Re-elected for another term as mayor of Brejo Cruz, in Paraíba, physician Dr. Thales Torricelli brings to public management the same dedication he has to his profession. 

“My goal in politics has always been to improve people’s lives, providing tools so that young people have access to education and so that the population, in general, has access to quality healthcare,” he says.

With an eye on the needs of the community, the mayor balances two major priorities of his administration: health and education. Both are pillars of a project that seeks to transform the reality of Brejo Cruz, a small municipality, but full of potential.

Education is the highlight of the first term

During his 2021-2024 term, Dr. Thales is proud to have expanded access to education for the youth of Brejo Cruz. “Many young people did not have access to technical or higher education. We provided buses to take them to universities in neighboring cities and offered scholarships to keep them in school. With this, they are building the tools to enter the job market and build a better future.”

The results of this investment are clear. Brejo Cruz achieved the best Basic Education Development Index (IDEB) in the eighth region of Paraíba. “This growth in the IDEB is a marker that makes us very proud. It shows that we are on the right path to transforming lives through education.”

Health: a doctor's passion for public management

As a physician, Dr. Thales' main focus is on health. Since the beginning of his administration, in January 2021, the Municipal Emergency Care Hospital has never been without a doctor, and the population now has access to medicines and basic care that were previously unavailable. “Ensuring that people have access to the basics, whether medicine or medical care, is one of our greatest achievements,” he highlights.

Transparency as a hallmark of management

Dr. Thales’ administration also stands out for its transparency. “Before, to access information from the City Hall, you had to go to the City Council or the Executive Branch. Today, everything is available on the internet, from civil servants’ salaries to public spending. This transparency is essential for the public’s trust.”

Employment, income and reduction of infant mortality are the new challenges

For the next term, Dr. Thales points out two major challenges: generating employment and income, and reducing infant mortality.

With the local economy strongly linked to the manufacture of bed, table and bath linens, the administration seeks to promote the sector by creating a “manufacturer’s mall”, made possible by parliamentary resources of more than R$1.5 million. “This project will boost our economy, generate jobs and provide opportunities, especially for young people who are completing their studies and preparing for the job market”, he points out.

Reducing infant mortality requires an integrated approach and partnerships. “This rate reflects issues of basic sanitation, garbage collection and early childhood care. It is a challenge that depends on coordination with the state and federal governments, but we are committed to monitoring and implementing actions to improve this reality,” he adds.

RenovaBR and its evolution as a leader

Dr. Thales credits RenovaBR with a significant part of his development as a public administrator. “If I had done RenovaBR before my first term, I might have had an even better management. It taught me the importance of efficient management, communication and humanistic preparation, as well as how to deal with different segments of society.”

This training had a direct impact on the way he interacts with the population and conducts management. “Communicating with people is a form of transparency. And transparency is, in essence, doing social justice.”

When asked about the legacy he wants to leave, Dr. Thales is clear: “I want the children born today in Brejo Cruz to have a better future. I want them to grow up in a fairer city, with access to health, education and the same opportunities for everyone. My goal is to leave a city where people are proud to live and hope for tomorrow,” he concludes.