While Zwartemeer is very comfortable in terms of candidates, Erica is still in the search for new blood. Three of the five board members have indicated that they want to stop, says secretary Aaltje Westerhof. “In the meantime we have again found three enthusiastic newcomers. We are also having plenty of talks with other candidates, so that we are approaching our mandatory minimum of nine members.”
Westerhof is hopeful that this search will come to a successful conclusion. “It looks good.”
The village council suffered a huge blow in the recent period due to the death of chairman Benny Kolker in February 2021. With the lack of that centipede, it was important for the council to pick itself up. “You miss him, because he did so much.” The village council has now put everything back on track, says Westerhof.
A striking break with the past is the fact that public village meetings have been held since last year. Before that, a lot was discussed or decided behind closed doors. According to Westerhof, the turnout was a bit disappointing. “About eight people showed up at the first meeting, even fewer at the second. If villagers can say something, they’re not there.”
Despite everything, there is the will within the village council to keep the discussions public. “Perhaps we don’t hold the meetings every month, but certainly periodically.”
For the next four years, efforts will be made to refurbish various residential neighbourhoods. Outdated or damaged paving and street furniture, excessive greenery and the reduction of speeders are some of the points of attention. A residents’ group is already active for the neighborhood Achter Mensing.
Comparable initiatives will follow for the streets Omhaal, Kolkje and the Duikerstraat as well as the Verlengde Vaart Noordzijde. “The goal is to work with enthusiastic local residents on what they consider important in their street.”
Residents of both villages can go to the polls on 15 March. The elections will take place at the same time as those for the Provincial Council and the water board.