Councilor Jan Schipper of the municipality of Midden-Drenthe will resign from his position with immediate effect. He informed the council and the municipal council of this today. Schipper (CDA) was active as an alderman in the municipality for almost eight years.
The tone of the debate in the committee meeting last Thursday was the straw that broke the camel’s back for Schipper. In the debate, the Court of Audit presented its research into the Central Drenthe Solar Park Tender.
The investigation itself has nothing to do with the resignation, says Schipper. But according to him, the debate did confirm that the political and social context did not provide sufficient space to do his work as an alderman in a way that suits Schipper’s values and working methods.
“Unfortunately, I have recently experienced that society has changed,” says Schipper. “When making political choices, I experience less and less room for substantive discussion or consideration. Facts also matter less and less.”
After the committee meeting, Schipper took time to reflect on the situation. “I have come to the conclusion that I can no longer perform to my best in these circumstances. If the will to work together is lacking, respect for others is hard to find and there is only a desire to magnify the differences, a limit has been reached for me. A limit that fundamentally conflicts with the core values that I have placed at the center of my performance as an alderman.”
The council announces that it regrets the departure of the alderman and that it has lost a wonderful, valued colleague and a committed, passionate and knowledgeable director.
In its response, the council states that Schipper has always worked with great dedication for the municipality of Midden-Drenthe and its residents. The council expresses great appreciation for his many years of dedication and collegiality.
