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.

'Continuing to put our shoulders to the wheel together for a beautiful city is so important'

Passport Mayor Petra Dassen-Housen

Political Party: The mayor is above parties.
Born on: May 12, 1972
Lives in: Kerkrade Center
Portfolio: Public order and safety, Disaster management, Enforcement coordination, Eurode and international affairs, Communication and daily management Parkstad Limburg.

Experience: I was previously mayor in Beesel, a close-knit village community. There I enjoyed the bond between the people. When you see that, you also experience how important it is that people feel at home, secure and welcome. You also see that in Kerkrade, at the associations and in the neighborhoods. And sometimes it's gone for a while. Continuing to put our backs into a beautiful city together is so important. That gives me energy every day to be as approachable as possible for all residents.

Which person would you still like to meet and why?
Angela Merkel I would like to meet. I find it particularly clever that someone has held the reins at that level for so long. I would like to talk to her about what that was like. She's from East Germany, I think it would be interesting to talk about that. 

What achievement are you most proud of?
I am proud of our children and the path they are choosing in a world that is not always easy. In my work, I am most proud when people have felt that they have been genuinely seen and listened to. I am also proud of the big projects like Superlocal and VIE, for example, that Kerkrade is realizing. With these projects, we are taking good steps towards a sustainable and healthy future.

What do Kerkrade residents not yet know about you?
I am a huge snacker. It's important that the candy jar in my office is always well stocked. The more sour the candy, the better!

How were the first two months as mayor in the new college?
It's always exciting with a new team. Getting to know everyone is very special. I always find that a fun phase. You start to see how you strengthen the team feeling. It's the honeymoon period so to speak. The team feeling that emerges in this new period will help determine the success of this college. I enjoy this work, especially as we make strides together. Looking back at the March municipal elections, the low voter turnout was a bit of a disappointment. I'm working on that a lot. What are the causes? What can you do locally to change this?

What can citizens expect from you? What will you stand up for in the coming years?
With the team, we want to be approachable and close to the people. Working on health, vitality and livability are also important themes in Kerkrade. Quality of life includes full secondary education. The arrival of The Martin Buber would be a very good step for our town. I remain positive and am convinced that the school will come. Another important thing for us is that we work together with our residents in all these projects. Therein lies a great strength. 

What drove you to become politically active?
I like the fact that in politics you can make a difference for people. In small things, but also in big things. The beauty of working for the municipality is that you are so close to the people themselves. And that you try to make life more pleasant and better for people.