The Mayor's New Year's Address
A new year!
Dear Residents,
On behalf of the municipal government, I wish you a wonderful, happy, and above all, healthy 2022. This is the second year in a row that we are unable to meet in person and toast the New Year. That is a major disappointment. Like you, I had hoped that the measures to control the coronavirus would no longer be necessary.
The past year has once again demanded a lot from us; our resilience, ingenuity, and optimism have been put to the test. We all have our own stories to tell. What has stayed with me is that I’ve seen firsthand what the coronavirus can do to people and what it means to be affected by long COVID. I’ve also seen how the restrictions have affected—and continue to affect—people whose home situations are less than ideal. The despondency among business owners when stores and restaurants had to close their doors again.
But I’ve also felt the resilience of our village. In Voorschoten, we’ve looked out for one another and stood by each other. As mayor, I’m proud of that. Business owners who’ve managed to turn setbacks into opportunities. And the indispensable dedication of the many volunteers at, for example, sports clubs, cultural organizations, and social service organizations who were there for us.
Fortunately, New Year’s Eve passed quietly in Voorschoten. On New Year’s Eve and into the night, I was out on the streets with our enforcement officers and the police. I experienced this special shift for the emergency services firsthand and saw what they have to deal with. Fortunately, in the vast majority of situations, we encountered cheerful residents who were making the best of it together and celebrating in small groups.
We are at the start of a new year. With cautious optimism, we look forward to what we hope will be a year in which the coronavirus is brought under control. Politically, 2022 will be a special year; you will have the opportunity to vote for a new city council. Once again this year, the polling stations will be open for three days: on March 14, 15, and 16. I sincerely hope that many of you will make your voices heard. With your vote, you can influence the decisions made in Voorschoten on issues such as healthcare, housing, sustainability, and more. Ultimately, we do it all for you, the residents.
For me personally, 2022 will be a year of change. This spring, I’m moving to Voorschoten. I’m incredibly excited about it and look forward to truly becoming a part of our community.
I hope we’ll be able to meet in person a little more often this year—in the village, during work visits, or at an outdoor café. Wishing you a wonderful New Year!
Mayor Nadine Stemerdink
