Meet Council Member Theo Bauhuis
My name is Theo Bauhuis, and I was born in Aalten. Shortly after completing my studies in land, water, and environmental management in Velp, I moved back to the municipality of Aalten. I first lived in Bredevoort and have now been living in Aalten for quite some time. Outside of politics, I spend a lot of time in nature, preferably early in the morning with my camera. I’m also a nature guide at the Vragenderveen, part of the route-planning team for *De Wandelvriend*, and I enjoy hiking in nature.
My interest in politics has grown gradually. It started with the political program *In Gesprek* on AFM, where I was initially involved only as a technician and later as a moderator. Through that program, I learned a lot about what politics is all about and the reasons behind political decisions. Eventually, I decided to get involved with the Progressive Party—which at the time didn’t yet include the “+ Pro” in its name. Of course, the party’s positions appeal to me, but I was also very drawn to its open communication through discussion evenings, newsletters, and field trips.
Local politics is closely tied to the issues we face in our daily lives as citizens. My desire to contribute to these issues was what motivated me to become active in politics. Initially as a party member, and now as a temporary council member filling in for a colleague in my party. During my first few years in the party, I focused on land use and the environment; since the last election, I’ve shifted my focus to social issues. For some people in our municipality, daily life is a “ Health.” It’s important, then, that we as a municipality lend a helping hand. There’s also a lot to be done in the “ Health ”—from youth to the elderly. I’m happy to dedicate myself to that.
We are currently seeing the line between the physical environment and the social sphere becoming increasingly blurred. Everyone is coming to understand more and more that how you live and spend your time affects how you feel—and vice versa. A good home is important, but connecting with the people around you is just as important. As a political party, we believe we must build communities. That is something I look forward to working toward in the coming period.
Theo Bauhuis, Progressive Party + PRO