After consultation with the faction leaders, King’s Commissioner René Paas has appointed Leendert Klaassen as acting mayor of the municipality of Westerwolde.
The decision to appoint an observer is in connection with Mayor Jaap Velema’s sick leave. The appointment will take effect on March 4, 2024 and will hopefully apply for a short period until Mayor Velema has recovered, according to the municipality.
Leendert Klaassen (1950) was previously acting mayor of Westerwolde in 2018. He previously held the office in Zuidhorn and before that in Midwolda. Klaassen has also served as chairman of the Executive Board of Stenden University of Applied Sciences and clerk of the Senate of the States General.
CdK René Paas: “I am happy that Leendert Klaassen, with his previous experience in the municipality of Westerwolde, is willing to deputize for Jaap Velema. Hopefully it’s short-lived. I wish Mayor Velema a speedy recovery.”