Raven has been part of politics in Central Drenthe for eleven years, eight years as a councilor and the last three as an alderman. “I was born and raised in the municipality and always had the dream of becoming a councilor, so I think it is a shame that I had to make this decision.” Her decision was not made overnight, because she was still involved in the formation negotiations for a new coalition.
In those eleven years, board culture has always been a problem for Raven. “Incident politics is being practiced here. Too much energy is spent on justifying details and not on the future of the municipality or the problems of the residents. That is why I no longer see a future in this.”
Raven continues: “It’s not about not receiving criticism, because a discussion about content is completely fine. But the fact that people doubt your good intentions does something to you. Then the truth no longer matters. That’s why it no longer feels comfortable for me to sit there.”
According to the GroenLinks-PvdA councilor, this does not alter the fact that very good things have been achieved in Central Drenthe. “We have made great progress in the areas of housing and social security, for example. I really wish the municipality a stable board with administrators who put their shoulders to the wheel.”
Raven doubts whether that will happen with the current culture and compositions. “You will not solve the structural problem with three new aldermen.”