| Steven M. Berman | |
|---|---|
| Mayor of Gilbert, Arizona | |
| In office 2001 – June 16, 2009 |
|
| Preceded by | Cynthia Dunham |
| Succeeded by | John Lewis |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 1, 1948 |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Michelle Berman |
| Alma mater | Arizona State University (Bachelors) |
| Website | Personal Mayoral website |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/branch | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1971-1986 |
| Rank | Captain |
Steven M. Berman is a past mayor of the Town of Gilbert, Arizona. Mayor Berman is an Arizona native and has lived in Gilbert since 1981.[1] He is a former captain in the United States Army and holds a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University. He owns a business that sells cell phones and communications services. He currently attends Life Community Church.
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Mayor Steven M. Berman is an Arizona native and a graduate of Maryvale High School in Phoenix, and Arizona State University. Steve moved to Gilbert in 1981.
Steve Berman is a former Captain in the United States Army. He is a member of the American Legion and Military Order of World Wars. Both veterans' organizations require war time military service for membership.
Berman’s professional experience includes over 20 years in the telecommunications industry, including executive positions with US West, Qwest and Westel.
Mayor Berman served on the Gilbert Town Council from 1987 to 1993 and served as mayor from 1989 to 1991. Mayor Berman was elected to a four year term as mayor in 2001 and again in 2005.[2]
Mayor Berman is a recognized regional leader and is currently the President of The Arizona Municipal Water Users Association and served twice as Chairman of the Williams Gateway Airport Authority. He has been chosen by his fellow mayors to serve on the executive board of the Maricopa Association of Governments and by mayors and councilmember's to represent them on the executive board of the Arizona League of Cities and Towns. Mayor Berman is also on the Board of Directors of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council. Mayor Berman also serves on MAGS Transportation Policy Committee.
Mayor Berman serves on numerous boards and commissions, including the executive committee of the League of Arizona Cities and Towns. He is also the former chairman of Williams Gateway Airport Authority and currently serves on the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Arizona Municipal Water Users Association, Maricopa Transportation Policy Committee and the Maricopa Association of Governments.[2]
Steve Berman was defeated in his third run for Gilbert Mayor but plans to run for a seat on Gilbert's Town Council or in the Arizona State Senate.[3]
In early 2008 a recall petition of Berman was filed. The town clerk gave the wrong number of required signatures (981 instead of the correct 1,963 though 1,208 were collected based on the wrong number), which Berman and others saw and recognized the incorrect number but did not comment on. "'I can't go in there and tell her how many signatures are needed to recall me,' Berman said."[4] Berman confronted the filer in the parking lot and spoke his mind (including expletives).[5]
In July 2008 Berman was accused of domestic violence and the subject of investigation. Gilbert Police Chief Tim Dorn transferred the investigation to the County Sheriff's office. The reason cited for this move was to "avoid 'any appearance of a conflict.'" The neutrality of the investigation has come into question as Berman has been endorsed repeatedly by the County Sheriff.[6][7]
According to Gilbert Police reports, Steven's wife Michelle Berman sparked a 3-month investigation after leaving Police Chief Tim Dorn a series of phone messages saying Mayor Berman was plotting to kill himself and her if he lost his bid for re-election March 10, 2009. Sgt. Mark Marino, Gilbert Police Dept. spokesman stated that "There was no evidence a crime occurred," [8]
Berman has been accused of and admitted to receiving gifts from local businesses, including free usage of a truck from a dealership.[6]
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