The new college of B&W introduces itself
In March, Kerkrade residents went to the polls for a new council. At the council meeting on May 25, a new municipal council was appointed. The new council is formed by politicians from four coalition parties and Mayor Petra Dassen-Housen. A team of six aldermen and the mayor will be at the helm of the municipality in the coming years. Together they will continue to build a vital and challenging Kerkrade. In the coming weeks, the members of the board will introduce themselves to you one by one.
'I continue to fight hard for education in this city'
Passport Jo Schlangen
Political party: Burgerbelangen Kerkrade
Born on: September 15, 1957
Lives in: I live on the border between Chèvremont and Haanrade.
Portfolio: Education, Culture, Sports, Welfare, Coordination VIE, Public Affairs and Services, Information Policy and Automation, Weekly Markets and Fairs and District Alderman East.
Experience: After high school I went to the then Pedagogical Academy (now PABO) and became a teacher. Then I worked in the social cultural field for a long time. Then I ran a catering business with my wife for many years. Finally, I embarked on a political career.
Which person would you still like to meet and why?
I would like to meet Dennis Wiersma (Minister of Education). I would like to explain to him how important full secondary education in the form of The Martin Buber is for this city. That our plans in the part of citizenship are just very good.
What achievement are you most proud of?
That I have stayed close to myself. And that I can still have a conversation with everyone in town. But above all, that I treat everyone nicely and never judge anyone.
What do Kerkrade residents not yet know about you?
I'm basically an open book. Most people probably won't know that I like to wear colorful socks and shirts with a nice pattern.
How were the first two months as Alderman in the new composition of the college?
Basically, it went very smoothly. We already knew the new aldermen from the council. It took some getting used to them and seeing how they were going to find their way. But they got used to it very quickly. The door is always open with everyone for each other as well.
What can citizens expect from you? What will you stand up for in the coming years?
I will continue to fight hard for education in this town. Quality secondary education is incredibly important for Kerkrade. I would also like to see associations continue to do well. We want to continue to facilitate that. And we think Vie's program will have a part in this. Associations are the cement of society and a good partner to promote health and vitality. We want to work on the city together with the people. A good example of such cooperation is the Healthy Elementary School of the Future (GBT) in Elementary School de Steltloper in Rolduckerveld and Nulland. It took a while for this idea to gain support, but now the school has 46 volunteers from the neighborhood. Support from the bottom up is important, which is why we value citizen participation.
What drove you to become politically active?
I have always been interested in politics, but I wanted to wait until after my working life. After all, I wanted to have all the time and space for it. In high school, statecraft was already one of my favorite subjects. Now I know I made a good choice by going into politics. I enjoy coming to work every day.