Expats
CDA WASSENAAR “ Good for each other!”
(Christen Democtraticsh Appel)
Why should you support CDA Wassenaar?
- Courtney Smith van Rij, Wassenaar’s most well known expat, is on the CDA list in Wassenaar. She has your needs at heart and will focus on expat priorities in our community.
- CDA chooses for community. Not just for the individual and government. We really want to live together as a civil society where all people are treated equally.
- CDA takes responsibility for the needs of our society, even when the situation is difficult. CDA believes in delivering on promises. We are accountable for good results.
- CDA is committed to quality. Cheap options are not the best options. The key quality of Wassenaar is it’s green and calm surroundings that should be safeguarded. At the same time we should also focus on our social infrastructure, the environment and sustainability.
What does CDA in Wassenaar wish to achieve?
- A real solution for one of the key traffic bottlenecks in Wassenaar; the thousands of cars that are squeezed daily through our village. A jammed Rijksstraatweg (N44), intense traffic in small streets, congestion etc. Traffic escalation is predicted following the massive residential development outside our village and in Valkenburg. We would like a new road between the A44 and A4, a road that fully respects our green buffer before housing construction is even started. We also propose a few short tunnels under the Rijksstraatweg. Entry dose at the edges of Wassenaar, to counter small-scale traffic, are necessary and alternatives to cars, such as bicycles and public transport, could and should be encouraged. In order to be effective, we must cooperate with Provincial and National authorities and continue to actively lobby.
- Green buffer areas both to the north and the south side of Wassenaar should be maintained, and preferably strengthened further.
- Our motto “Good for each other” implies that we seek maximum attention and support for volunteers, community workers, neighborhood and sport associations.
- Prudent and realistic fiscal policies; expenses should fully be covered by revenues. Receding financial contributions from the central government should lead to a new discussion about our priorities instead of indifferent generic cost cutting.
- A friendly, efficient municipality, with an English-language helpdesk for the many expats who live in Wassenaar.
- Wassenaar must remain independent. We welcome cooperation with other municipalities, if this leads to mutual advantages, without harming service levels (i.e. the fire brigade).
- Stronger prevention of juvenile alcohol and drug abuse.
- “Wassenaarse Slag” should be on the ‘cleanest beaches’ list in the Netherlands, and avail a secure bicycle parking from May 1 to October 1
Are election promises worth anything?
Actually, they are!
Much has happened and was put into motion by the CDA during the last term.
Have a look at our current program 2006-2010
The achievements include:
- A new health center is scheduled and our brand new swimming pool recently opened.
- Municipal finances have been stabilized.
- There is a beautiful new library
- Sport facilities have been upgraded and improved
- The traffic plan is underway in residential areas.
- Flooding was addressed and dredging has been done at some critical spots.
- Several playgrounds were built.
- Our CDA politicians were accountable; they have translated election goals into measurable results.
- The accessibility of CDA politicians was further improved following many meetings between representatives from a wide range of local organizations.
CAN I VOTE?
If you are an EU citizen (in most cases) or have been a registered resident of a community in The Netherlands for at least 5 consecutive years then you are most likely allowed to vote. Your voting ballot will be sent to your home address. For more information you can also go to the community website at www.wassenaar.nl/english and read the requirements to be a voter.
More about “Courtney Smith van Rij”
VOTE FOREIGNERS, VOTE!
Last modified on 2010-02-14 20:23:05 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Local Elections March 3rd
Courtney Smith van Rij, resident of Wassenaar and candidate for the CDA, calls foreigners to use their right to vote
“VOTE FOREIGNERS, VOTE!”
1) Foreigners Must Vote
2) Democratic Duty
3) “When in Holland, Do as the Dutch…”
4) Be Heard
5) Make a Difference in Your Town
1) Foreigners Must Vote: This is crucial. All qualified foreigners who live in The Netherlands MUST vote. The Netherlands is a democratic country, which means it is your obligation to vote if you chose to live here.
2) Democratic Duty: If you enjoy and appreciate the freedoms that are present in Dutch society, then it is your duty to preserve them by coming to the polls to vote.
3) “When in Holland, Do as the Dutch…” The Dutch have one of the highest voting rates in the world. According to The Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), 80.35% of the voters turned out to vote in the 2006 Parliamentary elections. Compare that to the United States Presidential elections where a record breaking 58.23% turned out. If you choose to live in the Netherlands…Do as the Dutch and Vote!
4) Be Heard: Foreigners from all over the world can be heard through votes. Expats and all eligible foreigners must vote and have their voices heard. This is the only way that our country can operate as a real democracy. The majority wins, but if you don’t vote, the results may not reflect what the majority of eligible voters really feel.
5) Make a Difference: By voting you will make a difference to the way your town is run. By being heard, you will impact the choices that the your local government makes.
DON’T VOTE, DON’T COMPLAIN!
Courtney Smith van Rij is a resident of Wassenaar and is on the CDA list at position number 17. Van Rij will be available to answer general questions about why eligible foreigners should vote in the upcoming Municipal Elections that will take place nationwide on March 3rd. To get your questions answered be sure to attend the info sessions on:
Friday 19th February from 15:00 – 16:00;
Wednesday 24th February from 15:00 – 16:00
Friday 26th February from 15:00 – 16:00
Location: Bagel Alley, Langstraat 42, Wassenaar
