Gerwen village council election
On March 18, as a resident of Gerwen, you can vote for the person you would like to see return as a member of the Gerwen village council.
You can cast your vote between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. at the D'n Heuvel Community Center.
Below, the candidates introduce themselves to you.
Edith van Zalinge
My name is Edith van Zalinge and I have been living in the outskirts of Gerwen for almost 25 years. Due to my full-time work (as a journalist and filmmaker) outside the region, I have not yet had the opportunity to actively contribute to the place where I enjoy living and working so much.
But now that I have a little more space in my schedule, I am happy to contribute to this beautiful place in any way I can. Research shows how important social cohesion and local networks are as people become increasingly dependent on each other as a result of developments such as aging, pressure on emergency services, and other issues. A village council can play a role in this in the immediate living environment, and I would like to contribute to that.
Eddie Udink
Forty-eight years ago, I visited my friend in Kerkakkers, where I got to know a little bit about the beautiful, friendly village of Gerwen. The friendship is still there, as is our fondness for our village. Now I have been living with my wife Nora in cozy Gerwen for over five years and would never want to return to the big city. I have always been active as a volunteer, and now something new may be coming my way: the Village Council. I have therefore put myself forward as a candidate to work with others to maintain the quality of life and citizen participation in Gerwen. I would also like to take a look at green space maintenance as an expert and share my vision on the subject.
Erik Vos
My name is Erik Vos and, together with my wife Desiree, I have been living in beautiful Gerwen for over five years now, having moved here from Eindhoven.
My daily work takes place at the municipality of Eindhoven, where I work as a security director for professional soccer. As the current chairman of 't Gerwenshof, it will come as no surprise that resident participation is central to me. We make decisions together, with room for everyone's voice. I believe in listening before deciding.
The strength of our community lies in the people who form it. Neighborhood and district associations play an indispensable role in this, and I want to ensure that their ideas, concerns, and initiatives are truly heard. Building together towards a strong, committed, and future-oriented Gerwen.
Maria Polman
My name is Maria Polman, I am 45 years old, and I have lived in Gerwen my entire life. I live in the Gerwen Sun. neighborhood with my partner Peter and our three children Sun. the past term, I have enjoyed serving as chair of the Gerwen Village Council. I found this role to be both educational and inspiring.
It is with great enthusiasm that I am once again standing as a candidate for the Gerwen Village Council. In the coming period, I expect concrete steps to be taken on important plans for housing and infrastructure. With the knowledge and experience gained during the previous term, I want to remain involved and, together with the new village council and the residents of Gerwen, contribute to a good result for our village. In addition, I see opportunities to increase resident involvement and make the village council more visible and accessible.
Linda Gebben-Smits
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself: my name is Linda Gebben-Smits, I am 45 years old, married to Mark, and mother of two wonderful teenage sons.
I have lived in Gerwen for most of my life. I was born in Eeneind, but moved to Gerwen when I was five. I went to primary school here, just like our sons. I can safely say that I am a true Gerwenaar.
Activities such as Juventud, Children's Holiday Week, and helping with village activities are some of the things I have been involved in. Now that my sons are in secondary school and vocational education, I think it would be a good step to join the Gerwen Village Council. This is also because I feel connected to our village and would like to contribute ideas about its future. There are always issues that deserve attention, such as quality of life, traffic, facilities, and preserving the village character. I like to contribute ideas, listen to others, and work towards a village where everyone can live comfortably. Together, we can make the village even better!
Ruurd van Heijst
My name is Ruurd van Heijst. I am 64 years young, father of three children, and grandfather of one grandchild.
I have been happily living in Gerwen for almost 37 years!
I teach in the green at the special school in Eindhoven.
I have devoted 12 years to general matters in Gerwen that are important to our village, and I would like to do so once more for the next four years if I am elected.
Building is the most important item, and staying alert to developments that affect our village!