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👉 “Debate on eRadioGlobal: Joel and Norm Contrast Visions for the Future of Brooks”

The great debate for the Brooks Mayoralty 2025 is here.

  Joel Goodnough and Norm Gerestein face off with their proposals on infrastructure, security, and the future of our city.

Ver Debate

A key meeting for the community

Brooks, Alberta — A private debate was held at the eRadioGlobal studios between mayoral candidates Joel and Norm, moderated with Spanish translation to ensure access for the Latin audience. With clear rules —equal time, no interruptions, and 10 pre-shared questions— the format allowed for a respectful and clear contrast of leadership, safety, infrastructure, economic development, and inclusion.

Leadership and vision: accessibility, transparency, and results

Both candidates started from the same point: an accessible and accountable mayor to the citizens.

  • Norm emphasized his experience on the council and in community boards, and promised a transparent, ethical, and collaborative style of governance, "open to listening and dedicating daily time in the office to make things happen."
  • Joel emphasized active listening, conservative principles, and accountability, with the goal of "leaving a safer city, with solid infrastructure and growing businesses."

Infrastructure: wastewater, roads, and priorities

The treatment of wastewater and road maintenance were priorities for both, but they differed in how to finance them.

  • Norm proposed to first tap into federal and provincial funds and existing programs to avoid "unacceptable" debt and tax increases. He emphasized that several developments "were initiated in previous councils."
  • Joel defended intermunicipal collaborations, grants, and phased planning, and pointed out that "the important thing is to complete the projects," linking infrastructure progress with attracting investment. He also mentioned that safe and reliable roads must accompany growth.

Municipal broadband: strategic investment vs. cost/benefit

The fiber optic project was one of the strongest crossings:

  • Norm said he did not oppose broadband itself, but rather that the city operate it, questioning the return on investment and suggesting that those resources could have supported other needs (for example, the water system) and microcredits/mentorship for businesses.
  • Joel responded that fiber is key for competitiveness (“companies will ask about connectivity”), he argued that results take time and that the city must bet on technological opportunities aligned with industrial growth.

Security: visible presence and prevention

In community safety, there was common ground: more visible presence and prevention.

  • Joel raised two key areas: visibility and trust. He proposed more community policing and bylaws in neighbourhoods and events, partnerships with schools and organizations like SPEC and BCIS, and mechanisms for accountability to residents.
  • Norm valued the current work of the RCMP and community officers, and suggested strengthening youth programs especially after the school season, with more activities distributed (JBS Centre and other spaces) in collaboration with communities (Filipino, Mexican, Muslim, Francophone, etc.).

Economy and development: strategic location and promotion team

Both recognized the strategic location (Hwy 1 and 36, railway) of Brooks:

  • Norm advocated for aligning the region (county and neighboring communities) under the same roadmap, and for targeted promotion at forums in Calgary/Edmonton to attract investment.
  • Joel prioritized critical infrastructure (water, roads) first and, once ready, to promote the industrial park; he suggested drawing inspiration from the Highway 3 corridor (agri-foods) and made it clear that the mayor must lead an economic team to attract investments.

Local entrepreneurship: fewer procedures and more support

  • Joel proposed to expedite licenses, provide mentorship from economic development, and coordinate with the Chamber of Commerce and Community Futures for financing small businesses.
  • Norm proposed to redirect resources towards microcredits, mandatory training to access loans, and reduction of red tape.

Inclusion and legacy: a welcoming and proud city

Both insisted on an inclusive Brooks that strengthens cultural ties (Taste of Nations, Filipino, Mexican, Francophone events) in partnership with local schools and organizations.

In closing, their desired legacies aligned: a safer, cleaner, more prosperous, and united city, where people feel heard and proud to call Brooks their home.

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https://cast4.asurahosting.com/proxy/eradiogl/stream