Arjen Maathuis (35) is nominated by the municipal council as the new mayor of Meppel. The VVD member is now an alderman in the municipality of Almelo.
“What an honor,” says a happy Maathuis in an initial response. He addressed the city council via video link. “I look forward to getting to know you and Meppel society. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Maathuis will succeed Richard Korteland, who resigned in June to become mayor of Almelo. Cees Bijl was appointed as acting mayor.
With Maathuis, the municipal council in Meppel once again opts for a VVD mayor. “He brings a lot of experience, politically and administratively,” says councilor Gert Stam (Christian Union). He is chairman of the confidential committee.
The confidential committee, a delegation from the municipal council, had a choice in the application process. A total of 31 candidates expressed their interest in the mayoralty: 23 men and 8 women.
Of the 31 candidates, two candidates remain. The municipal council voted for a preferred candidate in a closed meeting. The Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations can choose to appoint the number two, and this candidate will also come into the picture if something happens to the preferred candidate.
The new mayor will have to make do without councilor Robin van Ulzen (VVD) for the time being. His sick leave has been extended. The municipality leaves the reason for his absence unclear. If the municipal council agrees, Klaas Smidt will remain Van Ulzen’s replacement in the coming months.
Smidt, a resident of Dieverbrug, was previously an alderman in the municipality of Westerveld for many years. Since September, he has formed the alderman team in Meppel together with Klaas de Vries (Sterk Meppel) and Jeannet Bos (D66).
Maathuis is expected to be sworn in around April 1.