I am an alien, or am I? We have lived in Tampere
for a bit over two years – my three children, my wife and I. We moved here from
Oulu, where we
lived for 17 years. You are right when you assume that I don’t originate from
there either – my home country is the Netherlands. What can I possibly
have to offer to this Finnish Manchester – Tampere? Let me tell you more about my
background and thoughts. Then I leave it up to you to decide whether I am
worthy of your confidence.
In the Netherlands I obtained a Master’s degree in
Electrical Engineering and continued my studies in Finland at the University of Oulu, where I received the
Licentiate’s degree. Already while working at the University I accepted tasks,
which are not usually regarded to be a part of a researcher’s work; I arranged
further education programmes to educate people in IT. From 1996 I have been
employed by VTT, where my tasks have included both research and management. I
have created networks both within and outside VTT and have aimed to
achieve the best possible team results by giving room to each individual member's
different personality and creativity. VTT’s mission to improve the competitiveness
of the Finnish industry is an important one. The cooperation with companies has
taught me the importance of entrepreneurship and the challenges of small
companies. In the Tampere
city council I intend to ensure, that entrepreneurship, particularly for
start-up companies, is properly supported. Furthermore, I like to advocate viewing
people’s differences as a valuable resource, for example by looking for ways to
activate people, who have for some reason been without employment, to help
build this society.
My family is on takes a
central spot in my life. Home is a resting place and
a support. I have grown towards taking responsibilities in the
society also through my family. My wife’s diaconal tasks in the church have
opened my eyes to social unfairness and motivated me to want to work towards the improvement of everyone’s quality of life. Through my children I became
involved in the school’s parental committee and acted as chairman for a
period of time (in Oulu).
Through this task, I learned about the challenges in the school system. In the summer I have been involved as trainer of my son’s soccer team
(in Tampere). It
is important that anyone can afford to participate in hobbies and sports.
My own immigrant
background an diverse circle of foreign friends has taught me about cultural
differences and values. I have been able to view the Finnish society through
the eyes of many an immigrant, in addition to my own experiences as a Dutch
person. Foreign eyes possibly even spot better, where the Finnish society can
still be improved, but also help to recognise the many matters to be grateful for. Immigrants are
not a homogeneous group, instead their social situation can be very different.
Some need more support to cope than others, but every immigrant wants to be a
valuable part of this society. The society itself also benefits when everybody,
each with their own personality, finds a place where he/she is appreciated and
where he/she can deploy their abilities – independent of whether he/she is an
immigrant or Finn by birth. The city has a duty to help everyone find that
place.
Some years ago, when
dual nationality became an option, I obtained the Finnish nationality. There
are not many benefits for an EU citizen to get a Finnish passport, but I
experienced Finland
as my second home and wanted to make that official. I wanted to be a real part
of this society and build it together with others. I now live in Tampere and want to build
it together with you. As I recently moved to Tampere, I do not claim to know all areas and
needs. But I don’t really believe that any long-term inhabitant of Tampere knows them
either. In my opinion, only the people living in an area really know what
improvements are needed there. We need support for area-based associations and
possibilities to influence on the decisions affecting an area. Fortunately Tampere has already made
the first moves in this local democracy (see e.g. Alvari and Mansetori), but a
lot still needs to be done. The possibilities of the city are nevertheless
limited and the effort of volunteers to improve their area is invaluable. So
the improvement of the city does not only need good council members, but also
the effort of local residents in their own area. I would like to support this
process where possible. On these pages you will find a channel (the guestbook), where this
discussion and influence can also continue after the elections – for the
improvement of the areas and the whole city.
Do you still think I am
a stranger – or will you help me build a more humane Tampere?
