Leo Aguinaldo sees his candidacy for the vacant seat on Lloydminster City Council as being able to serve the people. He hails from a Filipino heritage and has several family members who have been involved in public service in the Philippines.
Aguinaldo has been a resident of the city since 2011 and volunteers in several areas including the Lloydminster Tennis and Badminton Clubs, basketball, and entertainment. He is on the board of the Lakeland Library Region and the Lloydminster Public Library and spearheads the Bayanihan Project, which raises funds to support anyone with medical expenses.Â
The husband and father came to the city to run a food business in the Lloyd Mall. He has worked with Catholic Social Services, the Men’s Shelter, and Bea Fisher. He is currently an occupational health and safety officer with Archer Daniels Midlands or ADM.
Strengths of Lloydminster
In checking the plus side, Aguinaldo says Lloydminster is so welcoming and he likes the diversity of the city.
“You go anywhere in Lloydminster, and you see a lot of new faces. A lot of the newcomers do not understand how municipal affairs work. So, that is a disconnect. This is where I want my experience to show, so I can bridge the gap.” Also, he sees that Lloydminster works well with other municipalities, especially given its unique bi-provincial status.
He notes there are several projects in the works like the Cenovus Energy Hub which is under construction, and these will redound to the long-term benefit of the community.
Challenges facing Lloydminster
Looking at the challenges facing Lloydminster, he lists the plight of the unhoused.
“This is not the root cause. Addiction is a big issue we are facing. We should have a better system to address homelessness, but first, we must address the root which is addiction.”
Stabilizing taxes to lessen the burden on citizens is another idea that Aguinaldo would like to explore its feasibility.
“We should have stable taxes on properties of less than one per cent for a period of four years.”
Provincial issues affecting Lloydminster
Turning to provincial responsibilities that affect citizens, Aguinaldo reflected on healthcare and policing.
“If we get funds from both provinces for an upgrade of the hospital that’s good. As long as we can make services efficient and we don’t keep patients waiting, I am happy. We have to have better spending on policing. We don’t need overtime, if we don’t have to. We must make more effort in maintaining safety and security in Lloydminster.”
Reason to vote for Aguinaldo
Overall, Aguinaldo sees himself as a solid choice to be on city council – not as a traditional politician, but as a true public servant.
“I will perhaps be the best fit. I can work with those on council right now. Lloydminster has been my home since 2011 – I’m not going anywhere. I am here for the people, and I would like to create an opportunity for all immigrant Canadians to be represented on council so that they know what’s going on in the decision-making process of our municipal affairs.”
By-election information
Advanced voting takes place on Saturday, Feb. 3, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Council Chambers, City Hall.
Election day is Tuesday, Feb. 13, and voting will take place from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., also at Council Chambers, City Hall.
MyLloydminsterNow has profiles on the other candidates who are Stan Bugiera, Darrell Dunn, Ben Harrison, David Lopez, Corey McKee, Hamid Rahmanian, and Fred Sirett.
