Farewell to mayor Maarten Houben

On Thursday, February 1, Mayor Maarten Houben took his leave at Het Klooster. After he had already said goodbye to the municipal staff in the afternoon, two more activities took place that were more public.

Special council meeting

At the end of the afternoon, the special council meeting began. Invited guests received an invitation to this meeting and interested parties could watch the live registration of this special council meeting.

With a standing ovation, the mayor and his two daughters by his side were ushered into a packed council chamber. Several speakers were featured, including the unusual presence of the Queen's Commissioner Ina Adema at a mayor's farewell as the first speaker. Then Councilman Erik Jan Post spoke on behalf of the City Council, Alderman Niels Wouters on behalf of the College of Mayor and Aldermen, City Secretary Marike Arents on behalf of the civil service organization, and Frank van der Meijden spoke on behalf of the 19 regional mayors (the mayors' circle). Prior to Maarten Houben's farewell speech, his two daughters also spoke.

After the council meeting, there was a flag salute. After this, invited guests went to Ons Dorp café, where a Chinese buffet from Tong Ah restaurant was waiting. The King's Commissioner also stayed to have a bite to eat, before she and the 19 regional mayors left for the municipality of Heeze-Leende for the installation of their new mayor.

Public reception

From 7:30 p.m., everyone was welcome at The Monastery for the public reception. A long line soon formed. Meanwhile, those waiting could watch a video presentation by photographer Frank van Welie, with more than 200 photos of 12 years of Maarten Houben's mayoralty.

Mayor Houben bid a respectful farewell to the municipality of Nuenen, Gerwen and Nederwetten. Maarten thanks! For everything!