You can learn to merge: swallowed Zeevang and Beemster give Weesp free advice

“Go well into the participation process”, advises predecessor Bert Meulenberg of the Stadspartij – Beemster Polder Party. But how does a city like Weesp guarantee that its identity will be preserved after the merger?

In 2015 Zeevang merged with Edam-Volendam† Kees Sietsema of the local party Zeevangs Belang was closely involved in this and knows better than anyone what major task Weesp faces. “We have tried to bridge the differences,” explains Sietsema. For example, a new industry has to be created and it will come. “But in such a way that Edam suffers as little as possible.”

The politician believes it is important to look at what is good for the entire municipality. Sietsema: “So it was also the turn of residents of Zeevang and Edam. Relatively speaking, Volendam has the most inhabitants, which means that there are the most facilities there, but it has to be in balance.”

In the Beemster, the merger is a lot more recent† last november the place merged with Purmerend† Party chairman of the City Party- Beemster Polder Party Bert Meulenberg thinks the process went well. “Go well into the participation process”, he advises Weesp.

‘Guarantee value area’

For Meulenberg it is above all necessary to properly safeguard the value of the area. In the Beemster, according to the politician, this can be achieved by involving entrepreneurs and farmers. Meulenberg: “I am sure that we have carefully monitored the value.” For example, the party has ‘valued’ plans for housing, but they do not want to make new plans.

“If you want to expand it, don’t do it in the direction of the Beemster, but in the other direction,” explains Meulenberg. “The Beemster is world heritage.” Sietsema agrees that the municipality should retain its own identity. An example is dike reinforcement. With this reinforcement came additional opportunities, such as the construction of a good cycle path. “We have ensured that the things that are important to the municipality have arrived in Zeevang.”

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The votes have only just been counted and the turnout was much higher than in previous elections, according to Sietsema, the Zeevangs Interest was reflected in the final result despite a seat loss. “Yes, we think so. Like all political parties, we walked through the streets with the leaflets, but noticed many reactions from Zeevang and Edam that people also started voting for us without a leaflet.”

Challenges

However, not all Zeevangers are happy with the merger and there are still some challenges, something that Weesp may also run into in the near future. “There are also hesitations”, explains Sietsema. “For example, there was a town hall in Oosthuizen, which has been merged with the town hall in Volendam. That is why the counter was closed. Alternative services would be provided in its place, which did not happen.”

These ‘small points’ ensure that residents of Zeevang sometimes get the feeling that they are being slightly disadvantaged. Sietsema: “Of ‘we don’t count yet’, that sentiment is still alive.” However, according to the politician, there are more advantages to the merger. “The entire administrative organization was quite limited. We try to explain that landscaping has become much more professional, such as the antique orchard that has been restored. We have to make sure that those benefits are visible.”

For Purmerend and de Beemster, the participation process was very important during the recent merger. Meulenberg: “You have to do that at the front, not the back. We consulted all residents, visited markets and sports associations and held meetings for farmers. We conducted an open organization process. Everyone could watch.”

Sietsema of the Zeevangs Interest believes that Weesp should think carefully about its own identity: “It is important that you are aware of the added value you provide to a greater whole. That is not only important for Weesp, but for the entire municipality. Good work together and try to keep an eye on the balance.” Sietsema suspects that this is a smaller difference for Zeevang than for Weesp. “I think you have to be very self-aware of your own qualities and bring them out all the time.”