Gerald Aalbers is a name more and more Lloydminster residents will become familiar with in the coming months.
Aalbers has announced that he is running for mayor in the upcoming municipal elections this fall.
The Lloydminster resident has been in the city for over a decade and is involved with numerous organizations including being a member of the Board of Directors for the 2016 Lloydminster Heavy Oil Show, a member of the Lloydminster & District Fish & Game Association, and a member of St. Anthony’s Church Community as well as serving on the finance committee. A graduate of the University of Saskatchewan, College of Agriculture, Aalbers is a father to 3 children, who are all adults now, pursuing their own post-secondary education.
He has recently been frustrated and disappointed with the actions and inaction of City Council, particularly with regards to the City’s former contract with AHHA Moments and now, with the proposed Lloydminster Utility Corporation.
“I’ve had a tough time getting answers. People keep telling me they’ve got the same problem, that they’ve asked questions, and the answers are not clear, concise, and appear to be straightforward, and they’d like that. That’s why I’ve decided to run for mayor, to try to be able to give people that transparency that they’re looking for,” says Aalbers.
He has worked in the Saskatchewan Legislature, starting as a ministerial assistant to the Deputy Premier in his youth. Aalbers says he believes he has what it takes to be mayor.
“Basically, there’s no diploma, degree, or training to become a mayor. I guess that you go into with some skills and abilities, and I believe that I’ve got leadership skills that I can bring. I’ve had the opportunity to work with people from around the world in various jobs that I’ve had, and careers… I believe I come with a great demeanor, from the perspective that I try to approach things with a smile, and try to help people.”
Nomination day is September 21st, 2016 and Election Day is October 26th, 2016.