Gery de Boer: Tackling Housing Crisis and Labour Migration in North Holland
Gery de Boer, a seasoned politician from the Labour Party (PvdA), highlights key challenges in North Holland, including the urgent need for affordable housing and better conditions for labour migrants. Her work in the Provincial Council aims to balance long-term policy with direct impact on residents' lives.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Gery de Boer |
| Political Affiliation | Labour Party (PvdA) |
| Role | Member of the Provincial Council of North Holland |
| Focus Areas | Housing, public transport, labour migration, nature vs. agriculture |
| Previous Roles | District councillor (De Pijp), district chair (Amsterdam-Oost) |
| Profession | Manager at FNV Self-Employed, member of Social and Economic Council |
| Residence | Amsterdam-Oost |
| Years in Politics | Since 1986 (with breaks) |
The Provincial Council of North Holland plays a crucial role in regional policy, including housing, transport, and environmental planning. As a coordinating body, it bridges municipal and national governance, ensuring long-term strategies align with local needs. Members like Gery de Boer advocate for policies that address societal challenges, such as labour migration and urban development.
Your coffee = our fuel ☕
From local to national, everything in one place. That's all very nice and handy, but our coffee supply is running low.
Read the full translated article below
Member of the States in Focus - Gery de Boer
Why did you become a Member of the States?
I have been politically active since 1986. I always voted for the Labour Party (PvdA) and believe it is important to be socially engaged. Some people do this through a community centre, others in politics. After an introductory evening, I joined the PvdA. I quickly became a board member and later a district councillor in De Pijp. When I started working at the FNV, I took a break from politics. But after moving to Amsterdam-Oost, I became active again. There, I served as district chair for four years and later as group leader. After 16 years in Amsterdam politics, I joined the Provincial Council after a few years on the list. The province was always less visible, but has become much more politically relevant. For example, in areas such as housing, public transport, the tension between nature and agriculture, and the distribution of space in North Holland.
How do you like working as a representative?
I have a great group of colleagues, and the working atmosphere in the Provincial Council is excellent. It took some getting used to. The political work at the provincial level is quite different from municipal politics, which is more concrete. The province often has a coordinating role, and its actions often affect residents in the longer term. However, the topics are also practical, such as public transport. Unfortunately, many agenda items discussed in the Spatial Planning Committee, of which I am a member, are passed as 'hammered' items to the Provincial Council for decision-making. Because there is already sufficient agreement in the committee. We do not debate these hammered items. That is sometimes a shame. As a result, Members of the States are less visible and audible.
What do you want to achieve as a politician in North Holland?
We face a huge challenge when it comes to housing construction in this province. We need to ensure that more homes are built, especially affordable ones. We also need affordable public transport. The PvdA also has a key focus on labour migration. The working and living conditions of many people from Eastern Europe who work here are truly appalling. The employers who bring these people here shift the burden onto society. As a province, we need to look at what we can do about this in the Environmental Vision.
About Gery de Boer
Gery lives in Amsterdam-Oost. On the second day of her history studies, she met her husband, and they quickly started a relationship. She has stayed in Amsterdam ever since. Her two sons live nearby. Since 1988, she has worked at the FNV. She was, among other roles, a negotiator for the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) and is now manager of FNV Self-Employed. Gery is a member of the Social and Economic Council to ensure the voice of the self-employed is heard. She enjoys bridge, is part of a book club, and loves gardening.
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