De Bilt honors 17 departing councillors with awards after municipal elections
Seventeen councillors in De Bilt received recognition for their service as they step down following the recent municipal elections. The awards highlight their dedication during a challenging term, with one councillor receiving a royal distinction for outstanding contributions.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Municipality | De Bilt (Utrecht) |
| Number of departing councillors | 17 |
| Number continuing | 10 |
| Awards presented | 14 Chapeau Medals, 2 previously awarded, 1 Order of Orange-Nassau |
| Mayor | Maarten Haverkamp |
| Royal distinction | Werner de Groot (Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau) |
The municipal council of De Bilt is responsible for local governance, including policy-making, budget allocation, and representing the interests of residents. This event marks the transition between council terms, acknowledging the contributions of outgoing members.
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Awards presented as 17 councillors bid farewell in De Bilt municipality
The municipal council of De Bilt said goodbye on Tuesday evening to 17 of its 27 councillors, presenting them with municipal awards and one royal distinction.
Following the recent municipal elections, the council’s term ended on Thursday 31 March. Of the 27 councillors, 10 will continue in the new municipal council.
Mayor Maarten Haverkamp addressed the council and then spoke personally to each departing councillor. “You have carried out your duties during a challenging period, facing major and often complex tasks. […] This required dedication and the ability to work together. Because politics is about people. While differences of opinion are part of a vibrant democracy, the foundation remains mutual respect and staying connected—with each other and with society.”
Of the 17 departing councillors, 14 received the Chapeau Medal, a municipal honour. Two departing councillors had already received this distinction earlier. Departing councillor and deputy chair Werner de Groot was appointed Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau.
The Chapeau Medal was awarded to:
- Jacomijn Baart
- Menno Boer
- Eelco Dalmeijer
- Erik den Hertog
- Falco Jansen
- Audrey Kruiniger
- Martijn Lauxtermann
- Arnold van der Lee
- Bart Looman
- Martijn Matse
- Rinus Scheele
- Gija Schoor
- Fabian Vendrig
- Bart-Jan Wielinga
Chapeau Medal previously awarded to:
- Kees Lelivelt
- Hanneke de Zwart
Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau:
- Werner de Groot