Van Haeften (D66) previously served as alderman in the municipalities of Haarlemmerliede and Spaarnwoude. After that municipality merged with Haarlemmermeer, he moved to Zandvoort where he succeeded councilor Ellen Verheij. Zandvoort has just experienced an administrative crisis.
“He was a so-called ‘external councilor’ between 2000 and 2002,” Moolenburgh continues. “He did not live in Zandvoort, but in Halfweg.” Van Haeften was given a broad portfolio, which also included Youth and Education.
And he was responsible for the development of the circuit on behalf of the municipality and was therefore closely involved in the consultation on the return of Formula 1. He started working on this with enthusiasm.
A nice warm personality
“The first edition was canceled due to corona. He was able to experience the next one,” says Moolenburgh. “He had an incredible amount of energy, was always enthusiastic, cheerful and just had a nice warm personality. He had a chat with everyone.”
The mayor praises the way in which Van Haeften represented the municipality during the discussions with the circuit. He was also decorated as a Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau.