night to ensure the safety of our residents. They deserve a big compliment.
Municipal elections
Wednesday, 18 March 2026 was, of course, “the day” for local democracy. Both the political parties and the municipality did everything they could to convince you of the importance of the elections and to encourage you to cast your vote. Unfortunately, turnout dropped by a few percentage points, from 56.8% to 56.1%. Traditionally, I visit all polling stations in the morning. In the evening, the provisional results were presented at ’t Kwartier, and everyone could follow along online from home. By around 23:15, all provisional results were in, and the seat distribution was clear. Work has now begun on forming a new coalition, and more clarity on this will emerge in the coming weeks. My heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped organise the elections – and especially to everyone who made use of their right to vote.
Pecha Kucha
On 21 March 2026, the 21st edition of Pecha Kucha (pronounced “petsja-koetsja,” meaning literally “chit-chat”) took place at ’t Kwartier. Once again, my husband Edwin and I found ourselves in a packed hall. It is always surprising what the speakers choose to talk about. This edition covered everything from St. Jozefplein to living with “dialect,” and from manhole covers to my flower travels. It was a wonderful evening for meeting new people. Another compliment to the organisers.
Would you like to join me for a walk?
Last year, I launched “Walking with the Mayor,” and each edition attracted more people. What I especially enjoy is seeing new faces join in and the interesting conversations that follow. That is why, now that the days are getting longer again, I will be organising four more walks. We will start on Wednesday, 8 April 2026, in Asten at the town hall. The next walks will be on 20 May 2026 in Heusden (Hart van Heuze), 8 July 2026 again in Asten, and on 9 September 2026 in Ommel (De Kluis). We will gather at 19:00. Would you like to join me? Curious about the issues I deal with daily as mayor? Follow me on Instagram and Facebook. Anke van Extel-van Katwijk Mayor