Goeree-Overflakkee honors 15 departing councillors after four years of local leadership
Fifteen councillors in Goeree-Overflakkee are stepping down after dedicating years to shaping local policies on sustainability, finances, and liveability. Four long-serving members received royal honors for their contributions, marking the end of an era for the island municipality.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Municipality | Goeree-Overflakkee (Zuid-Holland) |
| Departing councillors | 15 (out of 31) |
| Honored with Order of Orange-Nassau | 4 councillors (Aat van Alphen, Corné Grinwis, Liesbeth Keijzer-Westhoeve, Dirk Pijl) |
| Years of service (honorees) | Over 12 years each |
| Key themes of term | Sustainability, municipal finances, liveability, local economy |
| New council installation | 1 April 2026 |
| Notable departing councillors | Simon van der Tang (SGP), Cheyenne van Alphen (GAAN), Peter Keuker (PvdA) |
The municipal council of Goeree-Overflakkee plays a crucial role in local governance, overseeing policies that directly affect residents' daily lives, such as sustainability initiatives, financial management, and economic development. As an elected body, it ensures accountability and representation for the island’s diverse communities.
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Goeree-Overflakkee Municipal Council bids farewell at the end of the council term
On Tuesday evening, 31 March, the municipal council of Goeree-Overflakkee said goodbye to its current members. During a special council meeting, Mayor Ada Grootenboer-Dubbelman thanked them for their dedication and commitment over the past four years. In total, 15 of the 31 councillors (provisionally) will not return after the elections. Four of them have been appointed Members of the Order of Orange-Nassau for their service of more than 12 years as municipal councillors.
The recipients are:
- Aat van Alphen (GAAN) Aat van Alphen has dedicated more than fifty years to local government. His political career began in 1974 on the municipal council of Middelharnis and continued in Goeree-Overflakkee after the municipal reorganisation. With his critical eye, sense of process and substantive depth, this sharp and engaged councillor kept the administration on its toes. At the same time, he brought levity and humour to the debate, contributing in a unique way to the dynamics within the council.
- Corné Grinwis (SGP) Corné Grinwis has served as a councillor since 2010, with a strong focus on themes such as energy, sustainability and the future of the living environment. Drawing on his professional background, he brought substantive knowledge and incisive questions to the debate. He is known for his clear and straightforward communication style, combined with respect for other viewpoints.
- Liesbeth Keijzer-Westhoeve (CDA) Liesbeth Keijzer-Westhoeve began her political career at a young age and grew into an experienced and substantively strong councillor. She was particularly known for her sharp and precise approach to financial matters. She also served as deputy chair of the council, where she ensured structure, clarity and calm in the debate.
- Dirk Pijl (CDA) Dirk Pijl has been active as a councillor since 2002 and has consistently championed the interests of residents and entrepreneurs, with a particular commitment to Goedereede-Havenhoofd. He was known as an outspoken and steadfast representative, particularly for the fishing industry and the port. Issues such as the Slijkgat and the future of the fishing industry were constantly on his agenda.
Championing the interests of all residents
The past administrative term was marked by important themes such as sustainability, municipal finances, liveability and strengthening the local economy. The council has worked tirelessly to represent the interests of all residents and to further develop the municipality.
Mayor Ada Grootenboer-Dubbelman expressed her appreciation for the hard work and collaboration within the council. “Your work mattered. Together, as a council, you made decisions that have and continue to have a direct impact on the daily lives of our residents,” she told them. “Perhaps the most important quality of a councillor is the ability to work together. Across coalition and opposition lines. With respect for each other’s roles and views. Ultimately, the quality of the council is not determined by who gets their way, but by what you have achieved together.”
Farewell to 15 councillors
The council meeting on 31 March was dedicated to bidding farewell to the outgoing councillors following the municipal elections on 18 March. Some of the departing councillors had already announced their departure in advance, while others did not return to the council as a result of the voters’ choice. In total, 15 councillors said goodbye. The names of the other departing councillors are:
- Simon van der Tang (SGP);
- Cheyenne van Alphen (GAAN);
- Jannie Campfens-van den Ouden (GAAN);
- Henk van der Meer (GAAN);
- Peter Keuker (PvdA);
- Conny Pipping (ChristenUnie);
- Don Spelt (SDP);
- Leo Schellevis (SDP);
- Jan Zwerus (Groep Jan Zwerus);
- Ronald Weydema (VVD);
- Wilma de Bruine (Goeree-Overflakkee Lokaal en Vitaal).
With the farewell of the old council, an important phase comes to an end. At the same time, the municipality looks forward to a new beginning with the installation of the new municipal council, which will soon get to work. The installation meeting of the new council will take place on Wednesday, 1 April.
Photos: Jacobine Molenaar - van Vossen