DWARS LIMBURG FOR CHANGE: MAX TOLLENAAR

Change is one of the core values for DWARS. And what better way to bring about change than to take matters into your own hands and stand for election in the municipal elections? DWARS Limburg wants all Dwarse candidate councillors to speak about what they stand for and how they want to achieve it. Today's interview with Max Tollenaar, number 26 for the Roermond city council.

Tell us briefly about yourself.

I am Max Tollenaar, 26 years old, and I work for the municipality of Valkenswaard as a strategic advisor. I have also been (the youngest) municipal councillor in Roermond for four years now. I love cooking, watching series and politics is also a hobby.

How did you end up at DWARS?

I was asked if I wanted to set up the Limburg branch of DWARS. I had previously been active with GroenLinks Roermond and they were missing a local DWARS branch in Limburg. I started looking into that and found it lacking. I thought it was important to involve young people in politics and I wanted to do something myself.

Why are you running for the municipal elections?

I've enjoyed being a councillor for the past four years, but after four years, it's been nice. By being a candidate, I hope to support the party. I am proud of what GroenLinks has achieved from the coalition over the past four years. There is more attention to the climate, the municipality's buildings are made energy neutral and there is finally more attention to fighting poverty. Among other things, what I myself have concretely arranged is a plan to make the municipality accessible to people with disabilities. This is something I am proud of and want to support with my candidacy!

What do you want to achieve in the municipal council?

Above all, I hope GroenLinks can continue with the change that has been initiated. None of this can be taken for granted. A strong GroenLinks is important to continue that course over the next four years.

Why should we vote for you?

If you think I did well then it's great if people want to vote for me. But it is also super if they want to support other top candidates who bring new and fresh energy.

Dilemma: GroenLinks or DWARS

Then, of course, I say DWARS. At DWARS, I learnt many things that made me function well as a city councillor. Moreover, I met my best friends at DWARS so this is also important for me personally.