Sam Katz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sam Katz
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| 42nd Mayor of Winnipeg | |
| In office June 22, 2004 – November 3, 2014 |
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| Preceded by | Glen Murray |
| Succeeded by | Brian Bowman |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Samuel Michael Katz
August 20, 1951 Rehovot, Israel |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Political party | Independent |
| Children | 2 |
| Residences | Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada |
| Alma mater | University of Manitoba (BA) |
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Samuel Michael Katz (born August 20, 1951) is a Canadian businessman and a former politician. He served as the 42nd mayor of Winnipeg, Manitoba, from 2004 to 2014. He owns the Winnipeg Goldeyes baseball team and the Ottawa Titans baseball team. He also used to own the Winnipeg Thunder basketball team.
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Early Life and Career
Sam Katz was born in Rehovot, Israel. He moved to Winnipeg, Canada, with his family in November 1951 when he was a baby. He grew up in North Winnipeg.
After graduating from the University of Manitoba in 1973 with a degree in economics, he opened a clothing store. He also started businesses in real estate and entertainment. His company, Showtime Productions Inc., brought famous musicians like Tina Turner and the Rolling Stones to Winnipeg. It also brought popular musicals such as Evita, Les Misérables, and The Phantom of the Opera.
In 1994, Sam Katz helped bring professional baseball back to Winnipeg with the Winnipeg Goldeyes team. He also helped build Shaw Park, where the team plays. He started the Winnipeg Goldeyes Field of Dreams Foundation. This group has given over $900,000 to charities that help children in Manitoba.
Mayor of Winnipeg (2004-2014)
On June 22, 2004, Sam Katz was elected mayor of Winnipeg. He won with 42% of the votes. This election happened after the previous mayor, Glen Murray, resigned.
Katz was re-elected for a second term in 2006, winning 61.60% of the votes. He was elected for a third term in 2010, with 55% of the votes.
Key Decisions as Mayor
Supporting Indigenous Communities
In 2008, Mayor Katz became the Secretary of Urban Aboriginal Affairs. In 2009, he worked with the Manitoba Métis Federation to launch "It’s My Community Too." As part of this, Katz promised $3 million over three years to support Indigenous youth programs.
Creating Advisory Boards
Mayor Katz started the Mayor's Seniors Advisory Committee in 2007. This group helps make sure the city considers the needs of older adults.
He also created the citizen-led Police Advisory Board. Some city councillors disagreed with this board because its meetings were not open to the public. In 2009, Katz hosted a "Mayor’s Symposium – A Sustainable Winnipeg." This event focused on making Winnipeg a more environmentally friendly and sustainable city.
Boosting the Economy
In 2005, Mayor Katz reduced the business tax by 20%. He also created a special fund to help bring conferences and big events to Winnipeg. This helped boost the local economy.
Improving City Hall Efficiency
Mayor Katz set up a "Red Tape Commission" to find ways to make city services simpler. One big idea was to start "311," a phone number for citizens to call for city information and services. This system began in January 2009. The city also started posting its spending online in 2007. In 2009, Katz introduced "Plan Winnipeg," a 25-year plan for the city's future.
Protecting the Environment
In 2008, Mayor Katz promised to reduce the city's greenhouse gas emissions by 20%. In April 2009, the "Mayor’s Symposium – A Sustainable Winnipeg" was held. This event launched a website, www.speakupwinnipeg.com, to encourage people to share ideas for city planning that is good for society, the environment, and the city's finances.
Improving City Infrastructure
The city and province worked together to get more money for infrastructure projects. This included an extra $50 million over two years for roads, bridges, and paths. Katz supported using Public-Private Partnerships (P3s) to fund these projects. This means the city works with private companies to build and manage projects.
Managing Property Taxes
In 2009, Mayor Katz promised to keep property taxes in Winnipeg frozen for the 12th year in a row. This policy was praised by some groups. However, others criticized it, saying that other taxes might have increased to make up for the frozen property taxes.
Supporting Recreation
Katz supported building an indoor soccer facility in Winnipeg. He also championed the idea of having a waterpark in the city, which was a topic of discussion.
Enhancing Public Safety
In 2005, Mayor Katz supported a new rule to limit aggressive panhandling. He also worked on programs to help young people at risk, encouraging them to join sports and community activities. In 2007, he appointed Keith McCaskill as Winnipeg's Chief of Police. Katz increased the police department's budget to improve safety. He also supported a rule to stop the sale of spray paint to minors to help control graffiti. He backed a plan to reduce car theft in Winnipeg.
Improving Transportation
Construction began on the Southwest Rapid Transit Corridor in summer 2009. This project aimed to improve public transportation. In 2008, a transit strike was avoided, keeping buses running for citizens. Katz also believed Winnipeg should use its location in the middle of North America to become a major trade hub.
Criticisms Faced as Mayor
Sam Katz faced some criticism during his time as mayor. One area of concern was a deal with a company called Veolia to manage Winnipeg's wastewater.
He also faced criticism regarding his involvement with Riverside Park Management. This non-profit organization was founded by Katz in 1997. It was involved in building the stadium for his Winnipeg Goldeyes baseball team. Some people raised concerns about a possible conflict of interest because he was both mayor and president of Riverside Park for a period while the city and the organization had a financial disagreement.
Another controversy involved the construction of new fire halls in 2013. A report suggested that a certain real estate developer might have received a contract unfairly. Mayor Katz was criticized because he had a past financial connection to this developer. He stated that he no longer had financial ties and denied any wrongdoing or involvement in the contract decision. Some city councillors asked for his resignation because of this situation, but he refused to step down.
Honours and Awards
Sam Katz has received several awards for his contributions.
- In 2002, he was given the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal.
- In 2003, he received the University of Manitoba Distinguished Alumnus Award.
- In 2004, he received the Order of Manitoba, which is the highest honour given by the province. This award recognized his efforts to improve the social, cultural, and economic well-being of Manitoba and its residents.
Personal Life
Sam Katz has two daughters. He is married to Leah Pasuta.
See also
In Spanish: Sam Katz para niños
