Mr President, esteemed council, council members, listeners here and at home,

Today we're discussing the 2025 Policy Framework. This document outlines the municipal executive's plans and expectations for the coming years. It gives us an overview of the financial possibilities for our municipality. It shows how we can preserve and even improve our beautiful Aalsmeer and Kudelstaart.

While the memorandum contains these fine words, there are unfortunately also areas that fall short. Currently, we don't consider Aalsmeer and Kudelstaart as beautiful as they could be. We've been hearing calls for improvement, more green spaces, and catch-up maintenance for years, but it seems like a cry in the wilderness, unanswered and lost in a vast silence.

This memorandum lacks ambition and commitment from FlorAalsmeer. We want to preserve what we have through proper maintenance and avoiding cuts that directly impact our residents. With the 2026 chasm approaching, simply monitoring the situation is not enough. Rising interest costs for major projects are worrying, and we hope this won't cause unexpected problems in the future. We should focus on reducing overhead costs rather than on amenities that are essential to our community.

FLorAalsmeer is pleased that discussions are planned regarding the construction of a new swimming pool. We missed the council's involvement in this process. Reserving €32 million for a swimming pool is a significant investment, especially now. It means, among other things, that we have to cancel or postpone major maintenance. Therefore, we would have liked a list of priorities from the Multi-Year Perspective (MPP) so the council could make suggestions. Unfortunately, this request was not granted.

Our residents' trust in local government remains low. Participation is often seen as a formality rather than a truly engaged process. FlorAalsmeer calls for a better relationship between government and residents, with more personal interaction and engagement.

It's crucial to retain young people here to combat the aging population. Therefore, more affordable housing is needed for both young and old. Demand for affordable housing is high, and availability is low. Our initiative document for housing development in Kudelstaart is a step in the right direction. We must dare to think outside the box.

Our municipality is spending a lot of money on expensive research, such as for a location for a robust school in Kudelstaart. It's difficult to explain to our residents why this should cost €320,000. Be open and clear about these figures. Can't it really be done for less?

We are closely monitoring developments in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area (AMA) and the plans for the Westeinderscheg. We support green spaces and recreation, but there are limits. The plan to transform Aalsmeer and the Westeinderplassen into tourist attractions could lead to overload and inconvenience. Let's focus on what we as a community want, not what Amsterdam wants.

The energy master plan and sustainability agenda will be released later this year, but the municipal executive's ambitions are still unclear. Residents are concerned about national energy developments, such as the discontinuation of net metering for solar energy. We propose discussing local energy storage in batteries with the grid operator, so that Aalsmeer can become a pilot municipality. We look forward to hearing the municipal executive's response to this proposal.

Techniek Nederland warns that the Netherlands is nearly full and there's almost no room left for new businesses. We urge the municipal executive to ensure that residents don't suffer the consequences of large energy consumers.

This also applies to drinking water use. The demolition of over 500 dams in Europe has led to the disappearance of many freshwater basins. Most rainfall flows into the sea. Data centers consume enormous amounts of water, and residents are at risk of being disconnected if drinking water consumption is too high, and the government refuses to dig new wells. This is poor national policy. We are concerned about what this means for our residents. We would like to hear the municipal executive's response.

The priorities outlined in the council's program, such as eliminating deferred maintenance and promoting greener landscaping, have not yet been implemented. A clear example is Uiterweg, where maintenance issues persist. This also applies to other roads and intersections, as well as the abundance of weeds, such as at the entrance to the municipality, along Raadhuisplein (Town Hall Square), and the Waterfront. We lack policy and decisive action in this area.

We're asking for a vision for the future of Aalsmeer and Kudelstaart, in which we jointly determine how many businesses we still want to house, the population limit, and how we will ensure road and water safety. Instead of an environmental vision, we should collectively determine the identity of Aalsmeer and Kudelstaart; will we preserve the village character or allow urbanization? As far as FlorAalsmeer is concerned, we will preserve the village character.

Safety in our municipality is under pressure. There's a national need for increased investment in policing on the streets and on the water. More people, traffic, and recreation generate greater economic benefits, but the risk of nuisance and accidents also increases. Do we want unbridled growth, or do we set a limit so residents have sufficient space to live, work, and recreate without compromising safety?

And council, address safety on the N196! Regional partners finding changes too drastic shouldn't come at the expense of the safety of our residents.

FlorAalsmeer questions why nearly €1 million should be spent on renovating the council cellar and offices in the town hall. This amount was earmarked to strengthen the core organization. We do not see the benefit or necessity of a second council chamber. We requested a breakdown of this amount, but unfortunately did not receive it in time. We are irritated by the fact that such a large expense is being discussed so easily. We would prefer that this money be spent on strengthening the core organization, and that the cellar renovation only covers the bare essentials.

FlorAalsmeer sees a lack of ambition and clear plans for the future in this Policy Document. We urge the municipal executive to be concrete in its ambitions and invest in what truly matters to our residents: a safe, affordable, and healthy living environment. Let's work together towards a better future for Aalsmeer and Kudelstaart, preserving what we have and improving where possible.

Madam/Mr. Chair, the frameworks in the memorandum are not ours, but submitted to us by the executive board. However, they will become ours after you answer "yes" to your question: "Who supports this council proposal?" Changes or additions can only be made through motions or amendments. Nevertheless, FlorAalsmeer would like to see the future policy memorandum truly contain the council's framework, passed on to the executive board. That, too, is participation.

FlorAalsmeer would like to conclude with a wish to the board, the council, the registrar's office and the core organization and of course all residents of Aalsmeer and Kudelstaart;

May this summer be filled with sunshine, moments of laughter, and adventures that create beautiful memories. May every day be an invitation to enjoy the peace and warmth, without a cloud in the sky. Savor long, sunny days, evenings under a starry sky, and all the beauty that—we hope—a rainless recess has to offer. FlorAalsmeer wishes you all a wonderful summer!