Gelderland sees increase in Mayor applications, seeks "outside" candidates
The province of Gelderland is seeing a slight increase in applications for mayoral positions, according to figures provided by the Ministry of the Interior. This marks a shift from previous years, where interest in the position had significantly declined due to increasing threats, complex issues, and expanding responsibilities, Omroep Gelderland reports.
In 2023, the average number of candidates per mayoral vacancy reached a low point, with only 18 applicants per position. In some municipalities, the application process was even halted due to a lack of qualified candidates. However, recent data shows a recovery, with a noticeable uptick in interest this year.
Henri Lenferink, the acting Governor in Gelderland, expressed satisfaction with the current situation. “Looking at the numbers over the years, we cannot complain in Gelderland,” Lenferink said. As the provincial official involved in the selection process, he highlighted the strong response in recent vacancies, such as 35 applicants for Bronckhorst and 42 for Zutphen. “You can’t talk about a decrease in numbers when you see those figures,” he added, noting his contentment with the outcomes.
In response to the shortage of applicants in recent years, Gelderland has launched campaigns to attract individuals from outside politics, hoping to diversify the pool of candidates. “Most mayors have often been council members or aldermen. That has its advantages, but it doesn’t mean that people from outside, with experience in business or large organizations, couldn’t also be very good mayors,” Lenferink explained.
Since the campaign’s launch, Gelderland has used social media, including videos featuring interviews with mayors, to appeal to “outsiders” interested in the role. While the initiative has had mixed results, Lenferink noted that it has succeeded in drawing non-political candidates to apply.
An example of such a candidate is Nelly Kalfs, the newly appointed mayor of Lingewaard, who transitioned into the role without prior political experience. Kalfs previously worked at Rijkswaterstaat, where she was inspired to pursue the mayoral position. Reflecting on her choice, Kalfs stated, “It’s a very special office where you are the first citizen of the municipality. It’s special to be able to go behind everyone’s door, and the role in public order and safety also really appealed to me.”
Though Kalfs had no political background when she started, she adapted quickly to her responsibilities, including chairing the local council. She emphasized that despite the challenges, including potential threats faced by some mayors, the position remains highly rewarding. “I’ve prepared myself for this,” Kalfs remarked, referring to the various risks associated with the job, such as the threats faced by mayors like Stoop from West Betuwe and Van Neerbos from West Maas en Waal.
Lenferink mentioned that several mayoral positions are currently being filled, including in Montferland, Oude IJsselstreek, and Zutphen. Upcoming searches are planned for Zaltbommel and Lochem. Local officials, including Kalfs, have also encouraged potential applicants to reach out or shadow current mayors for a firsthand experience of the role. "Call me or call another mayor you know or like,” Kalfs advised. “You can always shadow a day; every mayor is open to that.”
