Koggenland mayor honors departing council members and awards royal decoration to long-serving CDA councillor
After 12 years of service, Koggenland's municipal council bids farewell to outgoing members, including Rick Nooij, who received a royal decoration for his dedication. The mayor praised their efforts in shaping local democracy and improving the community.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Outgoing council members | Recognized for their service during the past term of office |
| Honoree | Rick Nooij (CDA faction), served as councillor for 12 years |
| Award | Royal decoration presented by Mayor Pieter van Maaren |
| New council installation | Scheduled for Wednesday, 1 April 2026 |
| Municipality | Koggenland, located in Noord-Holland |
The municipal council plays a crucial role in local governance, representing residents' interests, shaping policies, and overseeing the municipal executive. The mayor, as part of the College of Mayor and Aldermen, acknowledges the contributions of council members to ensure continuity and appreciation for their service.
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Mayor thanks outgoing municipal council and presents a royal decoration to Rick Nooij
Mayor Pieter van Maaren this evening expressed the appreciation of the municipal executive on behalf of the College of Mayor and Aldermen to the members of the Koggenland municipal council who are stepping down after the past term of office. Special attention was given to Rick Nooij of the CDA faction. After 12 years as a councillor, he is leaving his council seat, and in recognition of his dedication, he received a royal decoration from the mayor.
According to the mayor, the council deserves great recognition for the commitment, involvement and sense of responsibility with which they have served the municipality over the past years.
Intensive and passionate
‘The past term of office has been intensive, with major themes, sometimes heated discussions, but above all a shared passion to make our municipality a pleasant place for all our residents,’ says Van Maaren. ‘Everyone who has contributed to the council in these years—whether from the coalition or the opposition—has helped strengthen our local democracy.’
Royal decoration
Regarding the departure and the presentation of the royal decoration to Rick Nooij of the CDA faction, Van Maaren said: ‘With great gratitude and deep respect, we today express our appreciation for the many years of dedication you have shown as the youngest of our councillors. For three terms of office, you have wholeheartedly served our community. Your involvement, your perseverance and your ability to connect people have left a lasting impression. This royal decoration is a recognition of your exceptional contribution to our municipality.’
Dedication and commitment
The mayor then went on to highlight, in broader terms, the dedication of the councillors who are leaving after this term: ‘The work of a councillor is demanding: evening after evening in meetings, studying files in detail and constantly engaging with residents and organisations. It is a full-time job that can be challenging, but is invaluable. I would like to personally thank all departing councillors for their dedication, their energy and their love for our municipality.’
Installation of the new council
Finally, the mayor wished the new municipal council, which will be installed on Wednesday, 1 April during the first council meeting of the new term, every success. ‘I look forward to continuing to build the future of our municipality together, with appreciation for what we have achieved together in the past period.’