Steven M. Berman
| 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.
Early life
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.
Military service
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.
Professional Experience
Berman’s professional experience includes over 20 years in the telecommunications industry, including executive positions with US West, Qwest and Westel. Since leaving the telecommunications industry Berman has been active the sustainable energy industry serving as president of Think Green Renewable Energy and currently president of North American Renewable Energy.
Political Service
Mayor Berman served on the Gilbert Town Council from 1987 to 1993 and served as mayor from 1989 to 1991. In 1993 Berman ran unsuccessfully for Gilbert Mayor.[2] Mayor Berman was elected to a four-year term as mayor in 2001 and again in 2005.[3]
Mayor Berman was recognized as a regional leader twice serving as Chairman of Williams Gateway Airport Authority, President of the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association, and Chairman of MAGS Transportation Policy Committee. 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. [citation needed]
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.[3]
Steve Berman was defeated in his bid for a third consistent term as Gilbert Mayor, but planned to run for a seat on Gilbert's Town Council or in the Arizona State Senate.[4] In 2012 Berman is instead running again for Gilbert Mayor.[2]
Controversy
Berman has been accused of and admitted to receiving gifts from local businesses, including a suit and free usage of a truck from a local dealership.[5][6]
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."[7] Berman confronted the filer in the parking lot and spoke his mind (including expletives).[8]
In July 2008 Berman was accused of domestic violence and was 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 was questioned as Berman had been endorsed repeatedly by the County Sheriff.[9][10] The charges were investigated independently by the Gilbert Police Department, Maricopa County Sheriff’s Dept. as well as by a private investigator hired by the Maricopa County Attorney’s office.[citation needed] After nine months of investigations each of the agencies issued the same conclusion “There is no evidence a crime occurred”.[citation needed]
References
- ↑ Personal Mayoral Site, Biography
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Gilbert election 2012: Race for mayor, Town Council". AzCentral.com. 5 July 2012. Retrieved 3 August 2012.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Mayor and Council Home Page
- ↑ Berman vows to be political comeback kid
- ↑ "List of Berman controversies". East Valley Tribune. 22 June 2007. Retrieved 3 August 2012.
- ↑ "Berman says he returned free suit to Dillard's". East Valley Tribune. 12 September 2008. Retrieved 3 August 2012.
- ↑ "Berman knew of clerk's recall petition error". East Valley Tribune. 17 June 2008. Retrieved 3 August 2012.
- ↑ "Gilbert mayor spews expletives at recall backer". East Valley Tribune. 13 February 2008. Retrieved 3 August 2012.
- ↑ "Gilbert mayor named in domestic violence report". East Valley Tribune. 11 July 2008. Retrieved 9 August 2012.
- ↑ "Berman downplays domestic violence inquiry". East Valley Tribune. 12 July 2008. Retrieved 9 August 2012.
External links
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