Al Bridal announced his re-election campaign for Mayor of Swift Current this fall earlier today.

With the election set for November 13, Bridal is getting an early start to his campaign announcement and efforts. He made the announcement on Central Avenue North this morning, seeking the public's trust for a second term.

"My goal of seeking re-election is to continue to guide our City these next four years," said Bridal. "I had the honour of being elected by the citizens of Swift Current as mayor, working with good people on council and great City employees has made my time as mayor both rewarding and fulfilling. It has also given me great joy to work with many Swift Current residents on solutions to public issues that they may have had with our city."

Bridal touched upon some of the successes he has overseen in the City of Swift Current, having expanded projects like the Chinook Park Way, and purchasing an addition to the Swift Current electrical grid from SaskPower. 

A big focus for him has been getting the money owed on various land deals around Swift Current, including the one behind the Living Sky Casino, and over by the Eastside Church of God. 

"We've been paid for some of it, but the taxpayers still are owed some money there or still have some money invested," said Bridal. "It's properly registered at land titles now, so the taxpayers are covered. There were several other property issues as well."

The main staple of Bridal's current government has been a focus on cutting back on spending and eliminating debt. Bridal focuses on how they have managed to pay down $16 million on the City's debt. That does not include the $14.8 million bill for the electrical franchise expansion cost, which puts the debt down by $1.2 million overall. 

"We spent $14.8 million buying the SaskPower franchise for the rest of Swift Current," said Bridal. "That is a business decision that will pay dividends to our citizens for many years to come."

When asked if he had any concerns about a second term as mayor, Bridal reflected on how his concerns from his first term would no longer be factors for him.

"The biggest concern is it just takes a while to learn the system and learn how things work," said Bridal. "I'm feeling comfortable being mayor and feeling comfortable with lots of the how the process works in the City."

Bridal encourages people to vote come election time. Be that for him, his opponents, or for other items like city councillor positions, it all matters. 

"It's important," said Bridal. "This is kind of the first level of government. You have the most impact on your city councillors and your city mayor more so than your MPs or your MLAs. I would hope that our citizens will think it's important enough to get out and cast their vote."