We had the privilege of sitting down with Mayor Joe Petty to learn more about the man behind decades of dedicated service to Worcester. From his favorite local spots to his dreams of exploring Italy, Mayor Petty shared heartfelt insights about his journey, his passions, and what inspires him to continue making a difference in our community.
Read his exclusive interview below and discover the stories and reflections of one of Worcester’s most steadfast leaders.
Q: Please tell us about your current career and what you love most about what you do?
I am the Mayor of Worcester. I began my service to the city as a City Councilor in 1997. After serving two terms, I was elected Mayor in 2011 and have been fortunate to serve our community in that capacity since. What I love most is the people. I just like helping people, engaging with people of the city and attending their events. Recently, my passion has been helping the unhoused members of our community.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Worcester, and what is your favorite dish?
Well, I’ll be honest, I enjoy all the restaurants in this town. But I do have three or four favorites; Definitely Wan Wang, on Park Avenue. They just won the best Chinese restaurant in the city according to The Telegram & Gazette. My Favorite Italian restaurants are Piccolos, particularly the Insalata del Mondo, and Nuovo on Shrewsbury St. I also love El Basha, I think that they have the best steak in the City. Miss Worcester Diner for their French Toast and Altea’s for their Mother’s Day Brunch are other favorites.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve ever met?
Bill Clinton and Barack Obama top the list. I’ve also really enjoyed meeting and getting to know some of the military veterans of WWII and the Vietnam War.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I think right now, my first choice would be Italy. My wife is Italian and we’ve been talking about travelling there. I look forward to seeing Rome, the Vatican, Venice and the countryside.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
I like Elton John, Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys. Elvis was my favorite growing up.
Q: What is your best advice?
The advice that I would like to give is, just don’t give up. I tell people that when things are looking down, you’ve just got to get through it. Never quit.
Q: What are the top three on your Bucket List?
1. Meet the Pope 2. Visit the Kennedy Compound 3. Take my family on more vacations.
Q: What current/former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Worcester, and why?
Charlie’s Surplus on Water St. It was the place to go for Converse sneakers as a kid. The business Owner, Charlie Epstein, was a great contributor to Worcester, most well-known for his sponsorship of the annual 10k road race.
Q: Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative with whom would you love to have lunch, and why?
Barack Obama. President Obama’s origin story resonates with me. His ascension from a community organizer to the President of the United States of America, is inspirational.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Running for Re-election
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
The fact that I’m an introvert. I don’t like the publicity, to be honest with you. I don’t seek press exposure. It can be challenging for my position as Mayor.
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Safe Haven, Privacy, Relaxing
Q: If a motion picture was made of your life, what actor/actress would you choose to play you?
Jimmy Stewart. I always liked him. He’s one of my favorite actors.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Worcester, or something unique that you love about the city?
It’s the people. It’s still a big city, but it’s a neighborhood city. We haven’t lost that. We still have sections of the city where the same families have been living for years, generations. Everybody still knows everybody.
Q: What is your favorite smell?
I love cooking. I like when I cook my meatballs and sauce, the onions steaming in the pot with garlic and oil, it smells like home.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife. My biggest supporter and critic.
