The Mayor's New Year's Eve Speech

Dear residents, business owners, representatives of associations and organizations, emergency services, fellow administrators, and all other stakeholders,

A warm welcome to this New Year’s Eve gathering. Once again this year, we’ve gathered together in the unique Christmas atmosphere of Duivenvoorde Castle, with all its lights and candles, to look back on 2024. It was a year of extremes, in which sorrow and joy were very close together.

Astrid and Luca

First and foremost, at a time like this, our thoughts go out to the loved ones we have lost this year. For some, it is a great loss in their immediate circle, someone very close to them. For others, it is a loss that is a little further removed.

But sometimes a loss affects us all. That’s when I think of Astrid and Luca. Seventeen-year-old Astrid was the victim of a traffic accident. Twenty-two-year-old Luca was killed in a stabbing. Two young people, both of whom still had their whole lives ahead of them.

It was heartwarming to see how, as a community, we rallied around these families and groups of friends, hoping that everyone involved would find support there—that they wouldn’t have to face this alone. At moments like these, I realize once again just how special Voorschoten is.

Natural Ice Rink

It’s always a complicated transition from such sad memories to the present day. Looking back on this year, what other memories will stay with us?

The first thing that comes to mind—partly because of the fairy-tale atmosphere in this castle—is the hour we spent on our own natural ice rink in mid-January. What a gift it was to be able to stand on the ice as the sun rose so beautifully. Thanks to ice master Adri Hendriks and all the volunteers, who always manage to organize this for us in a flash. Let’s hope we can enjoy our own Olympic-sized natural ice rink again this winter!

Housing Construction

It’s a short step from the natural ice rink to the flexible housing units. We put a lot of energy into it, but in the end, democracy prevailed here as well. Because there wasn’t enough support, we decided together not to build the flexible housing units.

But of course, we do need to build homes! Fortunately, we’ve all worked hard on this together—the city council, the executive board, and the city administration. The new Het Fortuyn neighborhood in Voorschoten has been completed. At Park Beresteyn, the highest point has been reached. Construction has begun on Professor Einsteinlaan. And at Churchillplein and Oude Stationslaantje, we’ve launched social housing projects. And I haven’t even mentioned everything yet. Whether this is enough, I won’t comment on that… That’s a political judgment. In any case, plans are being taken up and carried out, and together we’re building for the future!

Culture

A highlight this year was the city council’s unanimous decision to finally make Het Kruispunt THE cultural center. This marks a huge step forward after 25 years of talking, researching, talking, producing paperwork, and even more talking. It felt like the extension of the A4 highway… During the council meeting, I said, “Congratulations, Voorschoten.” Those words came from the heart. Because what a huge step we’ve taken together for culture in our village! Kudos to everyone who contributed to this, both in front of and behind the scenes.

Even today, that church plays an important role in our village. Just think of the Voorschoten Awards or the musical “The Price of Freedom.” What an incredible experience that was, as the highlight of the celebration marking the 450th anniversary of the Relief of Leiden. Although we now know that there was nothing to celebrate in Voorschoten at the time… And of course, don’t forget the exhibition at Museum Voorschoten, the “Freedom Beer,” and the bike tour through the region—a great tip for the Christmas break.

Sports

I’d like to stay on the topic of sports and physical activity for a moment. For example, with its new sports facilities policy, the council has given a broad boost to sports. For the first time in Voorschoten’s history, we have a sports facilities policy. It includes, for example, a very important investment in the track and field facility. In addition, we’ve launched “Samen Gezond Voorschoten.” It’s incredibly important for the municipality to continue investing in sports. It’s one of the pillars of our society.

At the intersection of sports and culture, we celebrated 100 years of the Voorschoten Short-Track Trotting Race. Once again, the Paardenmarkt Voorschoten Committee and the board of the Voorschoten Short-Track Trotting Race, together with all the volunteers, put on a fantastic celebration. I recently had the honor of presenting the Royal Medal of Honor for this unique anniversary of the Voorschoten Short-Track Trotting Race. Voorschoten and horses are inextricably linked. Let’s work together to ensure that this weekend remains a tradition for years to come! 

Public Space and Sustainability

Now, about the roundabout. Last year, standing right here, I promised you that the roundabout would be renovated in 2024. Fortunately, Councilor Schokker has made this happen! It took some patience, especially for local residents. But now we have a roundabout that is, above all, safer—and also greener. After the New Year, we’ll continue with major maintenance on Raadhuislaan, Oranjeboomstraat, and the surrounding area.

One of the largest projects Voorschoten has ever seen is the Adegeest project. You’ve probably heard about the hassle with the permits. We’re assuming that’s behind us now, and that we’ll receive the necessary permits from the Rijnland Water Board in January so we can really get started. 

Of course, we can’t fail to mention Voorschoten’s group victory at the Dutch Tile-Flipping Championship in the Regio071 group. The bag the alderman received as a prize, bearing the inscription, “A day without flipping is a day not lived,” is definitely a keepsake!

And then there was the opening of the Corbulo Tunnel, a tremendous achievement by our local citizens’ initiative, Team Compromis RijnlandRoute. It just goes to show what a small village can accomplish!

Economy

That brings me to the economy. Where would we be without our local entrepreneurs? Every day, they devote themselves heart and soul to our community—not only through their local businesses, of course, but also by organizing events.

With the “Downtown Development Vision,” there will soon be some great plans to make downtown Voorschoten even more attractive and vibrant, starting with Treubplein. It’s great that we’re all putting so much energy into this together!

It’s just a short walk from Treubplein to the Ambachts- en Baljuwhuis, a historic site in Voorschoten. There has been a lot of discussion this year about the building’s future. This matter, too, has been successfully resolved this year—a milestone for Voorschoten. Pieter van den Berg and Mariette Mol of Het Wapen will be operating the building. How wonderful that two entrepreneurs who are so passionate about Voorschoten have dared to take this step. Many thanks to them! It marks the start of a new era. And I look forward to stopping by soon! 

Another thing I’m happy about is the now-traditional entrepreneurs’ breakfast on Entrepreneurs’ Day. Once again this year, many entrepreneurs were in attendance. What a boost of energy a morning like that gives!

Safety

A topic that’s been getting a lot of attention these days is security, particularly digital security. It became clear last April that this is not just some distant concern. That’s when a serious attempt was made to hack the Voorschoten municipal system.

Perhaps you also saw the television program *Blackout*. It was about a power outage in three provinces caused by a cyberattack on the grid operator Stedin. It was a fictional scenario, but the likelihood of something like this actually happening is greater than ever. What should every resident and every family do to prepare for this and be able to fend for themselves for two or three days without utilities and without government assistance? You’ll be hearing more about this next year.

Fortunately, I can say at this moment that Voorschoten is a safe municipality. Yes, the nationwide trend of bicycle thefts, home burglaries, and even the theft of car parts unfortunately affects us as well. But we really have a lot to be grateful for, thanks to the dedication of the police officers from the Leiden-Zuid team, the criminal investigation department, and our own special enforcement officers. It’s a shame that, due to the sensitivity of investigations, we can’t always show just how much effort is being put in. But I know what all of you are doing. As mayor, I’m very happy about that and proud of it. And as a daughter, niece, and friend with a heart that’s all blue, I have nothing but gratitude for everything. 

Region

During the celebration of the 450th anniversary of the Relief of Leiden, I said that if we had had regional cooperation back then, history would have taken a different course. Fortunately, the “every man for himself” mentality that still prevailed during that period is now behind us. After all, we cannot tackle many of society’s challenges without regional cooperation. For Voorschoten, this primarily involves cooperation within the Leiden Region, focused on Leiden and Hollands Midden, where we are working together more and more effectively. But borders are just borders. I’m also thinking of my fellow administrators from Haaglanden, Leidschendam-Voorburg, and Wassenaar, which border Voorschoten. Only by working together can we tackle the challenges we face.

Other Topics

What else did we do in 2024? Since you want to head to the get-together, I’ll just quickly mention a few more recent activities.

In June, we celebrated Keti Koti for the first time in Voorschoten. At Buitenplaats Berbice, we enjoyed an impressive gathering where we shared stories, danced, and had a delicious meal.

That same month, we were also busy with elections again, this time for the European Parliament. That’s always quite a logistical challenge, what with setting up polling places and counting all the ballots.

When you say “elections,” you’re talking about volunteers. We’re so lucky to have them! From family caregivers and volunteer firefighters to volunteers at events like King’s Day and the arrival of Sinterklaas. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I also think of the ribbons and pearls I had the honor of presenting this year. The unveiling of the White Carnation Garden, a tribute to our veterans. The commemorative plaque for Ton van der Pol. And the 40th anniversary of the Mauritsgroep Scouting Group. At moments like these, it’s a joy to be mayor.

It’s also a real pleasure for me to chair the city council—a council where personal relationships are good and where discussions are lively, but always focused on the issues. These days, that’s truly a rarity. I’d like to say to The Hague: Come take a look at Voorschoten and see how it can be done!

And then there was the farewell to the bandstand. That was certainly no celebration. It made many of you sad. I understand that. But it really wasn’t safe anymore. I always say that wood needs to move, but when I see jumping Petes almost breaking through the floor, I have no choice but to take responsibility for everyone’s safety. After all, that’s what I’m here for.

Conclusion

I’m wrapping up now. My father always used to say at this time of year, “The year is drawing to a close.” And that’s exactly how it is. 2024 is almost behind us, and 2025 is just around the corner. No one knows what next year will bring. What I do know is that it will be a special year, as we commemorate and celebrate the 80th anniversary of the liberation. Behind the scenes, preparations are already in full swing. You’ll definitely be hearing more about this!

For now, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a safe and joyful New Year’s Eve with family and friends. Let’s also be there for those who need a little help during this time. Thank you. Cheers!