Farewell to seven councillors in Mook en Middelaar

During the special council meeting on Tuesday, 31 March, seven of the thirteen councillors of the municipality of Mook en Middelaar were farewelled. The mayor personally addressed the departing councillors and thanked them for their years of dedication and commitment to the municipality.

Farewell

A farewell was said to Johan Claessens (GroenLinks, 2024), Richard Akkerman (VVD, 2024), Yvonne Janssen-Groesbeek Cremers (DGP, 2022), Everthart Scheltinga (PvdA, 2021) and Joseth Mulders (DGP, 2020). They received words of thanks for their contribution to local democracy and their commitment to the community.

Royal Honour

In addition, there was a moment of reflection on the farewell of Luc van der Linden (DGP, 2014) and Sylvia de Vito-Van den Bouwhuijsen (VVD, 2011). Both received a Royal Honour from Mayor Van Dijk in recognition of their long-standing council work.

Responsibilities

Mr Van der Linden was appointed as a councillor in 2014 and has served on the municipal council for nearly 12 years. In addition to his political work, Mr Van der Linden also advocated for a good work-life balance for councillors, who are increasingly taking on more responsibilities.

Involved in regional cooperation

Ms De Vito-Van den Bouwhuijsen was appointed as a councillor in 2011. She became involved in local politics at the time because she opposed the proposed merger of the municipalities of Mook en Middelaar, Gennep and Bergen. Fifteen years later, she remains highly involved in regional cooperation.

Appreciation

The mayor expressed her appreciation for all the departing councillors: “Each and every one of them has worked tirelessly for our community. Over the past years, they have dedicated their time and energy to council work to make a difference for us and all residents of Mook en Middelaar.”

New municipal council

The new municipal council of Mook en Middelaar will be installed during a special council meeting on Wednesday, 1 April.