“It seemed like a successful initiative, but it ended in several disappointments.” That is briefly how councilor Rieja Raven (PvdA-GroenLinks) describes the project to build four starter homes on the Lievingerveld. Yet she would do the same in the future, she says. The factions VVD, OMD and coalition party Gemeentebelangen-BBB requested an extra debate because they believe that the municipality should take a critical look at itself.
This critical look at himself does not do enough for the councilor, according to OMD, VVD and Municipal Interests-BBB. After an hours-long debate that lasts until after midnight, they draw the figurative yellow card. “We occasionally miss the alderman’s sense of self-reflection,” says VVD member Arjan van Gelderen. “We have no choice but to support this,” says Jannes Kerssies on behalf of Gemeentebelangen-BBB. “We have information that shows that the situation is different from what is currently outlined by the alderman,” he explains afterwards.
Despite the support of the largest party in the council, the motion does not obtain a majority. Most parties want to continue in a constructive manner. That doesn’t mean they are happy with the situation. Gineke Radix-Feijen of Positive Vooruit puts it as follows: “It is essential that we face the mistakes honestly. After all, we are not here for ourselves, but for our residents. They deserve a municipality that listens to them.”