Local school principal urges community dialogue and civic responsibility ahead of elections
René Rootlieb, a school principal and active community member in Dijk en Waard, highlights the importance of voting and dialogue to shape local policies. He stresses the need for green spaces and mutual understanding across generations to improve livability for residents.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | René Rootlieb |
| Occupation | School Principal at Jan Arentsz, Langedijk |
| Residence | Dijk en Waard (since 2007) |
| Community Involvement | Football club BOL, Turn Totaal Langedijk |
| Key Concerns | Green spaces, youth engagement, local dialogue, housing development |
| Municipality | Dijk en Waard, Noord-Holland |
| Message | Voting is a responsibility; dialogue shapes local democracy |
Local governments, such as the municipality of Dijk en Waard, play a crucial role in spatial planning, education, and community engagement. They are responsible for balancing housing development with the preservation of green spaces and fostering dialogue between residents and policymakers.
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Voter speaks out: “Stay in dialogue with each other”
René Rootlieb has lived in Dijk en Waard since 2007 with his wife and two children. He is a school principal at Jan Arentsz in Langedijk, active at football club BOL, and involved with Turn Totaal Langedijk. Connection plays a key role in everything he does. “I believe it’s important to make a difference for others. For students, for athletes, and for the community.”
“Voting is a privilege, but also a responsibility”
Working with and for young people
René began his career as a teacher and later became a school principal. To him, his work doesn’t feel like a job but something he enjoys doing. “The most important thing is that students look back fondly on their school years.” He strives to create the conditions for that: good teachers, pleasant facilities, and above all, a school where students feel seen.
Every day, he sees how rapidly the world of young people is changing. Technology, pace, and expectations differ greatly between generations. “That’s why it’s important to keep engaging in dialogue to foster mutual understanding.” It’s precisely this conversation that he misses—not just at school, but in society as a whole.
Space and greenery
Over the years, René has noticed changes in Dijk en Waard, particularly in the amount of space and greenery. When he moved there, it felt more rural and open. “There was more nature, more room to be outside.” Housing development has altered that. He understands the need for homes but believes green spaces shouldn’t consistently lose out.
For him, this isn’t just about the landscape but also about children. “If there are no more fields or green spots, the step to play outside becomes bigger.” Green spaces in the neighborhood, trees near parking lots, and room to move around are essential for livability, in his view.
Volunteering
In addition to his work, René volunteers with sports clubs—not because he has to, but because it suits him. “Volunteer work is indispensable. Clubs and organizations rely on it.” He has experienced that being involved gives you influence over what happens in society. He noticed this, for example, in discussions about sports facilities and spatial planning in his neighborhood.
This experience has changed his perspective on local politics. “I’ve seen that engaging in dialogue makes a difference. People listen.” According to René, that’s exactly what democracy is about.
Voting as a privilege
René doesn’t just vote for himself but also for others—for young people, for nature, and for future generations. “Voting is a privilege, but also a responsibility to uphold democracy.” In his view, it’s a way to keep the conversation going and continue shaping the future of the municipality.
His message is clear. Keep engaging in dialogue with each other. Listen to different generations. And realize that, even at the local level, you can influence the place where you live.”