Introducing: Margot Kwee for Water Natuurlijk Schieland and Krimpenerwaard

Besides the Provincial Council, you can also vote for the water boards on 15 March. For many people, this may be a less familiar concept: because what exactly do these water boards do, and for whom can you vote? It is important to know which of the three water boards that fall under Leiden-Haaglanden your hometown falls under. This section introduces young candidates who are standing for WaterNatuurlijk in one of those three water boards (WaterNatuurlijk is the party supported nationally by DWARS and GroenLinks). Today it features Margot Kwee, number 2 on the list for Schieland and Krimpenerwaard.

Can you briefly introduce yourself? Name, hometown, age, what do you do in daily life?

Of course, I am Margot Kwee (26). I am from Oss, live in Rotterdam and work in Zoetermeer. In Zoetermeer, I work 5 days a week to protect drinking water sources as environment manager.

Why did you run for the water boards?

Currently, the average age of a water board is 60+. By joining the board I can bring this age down a bit, but more importantly I want to fight for a diverse and inclusive water board. After all, water boards affect everyone. By standing for election for Water Natuurlijk, I want to tell the story of my contemporaries. They are very concerned about the (consequences of the) climate crisis - just like me.

What do you hope to achieve in the water boards?

I want to do everything possible to tackle that crisis now. By accelerating the transition. That commitment is badly needed to keep our country liveable. Now you're probably wondering, how am I going to get this old, somewhat unwieldy administrative body moving? Well, for example, by introducing social accounts - that brings financial and non-financial data (both social and environmental) together in one report. That way, choices in favour of sustainability can be better substantiated. I also want to implement a generational test - so that the interests of future generations are adequately considered in decision-making.

So why are these elections so important for young people?

Water boards play a crucial role when it comes to making our country climate-proof. Something that concerns our and future generations in particular. We need to invest now to prevent worse. Do you want this to happen in the coming administrative period? Go vote!!!

We want to thank Margot very much for participating and wish her the best of luck next Wednesday! You can follow Margot here On Instagram.

Candidates from WaterNaturlijk Rijnland and Delfland, the other two water boards covered by our section, will also be introduced here soon. Still doubting which party to vote for? You can here do a voter guide.