Two long-serving councillors in Medemblik awarded Royal Honours for dedication to local governance
Claudia Selders and Luiten Plekker, departing councillors in Medemblik, received Royal Honours for over a decade of service. Their work focused on inclusion, youth, village livability, and financial stability, directly impacting residents' daily lives and community development.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Honourees | Claudia Selders (CDA) and Luiten Plekker (GemeenteBelangen) |
| Years of Service | Selders: 12 years (since 2014), Plekker: 20 years (since 2006) |
| Key Achievements | Free ID documents, youth traffic courses, Zwaagdijk shopping area plans |
| Municipality | Medemblik |
| Honour Awarded | Royal Honour (for 12+ years of service) |
| Departing Councillors | 12 in total, including 9 others with varying tenures |
The municipal council of Medemblik is responsible for local governance, including policy-making, financial oversight, and community development. Royal Honours are awarded to councillors for exceptional long-term service, recognizing their contributions to local democracy and public welfare.
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Claudia Selders and Luiten Plekker receive Royal Honours for their long-term service as councillors
On the afternoon of Tuesday, March 31, the final meeting of the 2022–2026 municipal council took place. Twelve members who will not return to the council took their leave. Two of them, Claudia Selders and Luiten Plekker, were awarded a Royal Honour by Mayor Michiel Pijl. Councillors who have served for twelve years or more are eligible for such an honour. Tonight, Wednesday, April 1, the new municipal council will be installed.
Honour for Claudia Selders
Claudia Selders has been a councillor for the CDA since 2014 and has served as faction leader since 2024. Among other things, she has championed inclusion, youth, villages, and quality of life.
She advocated for free ID documents for residents with adjusted birth certificates and free driving licences for young people completing a traffic course. In addition, she held various administrative positions. In 2022, she was nominated for the title of Best Councillor in the Netherlands. Outside the council, she runs her own business as a technical virtual assistant under the name Virtual Power.
Honour for Luiten Plekker
Luiten Plekker has been a councillor since 2006 and has served as faction leader for GemeenteBelangen since 2014. He has focused on sound finances, village livability, housing construction, and spatial development.
He submitted key council instruments regarding the shopping area in Zwaagdijk and the opening of sports fields for youth. In addition to his council work, he is a partner and strategic advisor in the housing association sector. He also teaches sustainability and energy as a guest lecturer.
Appreciation for all departing councillors
The following councillors also took their leave:
- Anja Wit, Hart voor Medemblik, councillor since February 2024
- Desmin Dekker, VVD, councillor since 2023
- Siem Zeilemaker, MORGEN!, councillor since 1991
- Tom Beuker, MORGEN!, councillor since 2018
- Joke Kool, MORGEN!, councillor since September 2025
- Cees Neefjes, MORGEN!, councillor since 2023 (previously served as a substitute regularly)
- Saskia Schouten, CDA, councillor since 2018
- Co Vlaar, D66, councillor since 2023
- Hans Tigges, D66, has served nine council terms. Served as alderman from 2014–2018 and previously as alderman in the former municipality of Wognum.
- Roel Braaksma, GemeenteBelangen, councillor since 1998
All departing councillors were praised for their commitment, expertise, and dedication to the community.