Sam Katz facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sam Katz OM
42nd Mayor of Winnipeg
In office June 22, 2004 – November 3, 2014
Preceded by	Glen Murray
Succeeded by	Brian Bowman
Personal details
Born	Samuel Michael Katz (1951-08-20) August 20, 1951 (age 72) Rehovot, Israel
Nationality	Canadian
Political party	Independent
Children	2
Residences	Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Alma mater	University of Manitoba (BA)
Occupation	Real estate developer theatre producer

Samuel Michael Katz OM (born August 20, 1951) is a Canadian businessman and former politician who was the 42nd mayor of Winnipeg, Manitoba from 2004 to 2014. He is the owner of the Winnipeg Goldeyes and a member of the Order of Manitoba. He was the president of the short-lived National Basketball League.

Life before mayorship

Katz was born in Rehovot, Israel. He emigrated to Winnipeg in November 1951 as an infant with his parents, Chaim and Zena Katz, and his older brother, David, and was raised in North Winnipeg. Shortly after graduating in 1973 with a Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of Manitoba, he opened a retail clothing store in Brandon, Manitoba. Throughout his career he continued his entrepreneurial ventures in real estate and entertainment. His entertainment company, Showtime Productions Inc., brought artists such as Tina Turner, the Rolling Stones, and Paul McCartney, and musicals such as Evita, Les Misérables and The Phantom of the Opera to Winnipeg.

In 1994, he brought professional baseball back to Winnipeg with the Winnipeg Goldeyes, who now play in the American Association. Through this franchise, he arranged for the construction and success of Shaw Park in 1999. Katz was also founder of the Winnipeg Goldeyes Field of Dreams Foundation, an organization that has donated more than a $900,000 to children's charities and non-profit organizations in Manitoba.

Mayor of Winnipeg (2004-2014)

On June 22, 2004, Katz was elected mayor of Winnipeg, beating Dan Vandal, Al Golden, and MaryAnn Mihychuk and receiving 42% of the vote. This came after Glen Murray's resignation as mayor to run in the 2004 federal election.

Katz was reelected in the 2006 elections with 61.60% of the vote. He was elected to a third term in the 2010 elections with 55% of the vote.

Mayoral decisions

Aboriginal Community

Katz assumed the role of Secretary of Urban Aboriginal Affairs in 2008. In 2009, Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) President David Chartrand and Sam Katz launched “It’s My Community Too”. Katz pledged $3 million for aboriginal youth over three years beginning in 2009.

Advisory boards

Katz created the Mayor's Seniors Advisory Committee in 2007.

Katz also created the citizen-led Police Advisory Board. Councillors Jenny Gerbasi, Mike Pagtakhan, Harvey Smith, Lillian Thomas and Dan Vandal voted in opposition to this board because it meets behind closed doors. In 2009, Katz hosted Mayor’s Symposium – A Sustainable Winnipeg. This symposium was a surprise to some residents because Katz has been critiqued for his approach to the environment and sustainability.

Economy

In 2005, Katz cut the business tax by 20%. Katz created a Special Events Marketing Fund for conferences and special events.

Efficiency at City Hall

First, the Mayor's Red Tape Commission recommended 30 recommendations to cut red tape. One of the recommendations of the commission was to implement 311. It was operational by January 2009. Expenditures have been posted on Winnipeg.ca since 2007. In 2009, Katz unveiled Plan Winnipeg, a 25-year blueprint for the future.

Environment

In 2008, Katz committed to a 20% reduction in corporate municipal greenhouse gases. In April 2009 a Mayor’s Symposium – A Sustainable Winnipeg was held and kicked off www.speakupwinnipeg.com, a collaborative approach to city planning that is socially, environmentally and financially sustainable.

Infrastructure

The Province of Manitoba and The City of Winnipeg negotiated a new infrastructure agreement with the Federal Government and the Provincial Government that included an increase of $50 million over two years (2006–08). Katz endorses the use of P3s (Public, Private Partnership) to fund roads, bridges and paths. This method is reported to have ensured the Charleswood Bridge project (completed in 1995 during Mayor Susan Thompson's term) was built on time and on budget. (Katz had nothing to do with the Charleswood Bridge project, which long preceded his involvement in City Hall.)

Property taxes

In 2009, Katz pledged to keep property taxes in Winnipeg frozen for the 12th straight year. The policy was applauded by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, but has been criticized by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, which, in their 2010 Alternative Budget, said "the semblance of a property tax freeze is only made possible with less transparent tax increases to pick up the slack of fiscal irresponsibility."

Recreation

Katz supported an indoor soccer facility in The City of Winnipeg. Although controversial, he also championed having a waterpark in Winnipeg.

Safety

Katz welcomed a bylaw enacted in 2005 to restrict aggressive panhandling. He also committed to alternative options for at-risk youth including participation in sports and activities in community centres as a preventative measure. In 2007, Katz appointed Winnipeg Chief of Police Keith McCaskill. Katz increased the Winnipeg Police Department budget from $140 million to $160 million, which is 20% of the Operating Budget. Operation Clean Sweep became a permanent entity, which is supported by the established permanent Street Crime Unit. After touring New York City, Katz was interested in the creation and implementation of Crimestat, an interactive system to provide up-to-date information to help protect citizens. Katz supported a graffiti control bylaw to stop the sale and possession of spray paint to minors. Katz supported a Winnipeg auto theft suppression strategy as a way to crack down on auto theft.

Transportation

Construction of the Southwest Rapid Transit Corridor started in summer 2009. A transit strike was averted in 2008. Katz has said that Winnipeg should take full advantage of being the mid-continent trade corridor.

Honours

In 2002, Katz was presented with the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal. In 2003, he received the University of Manitoba Distinguished Alumnus Award. In 2004, he was given the province's highest honour, the Order of Manitoba, for demonstrating an ability to improve the social, cultural and economic well being of Manitoba and its residents.

Personal life

Sam was married to Baillie, with whom he's had two daughters (born in 2001 and 2005). Katz began divorce proceedings with his wife on October 26, 2006 – one day after his reelection. Katz is married to Leah Pasuta.

Electoral record

See also

In Spanish: Sam Katz para niños