The first mayors medals were awarded during a lunch to the departing mayors. Commissioner Kolff presented the first 5 medals to former mayor of Rotterdam Ahmed Aboutaleb, former mayor of Hillegom Arie van Erk, acting mayor of Zwijndrecht Edo Haan, acting mayor of Capelle aan den IJssel Cor Lamers, and acting mayor of Maassluis Gregor Rensen.
With the arrival of Kolff as the new commissioner of the King in South Holland, the desire has arisen to give all mayors a personal token of appreciation upon their departure. The mayors medal means more to the commissioner than just metal. It symbolizes the office and the way in which that office has been carried. It stands for service to society, for the invisible hours that have been spent. For the moments when a mayor provided direction in times of uncertainty, for the bridges that have been built between people, interests, and sometimes even worlds, and for the moments when it was necessary to stand tall.
“It is an honor for me to present these first mayors medals. Because with that, I want to give recognition and appreciation for the way a mayor has served a municipality; with commitment, care, and involvement. The special thing is not in the medal itself, but in what he or she carries within it. A personal story. The personal contribution. The style of leadership,” said Commissioner Wouter Kolff.