After reviewing the November 2023 budget council meeting, I was struck by how the CDA, for example, struggled with how to interpret the figures, the VVD (People's Party for Freedom and Democracy) considered everything fine, and D66 (Democrats 66) looked forward to the forthcoming memoranda. That evening, we at FlorAalsmeer again urged a clear vision for the future of Aalsmeer and Kudelstaart. A broadly supported, long-term perspective that charts the course of our municipality for the next 15 to 20 years.

A vision provides insight into essential matters: How do we envision our municipality growing? How much space is available for businesses without jeopardizing the quality of life in our villages? How do we intend to retain young people here, and how do we ensure a comfortable life for our seniors? We face major challenges, such as the aging population and the increasing pressure on healthcare. But also the significant shortage of housing for first-time buyers and seniors, and the increasing proliferation of commercial development among residential properties. We need not only a vision for this, but also, more importantly, a goal to work toward. A vision of the future that inspires us and helps us make well-considered decisions, now and in the future.

I predict the council will refer to the environmental vision, but let's be clear: this is not the vision we're referring to. As can be read on the municipal website, the environmental vision primarily provides a framework for spatial development, but it doesn't outline the identity we want Aalsmeer and Kudelstaart to develop. It doesn't present a clear vision of the future, no clear point on the horizon.

What we are seeing, however, are missed deadlines and postponed decisions. For example, we're still waiting for the area vision for Kudelstaart, the Schinkelpolder, the events memorandum, and we recently learned that the traffic circulation plan won't be on the agenda until March 2025. We'll discuss the housing vision next week, but when we can expect the implementation agenda remains unclear.

Meanwhile, the clock is ticking, and we're already halfway through this council term. The implementation of the aforementioned topics will be postponed until the next council term. This would be acceptable, provided we have a consistent and inspiring vision for the future as a foundation. A goal that guides our actions over multiple council terms, regardless of political shifts. Unfortunately, we believe this essential goal for Aalsmeer and Kudelstaart is lacking.

We are also concerned about the plans to cut back on healthcare and services for our residents. For us at FlorAalsmeer, this is a clear red line. If Aalsmeer were a business, overhead would be addressed, not the crucial healthcare that our community will only increasingly rely on in the coming years. We are committed to ensuring that this essential care is safeguarded.

We are also concerned that the executive board wants to acquire the authority for strategic purchases without a prior council proposal. This should be submitted to us, the council, via a separate proposal. For this reason, among others, we are co-sponsors of the amendment that critically examines this matter.

With the anticipated "ravine year" looming, we hope there will be no major setbacks and that sound business acumen will keep the municipality financially stable. This way, we can build a future in which all residents, young and old, can continue to live in Aalsmeer and Kudelstaart, a livable area in every respect.



Judith Keessen

Party leader FlorAalsmeer