Less than two months after the municipal elections, John Benjamins has already retired as a councilor of Municipal Interests Hoogeveen. Benjamins is too busy with his work as a financial advisor.
In recent months, the number of applications for his company has grown considerably. “A growth that I did not foresee at the beginning of this year. This means that the combination of activities now ensures that I can no longer dedicate myself 100 percent to the council work in the municipality of Hoogeveen,” Benjamins writes in a letter to his side.
He had only been a member of Municipal Interests since October 2021. “Not being able to deliver this commitment goes against my personal conviction and I experience it as a shortcoming towards the residents of Hoogeveen. I unfortunately come to the conclusion that I must resign the position of councilor.”
Party chair Hilma Hooijer understands Benjamins’ choice. His successor is Cihan Ozbilir, who was active as a deputy councilor.