GroenLinks, or the Green Party, speaks volumes of its very essence, maintaining the environmental integrity and beauty of Wassenaar, but it has so many other ingredients, and its vision is global. Back in the 1960’s, the message was “think globally, and act locally”, and such a majestic, noble vision is encapsulated by GroenLinks. By Anthony Gay
Aart van Sloten is the chairperson for GroenLinks, and he lives his life according to his dream. He cycles everywhere, even transporting his young children to school, or day care, by bike. It is no surprise therefore, that Aart is proud his party insists road safety for bikes remains a high priority. Other local parties may focus on ensuring cars have all the space they need, but GroenLinks emphasizes more bike lanes, accessible walking paths, and more frequent transport connections, to reduce congestion and air pollution from too many individual automobiles. Additionally, GroenLinks would like to see the enforcement of parking regulations, and traffic regulations in general, as a priority for the local council. Many cities across the globe now acknowledge the negative impact of air pollution, and are struggling to address the adverse health repercussions. Engendering a sense of community and general wellbeing must be an emphasis for any local political party, and GroenLinks is well aware, and supportive, of Wassenaar’s long history of clubs and societies enlivening the local atmosphere. Many of these, such as sports clubs, the Excelsior orchestra, and the library, receive subsidies from local government. GroenLinks believes these subsidies must remain at their current levels, and increase yearly with the inflation rate. Indeed, GroenLinks has prevented proposed cuts to these valued subsidies over the years. GroenLinks asserts that all the buildings and vehicles used by local government should be climate neutral or positive within 10 years, to set an example for the broader community, if not the world. Local government, as most areas of human endeavor, have recently become digital, but there should always be physical access for people wishing to discuss concerns at a counter, where communication is conducted with real people. GroenLinks supports the continued independence of Wassenaar, with an emphasis on sound financial policy. Housing shortages should not encroach on our green surroundings, but more opportunities should be exploited within the current building zones, with a priority for middle- income families. Healthcare must be designed to cater for the specific needs of individuals, not “the system”. I have written before about healthcare in the Netherlands and, although it looks great in theory, on paper, the reality is sometimes different. Preventing waiting lists for youth healthcare, and loneliness among older people, are priorities for GroenLinks. So, a Green Party with a global vision, meaningfully enriched by local activism and policy intent.
By Anthony Gay - De Wassenaarse Krant - 7 maart 2018