Long-serving alderman Kees van der Zwet steps down after shaping Lisse's financial future
After eleven years as a councillor and eight as alderman, Kees van der Zwet leaves a legacy of financial stability in Lisse. His work ensured investments in sustainability and infrastructure, directly benefiting residents through improved municipal services and long-term planning.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Kees van der Zwet |
| Role | Alderman of Lisse |
| Tenure | 8 years as alderman, 11 years as councillor, 5 years in Provincial Council |
| Key Achievements | Financial stability, Intermunicipal Structure Vision, Ter Specke Hall |
| Notable Projects | Landelijk Gebied Duurzame Greenport, Ter Spekkelaan redesign |
| Age | 70 years old |
| Future Plans | Seeking new challenges after a period of rest |
| Municipality | Lisse (Zuid-Holland) |
The municipality of Lisse is responsible for local governance, including financial management, infrastructure, and sustainability initiatives. Aldermen like Van der Zwet play a crucial role in shaping policies and ensuring the municipality operates within budgetary constraints while addressing residents' needs.
Openrijk is free and ad-free
Do you value our work? Help us stay online with a small contribution.
external link to whydonate.comRead the full translated article below
Alderman Kees van der Zwet bids farewell after eight years as councillor
After a long career in public administration, Alderman Kees van der Zwet will step down this spring after serving two terms in office. In total, he has served eleven years as a councillor, five years as a member of the Provincial Council, and eight years as an alderman. Additionally, he held various board positions within business associations and with the Orange Committee and the ‘Stichting voorheen Coöperatie Onderling Belang’. Before his political career, Van der Zwet ran his own accounting firm.
Reflecting on his aldermanship
Looking back on his time as alderman, Van der Zwet cites the financial stability he helped achieve as his most significant accomplishment. Van der Zwet: “I have always strived to ensure a healthy financial foundation for Lisse. A municipality that maintains investment capacity while making choices within solid financial frameworks.” Although unexpected rising costs in youth care required additional considerations, he managed to structurally improve the budget and keep administrative decisions within clear financial boundaries.
One project Van der Zwet is particularly proud of is the evaluation of the Intermunicipal Structure Vision, which led to a reassessment and ultimately the ‘Landelijk Gebied Duurzame Greenport’ programme. He also successfully implemented the replacement of the Ter Specke Hall within the agreed financial framework. Even the redesign of Ter Spekkelaan—including a climate-adaptive parking area—was incorporated into this process.
Not everything went as planned: the Beukenhof area could have been further developed by now, as could the new waste management facility (VAB) in Voorhout.
Visible at the right moments
Those who describe Kees van der Zwet often characterise him as a process guardian: decisive, content-driven, and always seeking connections—without seeking the spotlight. He was visible where necessary but gave professionals the space to operate.
Seeking new challenges
While he will first take some time to rest, Van der Zwet has no intention of retiring quietly. Despite being 70 years old, he remains full of energy and eager to tackle new challenges. “It’s good that others will now approach things in their own way,” he says. “After so many years, it’s time for fresh perspectives.”