Regiologist and partner
I am mainly involved in regional economic projects, evaluations and administrative issues.
That sounds a bit vague, do you have examples of projects?
Recently I evaluated the industrial estate policy of the province of North Holland, mapped out the economic impact of Willemsoord in Den Helder and carried out research into the use and importance of ‘payment profiles’ commissioned by the Ministry of Justice and Security.
Who is your father, who is your mother?
My father was a Dutch teacher and church organist. From him I got my love and feeling for language and music. My mother (a true Frisian) was a teacher throughout her working life. She taught me to keep your paw stiff when needed.
Do you also have a partner and children?
I am married to Sheda, who I know from my studies in Groningen and who is a youth doctor. Our Z-generation children Lana (1998) and Guus (2000) study medicine in Leiden and applied psychology in Amsterdam, respectively.
What do you do in your free time?
Running, pooling, watching movies, drinking beer, making music (keys).
Where is the place to be for you?
In one of the most beautiful areas in the Netherlands: the Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen. I regularly run fast on this tra. Beautiful landscape, space, peace and quiet, no cyclists. In California – Venice Beach and San Francisco – I like it too. That’s where Harold (lives in Vogelenzang) and I meet every two years with Jan who lives in Sydney (Australia). We have known each other since high school in Apeldoorn. And in Italy of course, our family’s favourite holiday destination.
What is your favorite book? And music?
Hard to make a choice, there are a lot of beautiful books. Child among cannibals by Charles Bukowski, The book Ont van Anton Valens, Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Jan Wolkers and A.F.Th. van der Heijden, also beautiful. Or Money by Martin Amis, I’m not afraid of Nicolò Ammaniti and more recently the Neapolitan novels by Elena Ferrante. In terms of music I especially like Lyle Mays, Kate Bush, Steely Dan, Joe Jackson, Tom Waits and Gruppo Sportivo.
In conclusion: what can you always wake up for?
A real Italian pizza from the wood oven.
