Eemsdelta bids farewell to pioneering municipal council after five years of service
The first municipal council of Eemsdelta, which served an extended term, has been dissolved. Residents can look back on five years of local governance addressing earthquake issues, youth care, and budget cuts, while welcoming a new council on April 1.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Municipality | Eemsdelta |
| Farewell Date | March 30, 2026 |
| Term Duration | 5 years (1 year longer than usual) |
| Departing Members | 9 (Geert Jan Reinders, Henk Dijkstra, Wim Hartlief, Joop van der Lei, Harold Kol, Frans Ozinga, Luut van der Kooi, Dirk van Impe, Edward Stulp) |
| Royal Distinctions | 5 members (Iwan Poucki, Jeanne Schoonhoven, Bert Jan Huizing, Aagtje Elderman, Bert Raangs) appointed Members of the Order of Orange-Nassau |
| New Council Installation | April 1, 2026, at 7:30 PM |
| Key Issues Addressed | Earthquake issues, Nij Begun, green spaces, youth care, Social Support Act (Wmo), poverty, budget cuts |
| Live Stream | Available via Eemsdelta Council website |
The Eemsdelta municipal council plays a crucial role in local governance, addressing regional challenges such as earthquake-related issues and social services. As the legislative body, it oversees policy implementation, budget allocation, and community initiatives, ensuring the municipality’s development aligns with residents' needs.
Read the full translated article below
Farewell to the municipal council on March 30
On Monday evening, we said farewell to the first municipal council of the Eemsdelta municipality. The council served one year longer than the usual four-year term.
Retrospective on 5 years of the Eemsdelta Council
Both the council chair (Mayor Ben Visser) and the council clerk looked back on the past five years, during which this council faced many challenges. The council conducted numerous working visits to, among others, the library, SBE, GSP, the Water Board, Omrin, the mosque, the reception center (AZC), and many volunteer initiatives in the villages and urban areas. Many items were also addressed, including those related to earthquake issues and Nij Begun, as well as matters concerning green spaces, youth care, the Social Support Act (Wmo), poverty, and budget cuts.
Farewell
Farewells were said to: Geert Jan Reinders (LBE), Henk Dijkstra (LBE), Wim Hartlief (LBE), Joop van der Lei (PvdA), Harold Kol (CU), Frans Ozinga (VVD), Luut van der Kooi (GL), Dirk van Impe (GL), and Edward Stulp (Gemeentebelangen). As council chair, Ben Visser personally addressed each departing council member, thanking them for their commitment and dedication with humor and personal anecdotes. All departing council members received a personalized street name sign.
Royal distinction
For some departing council members, it was a special evening, as they received a royal distinction for their more than 12 years of service to society. Iwan Poucki (LBE), Jeanne Schoonhoven (LBE), Bert Jan Huizing (VVD), Aagtje Elderman (CDA), and Bert Raangs (CDA) were appointed Members of the Order of Orange-Nassau.
Missed the farewell?
You can watch the broadcast again via the Eemsdelta Council website (link is external).
Wednesday, April 1 installation of the new council
On Wednesday, April 1, the new municipal council of Eemsdelta will be installed. The council meeting begins at 7:30 PM in the council chamber. During this meeting, all council members will take an oath or pledge. Would you like to watch the council meeting live from home? This is possible via the Eemsdelta Council website. Meetings can also be viewed afterward on this site.