The King’s Commissioner Hans Oosters has decided, after good consultation with the faction leaders, to appoint Renate Westerlaken as acting mayor of Lopik as of October 1. She will hold the position until a new crown-appointed mayor for Lopik is appointed.
In July, Mayor De Graaf of Lopik announced his departure. He will become the director of the Faculty of Management and Organization at The Hague University of Applied Sciences and will say goodbye as mayor of Lopik on October 2.
Renate Westerlaken has previously served as mayor in Lopik; from June 2008 to February 2017, she held that position. Since then, she has been the managing director of the Ronald McDonald Childrens Fund. Between 2002 and 2006, she was an alderman in the municipality of Veenendaal.
The commissioner has had discussions with the faction leaders in the municipal council regarding the appointment of Ms. Westerlaken. She will remain in office at least until after the municipal elections of 2026. When the vacancy for a new crown-appointed mayor will be opened is still unknown.
For press information:
patricia.schalkwijk@provincie-utrecht.nl
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