Meet Council Member Margo ten Bruin

My name is Margo ten Bruin. I was born in Bredevoort, lived in Arnhem for a while, studied in Nijmegen, and have been living in Aalten for 22 years now. I am the mother of three children, married to Sietse, and work as a Dutch teacher at Schaersvoorde.

Why did you become a council member?

I’ve always been very interested in national politics. When the “ BoerBurgerBeweging ” was founded, I really identified with their views—finally, a party with a realistic and down-to-earth view of the world that’s committed to standing up for the region. When the BBB also became active in Aalten, I was eager to contribute to its efforts.

What does being a council member mean to you?

It’s important to remember that you’re not there for yourself, but on behalf of the people who voted for you or your party. You are their spokesperson. And you try to convey their message as effectively as possible. It’s truly special that you can make such a real difference for the residents of our municipality.

What topics do you find important?

My portfolio is the social sector. That’s a very broad area—it includes Health, education, sports, and culture. These are important issues that all require specific attention. In the coming period, the asylum seekers’ center will also be back on the agenda—another important issue.

What do you hope to contribute to in the coming years?

I hope that Aalten will see positive developments in the near future—that there will be enough space for our own young people and seniors, that our farmers will have and retain the freedom to farm, and that entrepreneurs will be able to do business. It all sounds very logical, but too many unnecessary rules make everything quite complex and difficult.

What makes the municipality of Aalten special?

Overall, our town is a wonderful place to live. There’s still plenty of space, people still look out for one another, and they still enjoy the little things, like a tasty snack, a drink, or a party. The outlying areas—the bocage landscape—are beautiful. That’s what makes Aalten such a special place.

Personal

What else do I do besides my council work? It’s pretty busy, of course, but we almost never skip our Friday afternoon drinks with the family. I also enjoy reading and going on vacation (who doesn’t?), and I’m quite the bon vivant, so I love a good glass of wine, great food, and sitting out on patios in the summer. Lovely! 

Margo ten Bruin, BBB