Finance and citizen involvement were two themes that were also of great importance to LGN. Koekkoek believes that Noordenveld could have been much warmer financially. “And involving citizens in the plans of the municipality is still difficult.”
Managing expectations
Koekkoek points to Peize-Zuid, among other things, where the municipality wants to build. “There has never really been a conversation with local residents, while the plans have been in development for years.”
Koekkoek agrees that it is not all doom and gloom in the area of participation. “In the case of the Norgerduinen approach, it went well. It turns out that if you start talking early, you can manage expectations.”
syrupy
Koekkoek will not miss the official language of politics. “And I can also miss the sluggishness with which plans were often implemented. That was perhaps the most disappointing thing at the beginning: how difficult everything is.”
Despite this, Koekkoek remains involved in his party. “In the background, of course. There are still plenty of exciting years to come.”