John Petrie
IN THIS SPECIAL INTERVIEW, WE REFLECT ON HIS YEARS OF SERVICE, THE CHALLENGES AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF HIS ADMINISTRATION, AND HIS LEGACY AS HE STEPS AWAY FROM POLITICAL LIFE.
Brooks, Alberta — In an exclusive interview with eRadioGlobal, outgoing Mayor John Petrie provided a candid and straightforward review of his municipal management to the residents of Brooks. Through his account, both the consolidated achievements and the challenges that still remain open in the city emerge.
The voice of the mayor: interview and final reflections
During the conversation, Petrie appeared thoughtful and grateful. He acknowledged that his time as mayor was a learning process and about building bridges with the community. In his own words, he stated that his experience as a broadcaster taught him the importance of listening to the citizen, and that his goal was to replicate that institutional bond with transparency and closeness.
He commented that, although he will not seek re-election, his commitment to Brooks does not end: he hopes to leave a clear roadmap for whoever comes next, "so they don't start from scratch." He emphasized that a good government must be accountable, open spaces for dialogue, and take responsibility for the promises made.
Notable achievements of the Petrie mandate
Throughout the interview, Petrie mentioned some initiatives that he considers cornerstones of his management:
- Housing and residential growth: it drove the planning and construction of dozens of new residential units to meet the demand in Brooks, with the goal of stabilizing the rental market and providing affordable alternatives for families.
- Investment in education: highlighted the support for a new junior high school, with a multimillion-dollar budget, as well as the efforts to advance the construction of a Catholic school; projects that mark the projected growth of the city.
- Urban infrastructure and public spaces: he spoke about improvements in zoning, expansion of parks, renovation of urban public spaces, and the strengthening of local heritage.
- Safety and mobility: he mentioned plans to extend lighting on trails and pedestrian areas, improve roads, and ensure that urban development is aligned with public safety.
- Transparency and citizen engagement: he emphasized that one of his commitments was to publish reports, open participation forums, and encourage management that is closer to the citizen.
Critiques, pending issues and challenges for the next team
He did not fail to acknowledge that not everything was perfect or completed. During the interview, Petrie admitted that certain goals remained unfinished:
- The public lighting and the beautification of pedestrian areas are not finished and require ongoing budgetary support and political management.
- The pressure on the cost of living and rents remains a concern for many residents.
- Maintaining a transparent, responsive government with accountability mechanisms will be an ongoing task for the next administration.
- Other projects require rigorous monitoring and sufficient resources to avoid being left as mere promises.
Brooks heading towards the elections: what's coming
The municipal elections in Brooks, Alberta, are just around the corner. On October 20, 2025, the community will decide who will take on the mayoralty and the rest of the council. Petrie concludes his term with the hope that his legacy —and his warnings— will serve as a foundation for the next leadership.
For the candidates, the challenge will be clear: not only to continue the pending actions but also to innovate, adapt, and maintain a genuine closeness with the Latin community and the entire Brooks community.
This shift in the local narrative —reinforced by a direct interview— represents an opportunity for eRadioGlobal to lead in the region by showcasing the voices of its protagonists.