Kiki de Leeuw and Noortje van der Peet are the new children’s mayors of the municipality of Bloemendaal. In an election they had to compete against six competitors. After a very exciting round of voting, the two emerged as winners. Last night they received their chains of office. They succeed Aerdenhout’s Aaf Wemmers of the Vondelschool.
Aaf, the very first children’s mayor of Bloemendaal, was unfortunately ill during the ‘application round’, but she was there last night.
“It was an honor to be the first children’s mayor. It was exciting, educational and fun and I met many new people,” says Aaf. She wishes Kiki and Noortje good luck and then hands over her chain of office made from waste plastic. There is of course also a second chain of office. This one is made from cans plogger Paul Waye.
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The candidates for children’s mayor have been nominated by their schools. They had already been given a tour of the town hall and met in the council chamber two weeks ago to present their big ideas for the municipality.
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Role of the children’s mayor
Mayor Ankie Broekers-Knol then explained to the candidates in advance what child mayorship entails. “The children’s mayor believes that other children should be listened to. You should also understand what is going on in the municipality, especially for you.”
The children’s mayors are also allowed to talk to the council members and the real mayor if they disagree with something. “That is extremely important, because you are the future of our country,” said Broekers-Knol. “You are also an example for your peers.”
Kiki and Noortje are also allowed to accompany Ankie to work appointments occasionally. So they will have to divide the tasks a bit. Or perhaps one will become the real mayor and the other the ‘loco’.
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Animal-friendly lampposts
Both brand new mayors have big plans. 11-year-old Kiki from Aerdenhout first focuses on more lampposts in the municipality. “It is very dark outside in the evening. They must be animal-friendly lamps, otherwise it is sad for the animals.”
“I also want to see more playgrounds and football fields for young people. And that there will be better care for children. That if they have experienced something serious, they can immediately talk to therapists. Because sometimes they end up on a waiting list and they cannot Don’t talk about it right away.” She also hopes that more clubs will join the youth sports pass. “So that everyone who wants to exercise can also exercise.”
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Brighten up roadsides
The Vogelenzangse Noortje, the other citizen mother, is also ambitious. “I would make my neighborhood or community beautiful, cozy and peaceful. I would like flowers, insect hotels and birdhouses on the roadsides to brighten it up a bit.”
According to Noortje, things can also change in Bloemendaal when it comes to public art. “Schools will design works of art with all students and then they will send them in. Then the work of art will actually be made and then we will place it somewhere.”
Sports and culture
For more fun, Noortje would like to organize seasonal parties in the municipality. She also advocates ‘cultural days’ at schools. “These are days in which you get to know your environment and then you can talk about it to people who want to know something about the environment.” She also hopes that sports clubs can provide more ‘clinics’ to encourage children to exercise.
The two children’s mayors must decide together whether there will also be a children’s council in Bloemendaal. “I hereby promise to do my best for all children of Bloemendaal,” is the oath on Thursday evening. And now get started!
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