I began my professional career as an assistant to two Members of Parliament in the Houses of Parliament. I combined this role with being a local councilor, which allowed me to gain valuable on-the-job experience. Although it was many years ago, I still meet with one of those MPs regularly.
After my time in Parliament, I worked for the Home Office in a department focused on overseeing provinces and municipalities. This role was where I truly learned how municipal finances function.
In 2003, a significant change in Dutch law required that the role of the clerk as secretary of the city council become mandatory. Prior to this, the city manager had performed this function. Parliament’s change to the law emphasized the importance of a strong advisory staff for the council, essentially mirroring the structure of the Dutch Parliament and government.
That same year, I transitioned into the role of clerk and became a deputy clerk. I worked first in Hoorn and Bergen, and in 2007, I became the clerk in Reeuwijk. In this capacity, I oversaw the merger of two city councils with differing cultures. One of my strategies to unite both councils was to organize mutual training sessions for the councils. I also initiated a two-day retreat for the council in a conference hotel. The 1st retreat was held in 2008, the retreat is now in its 18th year and is always held at the same conference center.
I have been a pioneer in implementing digital work methods for the council. I organized the first paperless meeting in 2007, even before the introduction of iPads and other tablets. Other initiatives I introduced, which are now quite common, include live-streaming and webcasting, digital voting in the council chamber, and the use of a digital signature for official council documents.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, my council was the first in the Netherlands to hold an online meeting, just one week after the lockdown began. This achievement was made possible by the innovations we had already implemented.
Our most recent accomplishment is being the first council in the Netherlands to adopt a new bylaw for citizen participation. Due to an impending change in Dutch municipal law, we were required to revise our previous bylaw. This achievement was recognized when the Minister for the Interior visited us and used our experience as an example in discussions with Parliament.
Besides my council work I am a part-time trainer and coach. Together with colleagues we have developed a training to help what we call in the Netherlands the governmental triangle of mayor, city manager and the clerk to work better together and provide excellent service to their communities. This program is currently been offered to and organized for municipalities in the Netherlands.
