Willem Boutkan

Biography

“Looking back too long will only get you a stiff neck”

As I see it, people have a habit of looking back for too long. You have to learn from the past without getting stuck in it. It is better to move on and look to the future.

Almere resident

I moved to Almere in 1984 and as a new resident, I tracked the city's developments. At first, I attended town hall meetings, mostly on land-use planning, until I became a municipal councillor in 1998. In 2011, I became a member of the provincial council of Flevoland.

Growing up with water

I was born in Scheveningen and grew up with water. I fondly remember going fishing with my grandfather. I used to work in the navy and the water police, and I live on a houseboat, which has taught me just how many rules there are for ships. My experience as a houseboat owner is why I am keen to see unnecessary rules on inland shipping abolished.

Hard on the issue and soft on the person

I want to help restore people's confidence in politics. I am a good listener and will open up to everyone. While I am in touch with my human side, I do not beat around the bush. Politicians need to be hard on the issue and soft on the person. You have to be able to speak your mind and still get along well with others, despite your differences.