Urk bids farewell to long-serving councillors with royal honour and heartfelt tributes
Residents of Urk honor departing councillors for their years of service, including a royal distinction for Auke Pasterkamp and an emotional farewell to veteran Jan Koffeman. Their contributions shape local governance and community life.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Municipality | Urk |
| Departing councillors | 12 |
| Royal honour recipient | Auke Pasterkamp |
| Years of service (Pasterkamp) | Since 2014 (including youth council) |
| Longest-serving councillor | Jan Koffeman (since 2002) |
| Previous party (Koffeman) | SGP, later Hart voor Urk |
| Token of appreciation | Etching of Urk lighthouse |
| Artist | Andries Hoekstra |
The municipal council of Urk is responsible for local governance, including policy-making, community representation, and civic engagement. Recognizing long-serving councillors highlights the importance of continuity and dedication in public service.
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Farewell and Royal Honour
On Monday evening, the councillors who served on the municipal council during the 2022–2026 term took their leave. During this gathering, their dedication and commitment to our municipality over the past years were commemorated.
A dozen councillors bid farewell to their council duties this evening
For some, this marks a permanent departure from the council, while others will remain actively involved and continue to serve on committees.
Royal honour for Auke Pasterkamp
A particularly special moment during the event was the presentation of a Royal honour to councillor Auke Pasterkamp. He received this recognition for his many years of dedication and service on the municipal council. He has been a member since 2014 and was previously active in the youth municipal council.
Farewell to Jan Koffeman
The municipal council also said goodbye to Jan Koffeman, the longest-serving councillor. He has been a member of the council since 2002, first representing the SGP and later as founder of Hart voor Urk. After the event, he remarked: “Emotional, really, it does mean something to me, truly.”
Gratitude for their dedication and commitment
The departing councillors were presented with an etching of the Urk lighthouse as a token of appreciation. This was specially created for the occasion by artist Andries Hoekstra. The municipal council extends its heartfelt thanks to all departing councillors for their dedication, commitment, and valuable contributions to council work over the past years.