18-yr-old wins Council election

Jos van Ginneken, who just turned 18 on February 7, was elected into the City Council of Terneuzen for the CDA with 219 votes. Van Ginneken was preparing for a study in Politics at the university in Leiden, but in consultation with his parents he decided to postpone his study with a year so he can focus on his work as a council member.

The young politician plans to make true on his campaign promises. "Now that I was chosen I feel I have to represent all the people who voted for me," said Van Ginneken. He feels he will gain a lot of experience and after the first year he wants to combine the council work with his study. Van Ginneken is one of the youngest council members chosen in this round of elections. The Terneuzen student was surprised by the many votes he received and thinks it has to do with people wanting a young face in the city council. The young politician also addressed a broad group, such as the Salvation Army, where he volunteers, the Catholic Church, and the youth in his area. "Democracy is for everybody," said Van Ginneken.