The dismissal of Alderman Guido Schoolmeesters of the municipality of Someren has also not left mayor Dilia Blok in the cold clothes. While answering questions from the city council on Thursday evening, she burst into tears. The council asked questions, among other things, about the way in which members were informed about the dismissal of Schoolmasters and whether officials were intimidated.
The former alderman was fired, because he allegedly acted with integrity. He would have favored his son when he bought a starter home in the Groote Hoeven district. He would also have favored a construction company.
Schoolmeesters is furious about his dismissal and is fighting legal proceedings to clear his name. A few weeks ago, three officials were heard in court over the preparation of the investigative report that formed the basis for the dismissal.
The officials did not recognize themselves in the report. They said there was no advantage. They were also “surprised” and “dismayed” that their answers to questions asked by the city council about the matter had changed. They also said under oath that they got into an intimidating conversation when they asked the municipal secretary and mayor for clarification.
On Thursday evening, the council asked more than fifty questions, among other things to find out whether he had indeed been misinformed. Mayor Dilia Blok said that he had indeed changed the answers, but stood by her answers. “I think I answered the questions correctly, but it could have been a little better and more complete. I could have added the answer from the officials, but I now had the investigation report and therefore more information than they do.”
The mayor burst into tears when she said that she deliberately did not disclose much about the matter last year because of all kinds of legal proceedings. “Maybe I should have done that more. I’ve put the public interest ahead of my personal interest. And I haven’t respected my boundaries enough.”
The mayor regrets the intimidating conversation she had with her officials. “We already discussed that during that conversation. But we worked well together for the rest of the year. The feeling of intimidation was only linked to that conversation.” According to her, the court testimonies and the media attention had a huge impact on city officials.
According to the mayor, she was awake for a few nights when she decided to investigate the actions of alderman Schoolmeesters. “I understand that some colleagues want to look away when it comes to integrity issues. I was warned about how difficult this is as a mayor. It is very complicated. We had a fantastic lecture for three years. And I am disappointed that I did not turn it into a good You just can’t control the behavior of others.”
The councilors spoke of an emotional and painful evening, they are concerned about the confidence of the inhabitants of Someren in local politics. The mayor’s position was maintained. “Things have gone wrong, but is it enough for follow-up steps? We’ll leave it at this, but deeply regret the course of events,” said councilor Marco Stolwijk. The party of the dismissed alderman Guido Schoolmeesters, the Community List, wants a council survey when the new council takes office after the elections.
ALSO READ: Tears at dismissed alderman after witness statements from officials in court