After a long period marked by the fight against municipal cuts, the people of Strauman gathered to re-establish the Strauman Village Committee. The atmosphere was good, and there was a solid turnout from the various neighbourhoods.

The first item on the agenda was to elect an interim board to lead the work until the next annual meeting at the end of April. The following people were elected and met with applause:

  • Remi Pettersen
  • Lasse Pedersen
  • Asbjørn Jenssen
  • Magnar Pedersen
  • Berit Hansvoll-Hasselberg
  • Ronny Pedersen
  • Roger Nilsen
  • Erling Westeng
  • Pål Tore Sivertsen
  • Sten-Arne Dreyer

The interim board will appoint a chair and deputy chair until the annual meeting formally approves a permanent board and establishes the statutes. The Strauman Company will therefore be wound down, and its community mission will be carried forward by the Strauman Village Committee.

An active and engaged Strauman crowd attended the public meeting

Important matters on the table

Reclassification of roads
It was unanimously decided to appeal the municipality's budget decision to reclassify all roads in Strauman. Many good suggestions were raised during the discussion, and the interim board will prepare a thorough appeal to be sent to the municipality.

Establishment of a business division
A business division was created as part of the village committee, with Ronny Pedersen as its leader. The aim is to establish a business forum that can promote the founding of local companies and contribute to business development in the area.

The Strauman Company also provided an update on the status of the residency obligation case, an issue that engages many in the local community.

Good spirits despite the lack of coffee service

Focus areas going forward

Under "any other business," several important topics were discussed, and the following matters were highlighted as priority areas of work for the Strauman Village Committee:

  • Complaint about frost heave: The condition of the county road requires action, and this will be followed up with a complaint.
  • Rockfall protection and signage: There is a need for better safety and clearer signage in the area.
  • Facilitation for tourists and locals: Applying for funding for measures that benefit both tourists and residents.
  • Digital information: Further developing the portal with clear and organised information, including an interactive map of the area. Kenneth will continue working on the portal itself, and Stian Aasegg will take responsibility for an interactive map.
  • Integration and community: Organising get-to-know-you gatherings for new residents to strengthen cohesion in the local community.
  • Political engagement: Inspiring more people to get involved in local politics.
  • Use the shop and café: Helping to encourage active use of the shop, both for shopping and for events.
  • Input to the land-use plan: Beginning the work of setting aside areas in Strauman for housing, holiday and leisure buildings, business, and more.
Active discussions and good input from those present

With this meeting, the Strauman Village Committee shows that the local community stands united in working to make Strauman a good place to live and settle. The commitment is still strong, and the meeting concluded with applause for the launch of the Strauman Village Committee and for our new representatives.

Those present smiled willingly for the photographer