Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers with his campaign manager and wife, Christine, kicked off his re-election bid at City Hall last Thursday prior to the Nov. 13 municipal election. Geoff Lee Meridian Source
I approve of this message. That’s what Christine Aalbers said in a nutshell when her husband, Gerald, declared he is seeking his third term as the mayor of Lloydminster in the Nov. 13 municipal election.
Christine took a moment to talk about how well they work together in the community and on the election trail at the official campaign kickoff at City Hall last Thursday.
“You know one of the best parts is how much Gerald enjoys his job. It’s been such a privilege to walk alongside. I end up being his chauffeur a lot of the time,” said Christine.
“We go to meetings in Regina, we go to meetings in Edmonton, we go to meetings in Calgary—all over the place and because of that he can work, I’ll drive; we’ll get there and we still have a life together.”
Christine adopted her First Lady persona in 2016 when Gerald was first elected and in 2020 when he was acclaimed.
Gerald is hoping he’s not the only mayoral candidate again.
“I would certainly welcome anyone to step forward. I think that would bring on some great debate and discussion,” he said with a look of approval from Christine.
The Aalbers have been married for nearly 35 years and have three adult children who have all left home which works out well for Christine to fill up her social calendar.
“So it’s been a real blessing having Gerald in this position. He loves his job,” she said.
“There’s the odd morning where I hear ‘oh, oh’ from the other room and I’m like ‘what’s going on’ and I think ‘oh they’ve changed ministers again and I’ve got to meet a whole bunch of new people.’
“So that’s one of the challenges of being mayor, but honestly, he’s never enjoyed a job more and that makes my life amazing as well.”
Gerald kicked off his campaign speech noting he and Christine have been able to attend numerous events and celebrations around the city since he’s been the mayor.
“I can’t think of a better place to work, live, raise a family or retire. With these things in mind and what more to accomplish I want to state my intentions today,” said Gerald.
He’s kicked off his 2024 campaign the same way he did seven years ago—early and with a simple pledge.
“The only promise I will make today is one of the same as in 2016 when I first started this journey to be open, honest, transparent about the city out affairs and the actions of city council and city administration for all residents,” said Gerald.
“Thank you for joining Christine and me today as we look forward to continuing to serve our community in 2024 and beyond.”
He also noted he and Christine are in good health and their family is okay too, but the decision to run again wasn’t a slam dunk.
“This was a bit of a tough decision,” he said, adding, that being the mayor “has been very rewarding for myself and Christine.”
He says the first challenge the city will face in the lead-up to the municipal election will be the 2024 budgets of Alberta and Saskatchewan and what’s in those for the city.
Aalbers is also banking on his track record to get him re-elected, citing the new community wastewater treatment plant, the rebuilding and relocation of Fire Hall No. 1, and a new museum and archives building location among his top achievements as mayor the past seven years.
“At this moment, we are building the brand new Cenovus Energy Hub which will allow for many amenities while replacing the Centennial Civic Centre,” he said looking ahead.
A by-election will be held on Feb. 13 for one vacant council seat contested by eight candidates.
Christine provided some advice for the new councillor on what they can expect from her perspective as the mayor’s wife.
“It’s definitely a commitment. From my side, there’s no predictability when there’s a council meeting as to when it will be over,” said Christine.
She says the package Gerald gets every week has to be read through.
“You have to know what’s going on and get all the details, so you can actually make good decisions.”
She said that includes conducting city business within two bordering provinces.
“I think we didn’t know going in how much the border plays a role in Alberta and Saskatchewan at the same time,” said Christine.
“That part has actually been fabulous because it gives such a diversity to what Lloydminster is.”
