Outgoing alderman Pieter Meekels of the GOB party has been appointed honorary citizen of Sittard-Geleen.
During a farewell meeting in the theater he was presented with the award and the certificate by Mayor Hans Verheijen.
File knowledge
Verheijen praised Meekels for his enormous file knowledge and experience. He also called him the constant factor in the municipal council, while Sittard-Geleen is characterized by college changes. Fellow alderman Leon Geilen of GOB spoke of a special Meekels approach in politics. He characterized him as someone who doesn’t beat around the bush, keeps appointments and always wants conversations to take place in a good atmosphere.
“You have always remained approachable for the residents. You were always there for the people. A hard, businesslike politician with a soft core,” says Geilen.
Also read: Figurehead of Sittard-Geleen city council is retiring
Crown at work
He called the gains of GOB in the elections in March, when the party rose from 9 to 12 seats, as the crowning achievement of the rejuvenation and renewal that has been started under the leadership of Meekels ‘as a figurehead’ from 2018 onwards. Meekels himself described Sittard-Geleen’s honorary citizenship as a “very special appreciation that I have received.” He called the basis of his functioning the drive to help people and to be ready when they need you.
misses
Looking back, he noticed that a lot had gone wrong, slower than expected or could have been done differently. “But fortunately a lot has gone well,” said the departing alderman. Meekels also reflected on the declining confidence, also in local politics. In the last municipal elections, the turnout in Sittard-Geleen was 49.5 percent. “Politics must find a way to spend more time with residents and make time for participation and networking,” Meekels told local politicians. For example, by making each of the 37 councilors a kind of ambassador for a district or neighbourhood.
Also read: First female party leader for Sittard-Geleen party
36 years
Meekels has been active in local politics for 36 years – since 1986. First in the former independent municipality of Born, from 2001 in the new merged municipality of Sittard-Geleen. He has been an alderman for a total of 20 years, of which two more years in Born. He has held this position without interruption since 2006.
Meekels remains active in politics as chairman of the board of GOB. He is currently also a member of the GOB negotiating delegation for the formation of a new coalition.
It will in any case consist of GOB and CDA.