Mathieu Mas, CD&V alderman for Social Affairs and OCMW chairman in Oudenaarde, was involved in an accident in the Aalststraat in Oudenaarde on Wednesday evening, October 4, 2023. 22-year-old cyclist Owen was killed. According to the public prosecutor’s office, he was driving too fast and he had also had too much to drink. Only a week earlier, Mathieu Mas had been introduced as the leader of the new list Everyone9700! and therefore also as a candidate mayor. Immediately after the dramatic accident, he stepped aside and resigned as alderman. He took up his aldermanship again at the end of January this year.
READ ALSO. Alderman takes office again after fatal accident: “I will carry this with me for life”
“Make another difference”
Mathieu Mas has decided not to be the leader of Elke9700! to participate in local elections. “I absolutely want to make a positive difference for the residents of Oudenaarde,” emphasizes Mathieu Mas. “That has always been my motivation for getting involved in local politics. I made the choice not to draw the list, also out of respect for the relatives. At Alles9700! is there understanding for my decision? I can only applaud Mathieu De Cock as party leader. We are from the same generation and were together at the cradle of the new project. Moreover, he is a very competent colleague with almost 18 years of experience in local politics and extensive knowledge of dossiers. But above all, someone who participates in politics with the right attitude. He’s going to do well. He has my support 100 percent.”
“A strong leader”
37-year-old Mathieu De Cock, who works as an engineer-architect and father of two children, is the new leader of Elke9700!. He is the current chairman of the Oudenaarde municipal council and also chairman of the waste intermunicipal company Ivla. “We have the team of Elke9700! We have worked very hard in recent months on our substantive program,” says Mathieu De Cock. “We are now putting the finishing touches to that. Our team consists of all people who are extremely enthusiastic and driven and know what is going on in Oudenaarde. The atmosphere is very good. I want a lot craving be the captain of this team heading into October.”
Dagmar Beernaert (Vooruit) adds: “I know few people who participate in politics with as much knowledge and in such a warm way as Mathieu De Cock. In recent years he has emerged as a real expert in various themes, such as spatial planning and the environment. Our team sees him as a strong leader.”
Childcare priority
Everyone9700! wants to make childcare a priority and will soon come up with a childcare plan. The movement also focuses on better coordination of road works, participation of residents, bicycle safety and accessible and good services.
“Oudenaarde must be a city where life is good, for both young and old. Entrepreneurs must craving to do business in our city, children should be able to play and grow up there with peace of mind and the elderly should want to enjoy spending their old age there. We will make proposals in a positive way that will benefit our city and its residents.”
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