Local residents have submitted a request under the Open Government Act (Woo) regarding the issue at Langbroek in Peize. This highlights issues that, according to local residents, tend towards a ‘regent culture’, something that was already observed in April 2021 in the municipality of Noordenveld. Research by Necker and Tilburg University concluded that in the municipality of Noordenveld – just like the municipalities of Boxtel and Zeist – there is a ‘small group that dominates decision-making’.
To substantiate this, local residents cite internal emails between Noordenveld councilors from coalition parties, in which a meeting is held to discuss a time to speak to the council about the ‘Langbroek issue’. In one of those emails, a councilor suggests not to meet on a Wednesday evening, otherwise it would create the appearance of bias:
‘After consultation, Wednesday evening appears not to be a suitable time. Since it is a small committee and without opposition, it is not “helpful” for the image towards the other factions if you sit together on Wednesday evening. We are looking for another suitable time. You will hear it as soon as possible.’
In another email – from the council – the same picture emerges:
‘It did not feel right for us as council members to meet with a few council members, and in that case only from the coalition, after a council meeting, including the presence of a number of civil servants. People often talk behind our backs. We can prevent this by finding a time outside the council agenda.’
When asked, Alderman Meijer emphasizes that it is not strange for councilors to sit down with the council in private company. “All council members can request a meeting with the council about certain matters. This includes opposition parties.”