Henk Jan Bolding
Mayor of the municipality of Het Hogeland
For years he has been a familiar face in the municipality of Het Hogeland: mayor Henk Jan Bolding. Friendly, approachable and always on the go. But that will soon come to an end, as Bolding is reaching retirement age and by law must take leave of his position. In this very last episode of Moi Winsum, he looks back on his mayoralty, the meetings that touched him and his plans for the future.
A listening ear
Bolding is almost seventy - and by law that means he has to stop as mayor. "I regret it, because I still enjoy doing the job very much," he says. "Until the last day, therefore, I will be fully active."
What he particularly remembers are the encounters with people. "Visits to couples married for 60 years, the royal visit, the opening of De Tirrel - these were highlights. But also the small, personal moments. A hand on someone's shoulder, a chat on the street. That's what makes being mayor special." Listening and making real contact is an important task of government, according to Bolding. "Not staying at a distance, but getting close. I strongly believe that the government should be there for what is vulnerable - people, situations and nature."
“ “I want to be who I am, not play a part” ”
Warmth and commitment in Winsum
Winsum remains a special village for Bolding. "Not only because of its election as the most beautiful village, but also because of its people. The commitment, the warmth and how residents dedicate themselves to refugees, that touched me deeply. Winsum has appropriate pride - not arrogance, but self-confidence and the will to build for the future. I hope they keep that."
The racing bike beckons
After his retirement, Henk Jan Bolding is looking forward to more time for himself - and for his racing bike. "Here in Het Hogeland there are beautiful cycling routes. When I ride through the municipality now, I see paths I haven't been on for years. I will definitely pick that up again."
Henk Jan Bolding will soon take his leave, but his commitment to the region is not over yet. "I want to be who I am - and that is someone who is committed to others, in whatever way I can."
