Twenty politicians on their way to the Binnenhof: Stijn Hesselink (JA21)

Stijn Hesselink combines local and regional politics. As for the other two, they are of course twin brothers in terms of positions: Keerpunt22 and Ja21. Both things – see the numbers in the name – express collective dissatisfaction and a desire for innovation. The fact that innovation can also be conservative is an idea some people will have to get used to. Hesselink, 27, is certainly the embodiment of that.

Hesselink sound

It is very doubtful whether this innovation will also affect The Hague in the person of Hesselink. Let’s be honest: The Albergen resident is 12th on his party’s list of candidates, which has a maximum of two seats in the national polls. But his voice became clear during only four years of active politics. In the governorate, in the region, and certainly locally.

Hesselink’s voice, besides being liberal conservative, is unmistakably Twente’s. This also applies to why and how he participates in the match: if you believe that something can and should be improved, then shouting from the sidelines is not an option for me. Tucker wants something. Then he rolls up his sleeves.

Environment and energy

It does this on a few great files. Or not, it just depends on how you look at it. Hesselink, for example, is the county council’s environment and energy spokesman. In doing so, he blasphemes against prevailing views on these topics: something must be done when it comes to nitrogen and energy. And rap too. Well, not for JA21 and Heylink.

The former account director of Kroon Oil, manufacturer of premium lubricants, presented a proposal in March 2021 – “Visualizing the Consequences of the Energy Transition” – which was unanimously adopted in the United States. The thing that probably surprised him the most. Scope: The province provides funds and helps municipalities articulate landscape consequences on energy plans (wind turbines, solar parks). With information about the cause.

About the motivation behind that movement Hesselink was not shady: He hopes residents will be shocked, scratch their heads, and get defensive. “The resistance is great, and I expect a turning point will come within a few years.” He thinks it would be inappropriate not to do anything with it.

Hesselink believes nuclear power is an excellent (read: much better) alternative. It also focuses on future technological developments.

Two hundred asylum seekers

Hesselink was also a prominent (political) voice when Albergen was shocked by the purchase of real estate by the COA. To accommodate two hundred asylum seekers. Asylum and immigration are at the top of the party’s list of positions in the upcoming elections. In short: significant restrictions on work, family and study migration and the cessation of asylum. With the introduction of border control.

Other spearheads: big tax cuts, nuclear power, ending the climate agreement, and opening the Dutch gas tap again (with generous and rapid compensation for the people of Groningen).

Don’t master words

The JA21’er says what he thinks — even in Corona times, he certainly didn’t mince his words when the government came up with QR codes and other restrictive measures — but he doesn’t avoid open debate with those who think differently (or the media). Last summer, he was one of the speakers at a discussion evening on wind energy in Twente, including the heads of neighborhood energy cooperatives that allow residents to benefit from wind turbine revenues.

Liveability and preservation of (regional) culture.

That Hesselink is quite a Tucker is evident from the reasons he entered politics. The vote in The Hague to ban Easter bonfires, and the disdain with which people sometimes speak of carbide bonfires and tent parties, worries him greatly. “I don’t want Dutch traditions to come under fire anymore.” This also applies to local traditions.

Not only is it fun, he says, but also because it provides solidarity. Because of this participation, Member of Parliament Hesselink is also the holder of the Culture and Social Portfolio. The quality of life in the villages, while preserving the area of ​​the countryside, was one of the reasons that prompted him to enter politics. And I want to go to The Hague.

Better distribution of construction plans for new homes, not cluttering horizons and spaces with wind turbines and solar parks, but also monitoring cultural and national borders – etc., some of the spearheads of JA21 – are in line with this.