Change of Guard at the WMO Advisory Council
The WMO Advisory Council of the municipality of Geldrop-Mierlo has officially bid farewell to seven members. Sjef Smeets, Mirjam de Jonge, Mabel Droit, Michon van Tuijl, Alla Vasnijova, Marleen van den Heuvel, and Fons Ramaekers have stepped down either earlier this past year or recently, for various reasons. Treasurer Ramaekers had been a member of the Council for no less than 19 years—since its inception in 2007.
Chair Van den Heuvel was succeeded earlier this year by Marion Geomini. She is assisted by Vice Chair Nathalie van Boekel. In addition, Rianne Peeters and Ger Jan Onrust joined the board last year. Paul Elsendoorn has taken over the role of treasurer from Fons Ramaekers. Incumbent members Joris van Nisselrooy and Secretary Dorine Coolen ensured continuity. Fons Ramaekers has one piece of advice for the largely new WMO Council: “I see that the new members are very ambitious, but I recommend focusing on a limited number of goals. Do those well, and only once they’re secured should you tackle something else.”
The WMO Council lost another member this year: Leonie Verkooijen passed away far too soon, leaving a gaping hole. Now that the Council has said goodbye to eight members, it is actively seeking new members.
The acronym WMO stands for the Social Support Act. Municipalities are required to involve their residents in the policy development and implementation of this and two other laws: the Youth Act and the Participation Act. The council is regularly updated by a liaison officer and by Mathil Sanders, a “ Alderman .” The municipality seeks advice on matters regulated by the WMO. The council may also offer unsolicited advice. It therefore makes proposals for improving municipal care policy. To this end, the council meets on the first Friday of every month at the library in Geldrop. Council members also attend meetings related to municipal care policy.
A survey on informal care was recently conducted among 200 residents of Geldrop and Mierlo. The results of this survey will soon be compiled into a non-solicited advisory report.
As a result, WMO Council members spend an average of about two to three half-days per month serving on the council. Members receive an expense allowance. Anyone who would like to learn more or attend a meeting is invited to contact Secretary Dorine Coolen at 06 – 25109130 or via secretaris@wmoraadg-m.nl.