Peter Looijmans, DGG, will bid farewell to “his” municipality on June 15
“I’m just a local guy”
Ask Peter Looijmans where he’s from, and you won’t get a long political speech. No musings on administrative prowess or policy goals. His answer is much simpler. “I’m just a local guy.” And really, that one sentence says it all. Born on Bogardeind. Raised in the Akert. He played soccer, worked as a scout, held a job, raised his children, and has since become a grandfather in the same municipality where he Alderman for the past eight years. On Monday, June 15, he will step down as Alderman “his” municipality.
Anyone who knows Peter knows he’s not the type to sit behind a desk all day. You’re more likely to run into him on the sidelines of a soccer field, at a music club, in the supermarket, or on a walk through the neighborhood. “When Alderman , you’re never really off the clock,” he laughs. “But that’s exactly what I liked about it. Conversations happen everywhere. Sometimes at an official gathering, but just as often among the cauliflowers at the supermarket.”
After eight years as a council member, he is stepping down. Not because he no longer enjoys the work, but because he feels it is time to start a new chapter. “Eight years is a good run. I’ve always said that you also have to know when it’s been good enough.”
“Jack of all trades, master of none”
Incidentally, there was no indication anywhere that he Alderman one day become Alderman . After completing his military service early, he returned to Geldrop in 1980 without a clear plan for the future. “My father said, ‘Come work with me in the textile industry.’ So that’s what I did.” He started at the bottom of the ladder. Literally. “I did all kinds of things. Eventually, I was allowed to operate the telex because I’d learned how to do it in the military. That was pretty modern back then,” he says with a smile.
That adventure didn’t last long. When he was 25, the company went bankrupt and he found himself out on the street. “That’s when you can’t help but wonder: what now?” He laughs as he describes what followed as “a jack of all trades, master of none.” He tried his hand at all sorts of jobs. In hindsight, it was precisely that period that shaped the executive he would later become. “I met a lot of people who struggled to keep up in the job market. That made me realize how important opportunities are. That feeling has never left me.”
Deep impression
Those experiences eventually led him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources and Organizational Behavior, after which he held positions at the Ministry of Social Affairs, Severinus, the Anna Hospital, and Anna Elderly Care, among others. The Health , in particular, Health a deep impression on him. “I saw there how many people are there for others every day. That earned my immense respect. Healthcare staff aren’t often in the spotlight, but they are the ones who make the difference.”
Driven by a commitment to social responsibility
Standing up for people who were struggling remained the central theme of his life. And ultimately, of his political career as well. It didn’t begin in a party office, but simply at a kitchen table.
“Jan van Bussel (former Alderman Belang, ed.) asked me back then if I’d like to come in for a chat. Before I knew it, I was involved in local politics.” There, he discovered that there is much more to municipal decisions than residents often realize. “From the sidelines, it sometimes seems simple. Until you see how many considerations go into every decision.”
The social side of the municipality
Through Onafhankelijk Geldrop-Mierlo, he eventually joined the Democratic Group of Geldrop (DGG), the municipality’s oldest local party. During his tenure as alderman, his focus was largely on social security, anti-poverty policies, sports, and culture. Portfolios that aligned seamlessly with his personal motivations. “For me, politics was never about politics. It was about people. Especially for residents who are struggling. Then it’s not just about rules or policy, but about livelihood security, being able to participate in society, and being seen.”
Customized assistance
One of the projects he looks back on with pride is Hulp op Maat. “Many people are ashamed of their financial problems. As a result, they often wait too long. That’s precisely why we wanted to make our services accessible. If people only reach out when their problems have become insurmountable, it’s actually already too late.” According to him, the consequences of the war in Ukraine made that challenge even more apparent. “Rising energy prices and inflation put many households under pressure. Together with organizations such as the LEVgroep, we tried to support people as best we could. Those are the moments when, as a municipality, you can really make a difference.”
More than just stones and roads
In addition to social services, sports and culture were also close to his heart. “A municipality is more than just buildings and roads. Sports clubs, music groups, cultural institutions, and volunteers are what bring people together.” It was precisely the tremendous dedication of volunteers that made him proud. “What those people do is incredible. From coaches to board members, from someone serving coffee at a community center to musicians who keep an organization running. They are the lifeblood of our society.”
He also immediately mentions keeping De Smelen swimming pool open. His eyes start to sparkle. “We’ve been talking about this for years. But a town like Geldrop-Mierlo simply ought to have its own swimming pool. For swimming lessons, for clubs, for seniors, for people with disabilities. And let’s be honest: half of Geldrop has childhood memories tied to that place.”
Beautiful and difficult moments
Leadership also means making difficult choices. “That’s part of the job. But you have to remain honest and explain why you’re doing something.” Some issues gave him more headaches than others. “The Weaving Factory gave me quite a few gray hairs,” he jokes. “But in the end, it all worked out.” Especially in his early years, he had to get used to the political dynamics. “I had to learn to stand my ground. There’s often a tension between what you’d like to do administratively and what’s financially or politically feasible. I found that pretty difficult at first.”
Personal resilience
In addition to professional challenges, Peter also suffered a personal tragedy. In 2011, he lost his wife at the age of just 48. “That changes everything. You learn very quickly what really matters.” He speaks with visible pride about his two daughters. “They’ve grown up wonderfully. I’m now also the proud grandfather of three grandchildren. I enjoy that immensely. Being a grandfather is perhaps the best role I’ve ever had.” He has since found happiness again and looks to the future with gratitude.
Proud of what has been preserved
Because sitting still? That’s not going to happen. “Anyone who knows me knows that’s out of the question.” Volunteering beckons. Perhaps something for people who are distanced from the labor market. In addition, the schedule includes hikes, weekend getaways, blues concerts, fishing trips, and of course the card game nights of the Second Real Geldrop Rik Association. “I’ve stepped down as Alderman, not as a person,” he laughs.
If he could leave one message for Geldrop-Mierlo, he wouldn’t have to think twice. “Keep looking out for one another. That’s what makes our community strong. Ultimately, it’s not the buildings, the roads, or the rules that make a community. It’s the people. Keep listening to residents. Don’t lose sight of the community’s social side. Ultimately, you’re doing it for the people.”