New Year's thoughts and greetings from Mayor Dassen on behalf of the college
Yesterday, January 1, 2023, we were able to usher in the new year with our traditional New Year's Reception. A fine tradition that reflects the high level of interconnectedness and community spirit in Kerkrade.
In addition to this reception, the College was also present at two locations in the city, namely outside at Brasserie Nieuw Erenstein and at the Botanical Garden. To offer residents a hot chocolate or coffee and tea during a walk, and in this way also to convey best wishes. We are thus linking an old and important tradition with new ways to connect with our residents.
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That we could all come together like this was unthinkable for two years. A tough period for our city and its people. Corona defined our lives and made us experience for the first time in a long time that nothing can be taken for granted. A feeling that has only intensified since last February with the beginning of Russia's war against Ukraine. A war on European soil, with great consequences, also for us here. We receive many refugees, we do so with heart and soul. We struggle with the energy crisis and try to alleviate the worst needs with measures. Nothing can be taken for granted. The gratitude we experience from the Ukrainians in our midst, but certainly also from the asylum seekers we gave extra shelter to for several weeks in Sporthal Rolduc, is great. We are confronted with people who have left everything behind in search of safety and security.
Of course, we also have issues in our society that require attention. We too have people living in poverty and need. But attention to the one does not have to exclude attention to the other. It is not either-or, but both-and. Why? Because nothing is self-evident, and it is our task to keep thinking and acting in a humane manner at all times. That nothing is self-evident has been dramatically experienced by two families in Kerkrade. The family of Gino van der Straaten was left dejected after the murder of their 9-year-old son and brother. And sadly, Gino's mother also died a short time ago. A fateful year for both sisters who bravely endured. The family of Manuela Derksen is also left distraught after her life ended abruptly in her own home. Indescribable suffering, a thousand questions that may never be answered.
March 16, the City Council elections took place. Despite all our efforts, the turnout remained disappointing. We have a task to keep democracy alive. Something that our late council member Angelique Moberts-Lenzen made a very strong case for. We carry her with us in all our work. The new college started in May and has been working ambitiously ever since. Our organization withstands all storms, is resilient and flexible; at a time when much is required of municipalities, we never call on our civil servants in vain. Our council is engaged in everything that goes on in our community and, with the support of the Municipal Clerk’s Office , looks for ways to best fulfill its role and duties. We celebrated the Eurodefest in May with our neighbors on Nieuwstraat, were privileged to congratulate the church in Eygelshoven on its 100th anniversary, gave a Martin Buber Plaque to Auma Obama and Iris Berben, celebrated a wonderful World Music Competition, enjoyed the concerts of Guido Dieteren and his European Pop Orchestra on Markt, opened the new Vie complex with an ambitious health program.
There is much to be thankful for, not least for the many hundreds of volunteers who make Kerkrade the town it is: sometimes a bit raw but always with a lovely edge. A town that cherishes its history and takes seriously the task now associated with it. A city that does not shy away from challenges, but takes them up, even if sometimes grumbling. A city you can only love. A city to be proud of.
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On the threshold of a new year, it is fair to also name the concerns that dominate our thoughts. What will a longer war in Ukraine mean for Ukrainians themselves and also for our city? How will the price of energy develop? How do we restore trust in the government, and perhaps in each other? Nothing can be taken for granted, the future is uncertain. At this juncture, it comes down to how we as a community stay the course. Finally, that is one of Kerkrade's strengths. And we stay the course by continuing to have an eye for each other. By listening carefully and not being too quick to judge and condemn. We will stay on course by continuing to work on our mission in our town: allowing all districts to flourish, health and vitality, sustainability and safety. We stay on course by remaining a community in everything. For our politicians, we stay on course by remaining part of the solution in Kerkrade, and not, as it is perceived in the Netherlands according to the recent SCP report: part of the problem. I am counting on you and in that sense, on behalf of the full Board of Mayor and Aldermen, the City Council and the civil service organization, I wish you a steady and vital 2023.