Who are the people who study and work at TU Delft? We meet them in Humans of TU Delft where they talk about their work or other activities. Stijn de Vreede has ideas about how to make Delft better for students, residents and businesses. So the civil engineering master’s student is running for city council.
(Photo: Heather Montague)
“I come from the north of the Netherlands, but I really feel a part of Delft. I’m not just a student who lives here for a few years and leaves, now it feels like my home.
In 2015 I decided to become a member of the JOVD, the youth organisation of the VVD, the liberal Dutch party. At that time I became interested in politics and about changing things. I’m really interested in making Delft a better place. I think it should be a place where students, inhabitants and entrepreneurs would love to work or live. That’s sort of my mission.
I think Delft is growing quite rapidly in terms of the student population. Because I’m a student in transport, logistics and infrastructure, I see there are some connectivity issues for the campus that should be addressed. I think the Spoorzone is now really lovely. But I think there can be some major improvements with the south side of Delft. For example, where I live, during the weekend there are no buses. And when you look at the Technopolis, a growing community of innovative companies, I think the connectivity there should be better. I’m also dreaming about the connection with Rotterdam airport. I think if you could get there by tram or have a good connection it would be an opportunity for companies to be in Delft.
VVD is a liberal party so we focus on individual freedom. Every company that wants to settle in Delft should be given the opportunity. If a supermarket wants to open in the centre of the city I think they should be given a chance. I think everyone benefits from that kind of approach. I think the city has to be a welcoming partner to businesses and that can also improve tourism for Delft.
I don’t want to be a full time politician, but it’s a little bit more than a hobby. I think there’s value in connecting things and I hope to help make people happy.”
This Humans is part of an election series on TU Delft students and employees who are active in local politics. Local elections are held on March 21st. Also read about students Timo Tӧns and Michelle Corten, who are also running for city council.
Do you want to be featured in Humans of TU Delft? Or do you know someone with a good story to tell? Send us an e-mail at humansoftudelft@gmail.com!
Heather Montague / Freelance writer
Comments are closed.