Record voter turnout and council transitions mark new era for Oldebroek
Oldebroek celebrates a nearly 10% rise in voter turnout during recent municipal elections, while bidding farewell to long-serving councillors and aldermen. Residents can expect fresh leadership and continued collaboration as the municipality enters a new political phase.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Voter Turnout Increase | Nearly 10% higher than four years ago |
| Recount Conducted | First in years due to minimal seat distribution differences |
| Departing Councillors | 9 councillors, including Popke Graansma (12 years) and Henk Kemp (27 years) |
| Departing Aldermen | Vos (12 years) and Heddema, stepping down after new board is formed |
| New Mayor Transition | Jan Nathan-Rozendaal leaves Elburg for Brummen; Harm-Jan van Schaijk interim |
| New Council Installation | Fresh faces join, retaining experienced members for continuity |
The municipality of Oldebroek oversees local governance, including organizing municipal elections and managing council transitions. The mayor plays a key role in facilitating these processes and ensuring smooth leadership changes within the local government.
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external link to whydonate.comRead the full translated article below
Column: Old & New
Read the column from March 31, 2026 here.
Looking back on the past period, I reflect on a remarkable time. The campaign for the municipal elections was impossible to miss. All parties did their utmost to win over voters. And with ‘Oldebroek Votes’, we worked together with Huis aan Huis and the Loco Media Group to get even more voters to the polls. And it worked! Turnout was nearly 10% higher than four years ago! Great. The outcome was very clear on one hand, but at the same time it led to a request for a recount. For the first time in years, a recount was held due to minimal differences in the distribution of remaining seats. In the end, it made no difference to the seat distribution, and on Thursday we were able to announce the final results. Now a new and exciting phase begins: forming a new coalition. But first, we pause to close one chapter and begin another.
Tonight, the focus is on the departing councillors. I have worked with this municipal council for four years, and some councillors have been in office much longer. Popke Graansma (CDA) served for twelve years and Henk Kemp (VVD) for no less than 27 years! They are now concluding their work on the council. Also saying goodbye tonight are Arno Hardonk (CU), Henri Wijnne (CU), Miranda Sloots-Kievit (CU), Johan Deij (ABO), Dick Post (Duurzaam Oldebroek), Gertie Scholten (CDA) and Arjan Sanders (ABO).
I can imagine it will be a special evening. For many, the council chamber has been a second home where they have spent a great deal of time. But being a councillor doesn’t end when you leave the town hall; you continue to watch, listen, stay alert to what’s happening and what could be improved. It’s a way of life. Letting go of such a role can be quite difficult.
This year, aldermen Vos and Heddema are also saying goodbye, though they will do so only once a new executive board is in place. After stepping down as alderman, Heddema will not return to the council. Alderwoman Vos is also retiring after 12 years. She is already thoughtfully engaged in what she calls ‘de-aldermanizing’, a process that is quite complex. And I understand that perfectly. How do you stop doing something so deeply woven into who you are? How do you let go of things you’ve been responsible for for so long? Topics you feel so connected to? It’s not just a job; it’s part of yourself. It’s good that there is time to carefully wind down.
Last Friday, I attended the farewell of my ‘neighbour’, Jan Nathan-Rozendaal. After more than eight years as mayor of Elburg, he is now acting mayor in Brummen. This happened quite quickly, and there was no time to wind down. It was lovely to see so many people take the opportunity to thank him for all his dedication. Harm-Jan van Schaijk will take over as acting mayor in Elburg until a new crown-appointed mayor is appointed. It’s nice to see an old acquaintance (Mayor Van Schaijk was previously mayor in Harderwijk) as a colleague again. That makes it easier to continue the collaboration.
And tomorrow, the installation of the new council. A hall full of fresh faces, full of ideals and plans for our municipality. Full of energy at the start of a new chapter. And fortunately, the council will also retain the experience and knowledge of the old guard.
I look forward to this period of old and new. A time that coincides with the end of winter, the start of spring, and the beginning of daylight saving time. A time of closing and beginning anew.
Tanja Haseloop – Mayor of Amsingburg