Dear Knokke-Heist residents,
I never thought, 5 years ago, that I would have to write this letter with this message. However, in my opinion, this is the only correct thing I can do at this time.
The doings of certain aldermen, municipal councilors and other members of GBL ‘Puur’
has become impossible to describe in recent times. They are responsible for the continued chaos in our beloved coastal community. It started with the deliberate leaking and incitement in the press and it ended – or so I thought – with the resignation of mayor Piet de Groote. The ‘open letter’ from GBL (on October 3 last) upset me the most. Together with others, I was pressured to sign it. Our opponents hardly gave us time to think, let alone a chance to thoroughly take note of this setup. GBL claims this in their ‘open letter’‘transparency and integrity are the common thread’ but I have not seen any of this at the party itself in recent months. Opportunism and self-righteousness
would fit here better, I think…
After I openly asked questions about who had paid for the open letter campaign in the newspapers and for what purpose the campaign was being conducted, there was no longer a place for me within GBL ‘Puur’: I was no longer invited to their meetings.
Dear Knokke-Heist residents, it really doesn’t feel good to have to write this, but it is the only correct thing I can and must do. I publicly distance myself from such vile practices. The way in which GBL ‘Puur’ deals with people is something that I absolutely distance myself from: it is anything but in line with the values and standards that I have been taught.
Therefore the good news! I followed the example of other disappointed people and left GBL ‘Pure’. From now on, as an elected member of the people, I am an independent member of the municipal council. As residents, you have the right to serious drivers. I stand for openness, participation and co-management. I want a fair policy in all areas. I listen to your sighs, wishes and ideas. I will actually take that into account. The backroom politics must end!
Dear fellow citizens, you democratically elected me. I will continue to take my responsibility and honestly express my vision: in the municipal council and elsewhere, for the benefit of our dear coastal municipality and all its residents, now and in the future!
With independent and heart-warming regards,
Neil Couhysder
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