Member of Provincial Parliament in Focus - Aletta den Boer (BBB)

Why did you become a member of the Provincial Parliament?

My motivation to enter politics came from a card from Minister Van der Wal. It stated that we needed to halve nitrogen emissions. Shortly after, a 16-year-old boy was shot by the police during a farmers protest in Friesland because he ignored a stop sign. The police were doing their job there. But I also understand that boy, who mainly wanted to join the group and not be isolated. One of my own sons was also 16 at the time. This could have happened to him too, so it affected me deeply.

Coincidentally, around that time I received an email from the BBB asking if I wanted to help with leafleting. I was willing. I ended up at the bottom of the candidate list. When I spoke with Caroline van der Plas, she noted I was an easy talker. She asked if I wanted to be higher on the list. That’s how I ended up in 8th place. Due to the big election win, that suddenly meant I became a member of the Provincial Parliament. So I basically fell into it.

How do you like working as a member of the Provincial Parliament?

Our faction consists of 8 new members. Some had some experience as councilors, but it still felt like we had to figure everything out as a new group. We succeeded. I feel we can achieve a lot. The atmosphere in the PS is pleasant, even though we dont always agree. I was afraid the transition from healthcare to politics would be very big, but it turned out to be manageable. Just like in healthcare, we treat each other very collegially here. The relationship with the deputies is good, and the clerks office is very helpful. It almost feels like a warm bath.

What do you want to achieve as a politician in North Holland?

Good question! Today we will discuss it with the faction. I want to commit to good public transport (PT), especially in rural areas, because good PT means freedom for young and old. Motorists also deserve attention – after all, they pay a large part of the taxes, so we must protect them well.

Besides, I look to the future: how do we keep North Holland accessible in 2040? Research shows that if we do nothing, everything will come to a standstill due to the enormous growth in housing and population. We must already think about solutions for that.

What was your favorite debate in the past period?

Last year around this time, we had a goat moratorium. That is a temporary stop – a kind of standby – on keeping or expanding goat farms in a certain area. There were said to be more pneumonia cases around goat farms, but the evidence was not convincing. It became a special debate because everyone brought up different aspects from the research for their argument – which made it extra interesting.

Which result, motion, or amendment are you proud of?

I am especially proud of the night bus in the Kop of North Holland. The pilot has been extended, which is important in these times of safety concerns. I am also glad that waterways now receive more attention in committee meetings. Previously, little was discussed about them, but I contribute to getting them on the agenda now.

Which person, politician, or fellow member has strongly influenced or inspired you?

Actually, it’s funny, but Jaap Hollebeek (PvdD) impresses me. We differ greatly in content, but he always seeks connection. He is neat, connecting, and respectful – if I can take something from that, I am a satisfied person.

Which writer, series, podcast, or music do you recommend to everyone?

I like to listen to the podcast De Stemming. It offers a different perspective on the news and brings some lightness. Sometimes I listen with cringing toes, but then I investigate why I have that reaction – and what I can do about it.

About Aletta den Boer

Aletta has 2 sons: Daan (18), who wants to start his own supermarket, and Rick (19), who wants to become a dairy farmer. She lives with her husband in Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, where her family has a dairy farm with 60 cows (of which 45-50 are milking).

Besides her political work, Aletta is a nursing teacher 3 days a week (for students aged 15 to 55) and works 3 shifts per month in pediatric nursing. I find that the most fun work. Sometimes parents are difficult, but I can handle that well. In those 8 hours I can relieve colleagues – and every child goes home better.