Long-serving Leiderdorp councillor Olaf McDaniel awarded royal honour for 24 years of public service
Olaf McDaniel, a dedicated local politician in Leiderdorp, has been appointed Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau after 24 years of service. His contributions to sustainability, social inclusion, and civic engagement have left a lasting impact on the community.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Olaf McDaniel |
| Honour | Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau |
| Years of Service | 24 years (2002–2026) |
| Roles | Councillor, Alderman (2016–2018), Deputy Chair of Political Forum |
| Political Affiliation | GroenLinks-PvdA |
| Key Achievements | Sustainability agenda, solar panel promotion, RCL sports complex |
| Municipality | Leiderdorp (Zuid-Holland) |
| Farewell Date | 31 March 2026 |
The municipality of Leiderdorp plays a key role in recognizing and honoring long-standing contributions to local governance. By awarding royal honours, it underscores the importance of civic engagement and public service in shaping community policies and development.
Read the full translated article below
Former councillor Olaf McDaniel receives royal honour
On Tuesday 31 March, the council said farewell to several councillors who did not return to the council following the municipal elections of 18 March. Mr Olaf McDaniel is stepping down after 24 years of continuous dedication to local politics. In recognition of his long-standing and committed contribution to local democracy, he has been appointed Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau.
Mr Olaf McDaniel (1956) has been active in the municipal politics of Leiderdorp since 14 March 2002. He began as a councillor, served as an alderman from 2016 to 2018, and then returned to the municipal council, where he remained active until March 2026 for GroenLinks-PvdA.
Mayor Tjarda Struik spoke warmly about his record of service at the farewell event: “What a history is embodied in one person. More than two decades of public service is not just a footnote in a CV; it is his story. For his long-standing contribution, His Majesty the King has appointed him Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau.”
McDaniel was known as an excellent speaker. In his role as deputy chair of the political forum and the council information evenings, he was valued for his careful, accessible and neutral approach. For many years, he also hosted the election results evenings for municipal elections, which were widely seen as valuable and unifying.
Commitment as alderman and councillor
As an alderman, McDaniel championed a more sustainable, active and socially inclusive Leiderdorp. He played a key role, among other things, in promoting solar panels in the municipality, ensured the introduction of a sustainability agenda and contributed to the realisation of the new sports complex for football club RCL. As a councillor, he also paid close attention to the quality of council work and its support within the town hall. His involvement and constructive attitude were widely appreciated.
Municipality thanks all departing councillors
The municipality of Leiderdorp is grateful for his many years of service and wishes him all the best for the future. The same applies to the other four councillors who are leaving. They were all addressed by the mayor.
Further information:
- - Arie Janssen (CU/SGP). He joined the council in 2022 with a single seat but made a difference with his sharp focus and tenacious approach. For example, he initiated a clarification debate after the elections. He had previously served as a citizen councillor. The CU/SGP did not win a seat in the municipal elections of 18 March.
- - Gert-Jan de Jong (VVD). He joined the municipal council in May 2024. Before that, he was a citizen councillor. He is known for his focus on facts and clear agreements and commitments, making his input both stimulating and valuable.
- - Koos Koster (LPL). Previously a councillor from 2016 to 2018, he returned in April 2024. He had also been active as a citizen councillor for many years. He is strongly committed to the living environment of Leiderdorp and has championed issues such as biodiversity with great conviction. Traffic safety was also a recurring focus of his work.
- - Rob Visser (D66). Previously a councillor from 1982 to 1985, he returned to the council in December 2024. He dealt with general administrative matters, the coordination of regional cooperation, finance and land issues—topics that require precision and political experience.