Harlingen honors long-serving council members with royal distinctions
Eight departing council members and three committee members in Harlingen were celebrated for their dedication to local democracy. Two received royal distinctions for their 16 years of service, marking a significant moment for the community and its governance.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Harlingen, Fryslân |
| Departing Council Members | Willem de Graaf, Wim Wassenaar, Richtje Allersma, Belinda Holwerda, Antoinette Berkouwer, Ankie Hoendervoogt, Gerrit-Jan de Vries, Ida Soolsma |
| Departing Committee Members | Joop van der Heide, Roeleke Naber, Sibbele Kooistra |
| Royal Distinctions | Gerrit-Jan de Vries and Ida Soolsma appointed as Members of the Order of Orange-Nassau |
| Years of Service | Ida Soolsma and Gerrit-Jan de Vries: 16 years |
| Commemorative Plaque | Crafted by Harlingen Pottery & Tile Factory |
The Harlingen municipal council plays a crucial role in local governance, representing citizens' interests and overseeing municipal policies and finances. Recognizing long-serving members highlights the importance of continuity and dedication in maintaining local democracy.
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Farewell to departing council and committee members with royal touch
On Tuesday, March 31, the Harlingen municipal council convened for the final time in its current composition. The public meeting was dedicated to bidding farewell to council and committee members who will not return in the new municipal council. Mayor Ina Sjerps thanked eight departing council members and three committee members for their years of dedication to local democracy. Two council members were surprised with a royal distinction.
Special commemorative plaque
Committee members Joop van der Heide, Roeleke Naber, and Sibbele Kooistra received a special commemorative plaque on this occasion, crafted by the Harlingen Pottery & Tile Factory. As committee members, they supported the one-person factions of GroenLinks, D66, and HOOP, respectively, in their council work. Council members Willem de Graaf, Wim Wassenaar, Richtje Allersma, Belinda Holwerda, Antoinette Berkouwer, Ankie Hoendervoogt, Gerrit-Jan de Vries, and Ida Soolsma were presented with a ceramic commemorative plaque. The latter duo was further surprised by the mayor’s announcement that His Majesty has been pleased to appoint them as Members of the Order of Orange-Nassau.
Ida Soolsma
Ida Soolsma and Gerrit-Jan de Vries served as council members of Harlingen for a remarkable sixteen years. Mayor Ina Sjerps praised Ida Soolsma as a voice for the Harlingen community. “Through your extensive network, you know what’s going on among the people of Harlingen, and you’re not afraid to take action—preferably in your own language: Harlingen Dutch.”
Gerrit-Jan de Vries
With Gerrit-Jan de Vries’ departure, a significant part of the council’s collective memory will be lost, according to Mayor Ina Sjerps. “He completed four terms as a council member and was also a valued member of the audit committee and the employers’ committee. When it came to municipal finances, Gerrit-Jan was at his sharpest.”