Bunnik bids farewell to long-serving councillors and honors Leny Visser with royal distinction
After four years of dedication, nine councillors and six parliamentary assistants in Bunnik have stepped down. Leny Visser, a 16-year veteran, was awarded the Order of Orange-Nassau for her service, marking a significant transition as the municipality prepares for a new council term.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Departing Councillors | Annemarie Huijsman, Casper de Kok, Klaas Maijer, Leny Visser, Maarten van Vulpen, Marijn de Vries, Ralph Hallo, Rob van Mourik, Winny Toersen |
| Departing Assistants | Ammar Younes, Eef Grob, Fabian Driessen, Inge Suijker, Joes Verschure, Marius Geertsema |
| Honoree | Leny Visser (Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau) |
| Years of Service | 16 years (Leny Visser) |
| Municipality | Bunnik (Utrecht) |
| Next Council Term | Swearing-in ceremony on 1 April 2026 |
The municipal council of Bunnik plays a crucial role in local governance, representing residents' interests, overseeing policy implementation, and ensuring democratic decision-making. This farewell marks the end of a term where councillors contributed to shaping the municipality’s future.
Read the full translated article below
Farewell to councillors with a festive touch
On Monday evening, 30 March, the municipal councillors said goodbye after their four-year term in office. During this special council meeting, Leny Visser was appointed Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau. This was in recognition of her 16 years of service as a councillor.
Farewell
The municipal council has said goodbye to several councillors who will not return after this term. Over the past few years, they have contributed to a wide range of issues in our municipality, some for multiple terms.
The councillors who have now taken their final leave are: Annemarie Huijsman (CDA), Casper de Kok (P21), Klaas Maijer (D66), Leny Visser (Fractie Visser), Maarten van Vulpen (CDA), Marijn de Vries (VVD), Ralph Hallo (D66), Rob van Mourik (P21) and Winny Toersen (D66).
Several parliamentary assistants also took their leave: Ammar Younes (D66), Eef Grob (P21), Fabian Driessen (P21), Inge Suijker (D66), Joes Verschure (CDA) and Marius Geertsema (CDA).
Some are leaving politics altogether, while others will be seen in a different role in the next council term. In the presence of party colleagues, family and friends, they were celebrated. Mayor Ruud van Bennekom and the group leaders reflected on the memories and personal highlights of the departing councillors. Attention was also paid to the partners and families of the councillors, who often provide invisible but invaluable support to make the council work a success.
We in the secretariat are extremely proud of how you have worked together during this term. Proud of the content, of the way you have been sharp and critical while never losing sight of each other. Proud of your open-mindedness to each other’s ideas and arguments. And above all, proud of the fact that, each from your own role and conviction, you always kept the same goal in mind: the best for the municipality of Bunnik. For four years, you have invested an incredible amount of time, energy and commitment.
Leny Visser
The farewell was especially significant for Leny Visser. After 16 years, she said goodbye to the municipal council. She served as a councillor for various parties and, in the last council term, continued as an independent group, Fractie Visser.
The mayor paid tribute to her departure in these words: “With deep respect, I can say that you have been a councillor for no less than 16 years. Without interruption. That places you in the top three longest-serving councillors in our municipality. […] But when I say you have done a lot, I am doing you an injustice. Because it is also about the way you did it. You have an excellent feel for politics. You sense, perhaps better than anyone, when something is wrong and then you are incredibly tenacious.”
Leny Visser was therefore appointed Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau.
Next steps
Following this farewell, a new council term begins. On Wednesday, 1 April, the new municipal council will be sworn in. Residents are welcome to attend this evening. You can also follow the event via our website.
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