Two long-serving councillors in Sittard-Geleen awarded for dedication to local community
Jack Renet and Math de Loo, departing councillors in Sittard-Geleen, received the Distinguished Service Medal for their years of commitment to social, environmental, and political causes. Their work has left a lasting impact on local policies and community initiatives.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Awardees | Jack Renet (SPA) and Math de Loo (Progressive Netherlands) |
| Award | Distinguished Service Medal |
| Municipality | Sittard-Geleen, Limburg |
| Service Duration | Renet: 12 years (2014–2026), De Loo: 12 years (2014–2026) |
| Key Contributions | Renet: Advocacy for nature, social issues; De Loo: Green/social policies |
| Departing Councillors | 9 in total, including Renet and De Loo |
| Award Presented By | Mayor Hans Verheijen |
The municipality of Sittard-Geleen honors long-serving councillors to recognize their contributions to local governance and community development. This award reflects the municipality’s commitment to acknowledging civic engagement and public service.
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Distinguished Service Medal awarded to Jack Renet and Math de Loo
During a special council meeting on Tuesday evening, marking the farewell of nine councillors, two departing members were presented with the Distinguished Service Medal. Mayor Hans Verheijen presented the award to Jack Renet (SPA) and Math de Loo (Progressive Netherlands).
Jack Renet
Jack Renet served as a steadfast figure on the Sittard-Geleen municipal council for three consecutive terms. From 2014 to 2018, he was a councillor for Elderly Political Active, and from 2018 onwards for Together Political Active (SPA). In total, he was active on the council for twelve years.
His political involvement began in 2009, when he followed council meetings on television and decided to become active himself. He joined Ton Raven and became a citizen member with a focus on social issues. In 2013, he co-founded the Elderly Political Active party with Piet Veugen, which led to his election to the council a year later. With a broader perspective on society, this later evolved into Together Political Active (SPA), based on the principles of people, environment, and resources.
In addition to his commitment to social themes, Renet was also a strong advocate for nature and green spaces. On his initiative, thousands of trees were planted in Hof van Limburg, and he opposed the felling of the Lexhybos.
Outside of politics, he was active in various organisations, including the Foundation Day of the Elderly Geleen, the KBO (Catholic Association of the Elderly), and the GESS chess club, where he held various roles for decades.
Mayor Hans Verheijen described him as a dedicated public representative: “You practised politics based on substance. You delved deep into files and tackled issues such as Chemelot and Glanerbrook. You were critical, analytical, and a hard worker.”
Jack Renet with Mayor Hans Verheijen
Math de Loo
Math de Loo also received the Distinguished Service Medal upon his departure. After several years as a citizen member for GroenLinks/PvdA, he was elected to the council in 2014. In 2022, he was appointed deputy council chair. He also served as chair of the youth council.
Throughout his tenure, De Loo was known for his strong sense of responsibility and dedication. In addition to his political work, he was active in various social roles, including treasurer of the Born Community Centre Foundation, chair of the social support committee at Zuyderland, and of the complaints committee MAP (Person behind Patient). He is also treasurer of the De Rollen Foundation, which focuses on nature and environmental education.
Mayor Hans Verheijen described him as: “Sharp on substance, critical when necessary, but always with respect for the board and colleagues.”
According to the mayor, De Loo consistently struck a good balance between administrative responsibility and humanity in his work. Driven by his commitment to green and social issues, he championed all that is vulnerable, with particular attention to people and nature.
Math de Loo with Mayor Hans Verheijen
Appreciation for dedication
The presentation of the Distinguished Service Medal expresses the municipality’s appreciation for the long-standing dedication and involvement of both councillors in local society.
Farewells were said to councillors Luc Bezemer, Jos Coumans, Angelique Fredrix Pilon, Math De Loo, Jack Renet, Berry van Rijswijk, Jennifer Slippens, Tom Vranken, and Niek Wetzels.