Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers, left, looks on as city clerk, Doug Rodwell, officially swears in David Lopez to city council following his by-election win on Feb. 13. On the right is Lopez’s wife, Michelle, and sons Elijah and Jonah inside Council Chambers on Tuesday. Geoff Lee Meridian Source
David Lopez can now officially introduce himself as a Lloydminster councillor.
The 48-year-old Lloydminster small business owner and entrepreneur took the oath of office in a swearing-in ceremony in Council Chambers at City Hall on Tuesday.
It was his first day on the job after winning a by-election for one seat on council on Feb. 13.
It was also time for him to define his election promise to bring a new perspective of fiscal responsibility to council.
“I think we really need to take a look at the tax dollars and how we’re spending those dollars, making sure we are being responsible with the dollars the citizens of Lloydminster pay,” explained Lopez in his first media interview.
He says the city’s plans to borrow $3.1 million for a new maintenance shed at the Lloydminster Golf and Curling Club is top of mind in the community and will be back on council agenda on Feb. 26 when Lopez will attend his first official meeting.
“Everybody’s talking about it. We really need to look at it as a council. We have to start going for our needs and not our wants,” said Lopez.
Council gave the first reading to a city bylaw to borrow up to $3.1 to replace the existing shed at its Jan. 22 meeting. That triggered a citizen’s group to submit a petition opposing the borrowing to the city last week.
“If we want this maintenance shop, it’s different if we need this maintenance shop. I really feel we need to look at the needs and not just the wants,” stressed Lopez.
The swearing-in ceremony was officiated by city clerk, Doug Rodwell with Lopez’s wife, Michelle, and their sons Elijah and Jonah by his side.
Afterwards, he also swore he took the oath without any lingering butterflies.
“You know what I’m not nervous. I was ready. I wanted to do this for years and I knew I wanted to get into this and I was ready; I was prepared. I wanted it, so I’m excited for the challenge,” he said.
“My son (Elijah) flew in from St. Catherines, so it was nice to have my whole family and celebrate this new beginning, this new venture in our lives.”
Elijah is studying kinesiology at Brock and is on the varsity rowing team.
Next up for Coun. Lopez is orientation on Feb. 22.
“Thursday, I’m having my orientation day—I’m here getting my computer and my keycard and all the orientation I need to be a councillor here in the city,” he said.
