Mayor Gerald Aalbers is announcing he will stand for a third time to be mayor of Lloydminster in the Nov. 13 municipal elections.
On Thursday, Jan. 18, accompanied by his wife Christine, he made his intentions clear.
“The only promise I will make today, is the same one that I made back in 2016 when I first started this journey, that is to be open, honest, and transparent about the city, our affairs, and the actions of city council and administration or all residents,” says Aalbers.
The second-term mayor admitted that there have been challenges, but his family is in “great condition” for them to move forward with a third run for Lloydminster’s top job.
“It was a bit of a tough decision – there have been days, and certainly not that long ago with the challenges that we face, but it’s been very rewarding for both myself and Christine, and we want to serve the community, if the community wants us to continue serving.”
Issues like the rate of inflation and the forthcoming budgets of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the federal governments are among the challenges facing the city in 2024, says Aalbers as he adds the challenge of being connected with the community through council as key to a third term as mayor, alongside the team of fellow councillors.
Aalbers lists the completion of the wastewater treatment plant as the biggest accomplishment of his tenure along with the joy of being out in the community connecting everyone from children to seniors, and the relationships they have developed with the Indigenous community.
With projects like the ongoing build for the Cenovus Energy Hub among others, Aalbers says, “I can’t think of a better place to work, live and raise a family or retire.”
