Sam Katz
Encyclopedia
Samuel Michael Katz, OM
(born August 20, 1951 in Rehovot
, Israel) is the 42nd mayor of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He is also a businessperson and a member of the Order of Manitoba
.
Shortly after graduating in 1973 with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) 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.
, Al Golden
, and MaryAnn Mihychuk
and receiving 42% of the vote. This came after the resignation of Glen Murray as mayor of Winnipeg to run in the 2004 federal election
.
Katz was re-elected to a second term in the 2006 elections on October 25, 2006 with 61.60% of the vote. He was re-elected to a third term in the 2010 elections on October 27, 2010 with 55% of the vote.
In 2009, Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) President David Chartrand and Sam Katz launched “It’s My Community Too”.
Katz pledged $3 million dollars for aboriginal youth over three years beginning in 2009.
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 is held 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.
Katz created a Special Events Marketing Fund for conferences and special events.
.
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, he unveiled a plan to create a new Plan Winnipeg, a 25 year blueprint for the future.
In April 2009 a Mayor’s Symposium – A Sustainable Winnipeg was held and kicked off www.speakupwinnipeg.com which is a collaborative approach to city planning that is socially, environmentally and financially sustainable.
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 was built on time and on budget.
This distinction was applauded by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.
However this policy has been criticized by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives who, 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."
Although controversial, Katz also championed having a Waterpark in The City of Winnipeg.
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, Chief 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. Crimestat is interactive and its goal is 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.
A Winnipeg Auto Theft Suppression Strategy was supported by Katz as a way to crack down on auto theft.
A transit strike was averted in 2008.
Katz says that Winnipeg should take full advantage of being the mid-continent trade corridor.
After referring to Winnipeg's five female Olympic medal-winners as "beautiful females" whose close-up presence made him "feel like Hugh Hefner
", Katz was criticized by a women's studies professor at the University of Manitoba
. Reaction from the citizens of Winnipeg was mixed, with some agreeing with the criticism and others disagreeing.
Katz is the target of humour in a song by The Consumer Goods
. Their song "And the Final Words are Yours, Sam Katz" was entered in medium rotation at a number of local radio stations and offers Katz ironic sympathy for the difficulties of running "a city, a business and a baseball team", the use of Malathion
for mosquito fogging, and a military training exercise (Operation Charging Bison).
Katz has also come under fire from the city's French-speaking population after removing a bilingual requirement from the criteria for awarding a restaurant license on the Esplanade Riel bridge and backing away from earlier promises to help fund a French-language theatre.
Six days before the Winnipeg City Council voted on the city's operating budget, Katz revised it. This drew criticism from councillor Jenny Gerbasi
and the Manitoba director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation
, Adrienne Batra.
is a non-profit organization was founded by Sam Katz in 1997 to create a leasehold stake in the proposed CanWest Park stadium that eventually housed his Winnipeg Goldeyes
baseball team. Katz continued his involvement after being elected mayor and when a property tax controversy arose was accused of conflict of interest
as he was both Mayor of Winnipeg and president of Riverside Park from August 2005 to April 2008, while the two sides were engaged in a financial dispute.
Katz spends large amounts of time outside Winnipeg and frequently misses important social engagements as mayor such as the Remembrance Day Ceremonies on November 11, 2011 insulting veterans some of who helped to liberate Nazi Camp surviours like his father. Some Winnipeg City Councillors have spoken off the record to some members of the media that if the public knew how often the mayor is out of town especially on Fridays there would be a large protest from the public
. 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.
Katz is married to Leah Pasuta, who is thirty years younger than himself.
Order of Manitoba
The Order of Manitoba is a civilian honour for merit in the Canadian province of Manitoba. Instituted in 1999 when Lieutenant Governor Peter M...
(born August 20, 1951 in Rehovot
Rehovot
Rehovot is a city in the Center District of Israel, about south of Tel Aviv. According to the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics , at the end of 2009 the city had a total population of 112,700. Rehovot's official website estimates the population at 114,000.Rehovot was built on the site of Doron,...
, Israel) is the 42nd mayor of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He is also a businessperson and a member of the Order of Manitoba
Order of Manitoba
The Order of Manitoba is a civilian honour for merit in the Canadian province of Manitoba. Instituted in 1999 when Lieutenant Governor Peter M...
.
Life before mayorship
Katz 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 (BA) in Economics from the University of Manitoba
University of Manitoba
The University of Manitoba , in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, is the largest university in the province of Manitoba. It is Manitoba's most comprehensive and only research-intensive post-secondary educational institution. It was founded in 1877, making it Western Canada’s first university. It placed...
, he opened a retail clothing store in Brandon, Manitoba
Brandon, Manitoba
Brandon is the second largest city in Manitoba, Canada, and is located in the southwestern area of the province. Brandon is the largest city in the Westman region of Manitoba. The city is located along the Assiniboine River. Spruce Woods Provincial Park and CFB Shilo are a relatively short distance...
. 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
Tina Turner
Tina Turner is an American singer and actress whose career has spanned more than 50 years. She has won numerous awards and her achievements in the rock music genre have led many to call her the "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll".Turner started out her music career with husband Ike Turner as a member of the...
, the Rolling Stones, and Paul McCartney
Paul McCartney
Sir James Paul McCartney, MBE, Hon RAM, FRCM is an English musician, singer-songwriter and composer. Formerly of The Beatles and Wings , McCartney is listed in Guinness World Records as the "most successful musician and composer in popular music history", with 60 gold discs and sales of 100...
, and musicals such as Evita, Les Misérables
Les Misérables (musical)
Les Misérables , colloquially known as Les Mis or Les Miz , is a musical by Claude-Michel Schönberg, based on the novel of the same name by Victor Hugo....
and The Phantom of the Opera
The Phantom of the Opera (1986 musical)
The Phantom of the Opera is a musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, based on the French novel Le Fantôme de l'Opéra by Gaston Leroux.The music was composed by Lloyd Webber, and most lyrics were written by Charles Hart, with additional lyrics by Richard Stilgoe. Alan Jay Lerner was an early collaborator,...
to Winnipeg.
In 1994, he brought professional baseball back to Winnipeg with the Winnipeg Goldeyes
Winnipeg Goldeyes
The Winnipeg Goldeyes are a professional baseball team based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in Canada. The Goldeyes play in the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball. From 1994 to 2010, the team was a member of the Northern League.The...
, 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
On June 22, 2004, Katz was elected as the first Jewish mayor of Winnipeg., beating Dan VandalDan Vandal
Daniel 'Dan' Vandal is a politician in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He has represented St. Boniface on the Winnipeg City Council for all but two years since 1995, and ran unsuccessfully for Mayor of Winnipeg in 2004...
, Al Golden
Al Golden (politician)
Allan Golden is a politician and businessman in Winnipeg, Manitoba.Golden is involved in many business operations, including the St. Vital Hotel and the Transcona Country Club. He entered politics after being encouraged by former Mayor of Winnipeg Stephen Juba, to run in the 1980 mayoral election...
, and MaryAnn Mihychuk
MaryAnn Mihychuk
MaryAnn Mihychuk is a former politician from Manitoba, Canada. She was a cabinet minister in the government of New Democratic Premier Gary Doer from 1999 to 2004...
and receiving 42% of the vote. This came after the resignation of Glen Murray as mayor of Winnipeg to run in the 2004 federal election
Canadian federal election, 2004
The Canadian federal election, 2004 , was held on June 28, 2004 to elect members of the Canadian House of Commons of the 38th Parliament of Canada. The Liberal government of Prime Minister Paul Martin lost its majority, but was able to form a minority government after the elections...
.
Katz was re-elected to a second term in the 2006 elections on October 25, 2006 with 61.60% of the vote. He was re-elected to a third term in the 2010 elections on October 27, 2010 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 dollars 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 is held 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 tapeRed tape
Red tape is excessive regulation or rigid conformity to formal rules that is considered redundant or bureaucratic and hinders or prevents action or decision-making...
.
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, he unveiled a plan to create a new Plan Winnipeg, a 25 year blueprint for the future.
Environment
In 2008, Katz committed to a 20% reduction in corporate municipal green house gases.In April 2009 a Mayor’s Symposium – A Sustainable Winnipeg was held and kicked off www.speakupwinnipeg.com which is 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 which say an increase of $50 million over two years (2006–2008).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 was built on time and on budget.
Property Taxes
In 2009, Katz pledged to keep property taxes in The City of Winnipeg frozen for the twelfth straight year.This distinction was applauded by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.
However this policy has been criticized by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives who, 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 is built in The City of Winnipeg,Although controversial, Katz also championed having a Waterpark in The City of Winnipeg.
Safety
Katz welcomed a by-law 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, Chief 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. Crimestat is interactive and its goal is 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.
A Winnipeg Auto Theft Suppression Strategy was supported by Katz as a way to crack down on auto theft.
Transportation
Construction for the Southwest Rapid Transit Corridor starts in the summer 2009.A transit strike was averted in 2008.
Katz says that Winnipeg should take full advantage of being the mid-continent trade corridor.
Criticism
Katz is the subject of criticism after a P3 deal had been tabled and provisionally accepted with Veolia to a 30 year deal to manage Winnipeg's waste water.After referring to Winnipeg's five female Olympic medal-winners as "beautiful females" whose close-up presence made him "feel like Hugh Hefner
Hugh Hefner
Hugh Marston "Hef" Hefner is an American magazine publisher, founder and Chief Creative Officer of Playboy Enterprises.-Early life:...
", Katz was criticized by a women's studies professor at the University of Manitoba
University of Manitoba
The University of Manitoba , in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, is the largest university in the province of Manitoba. It is Manitoba's most comprehensive and only research-intensive post-secondary educational institution. It was founded in 1877, making it Western Canada’s first university. It placed...
. Reaction from the citizens of Winnipeg was mixed, with some agreeing with the criticism and others disagreeing.
Katz is the target of humour in a song by The Consumer Goods
The Consumer Goods
The Consumer Goods are a Canadian indie rock/pop band originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Their wickedly incisive and politically-charged music has earned both praise and contempt, but rarely disinterest...
. Their song "And the Final Words are Yours, Sam Katz" was entered in medium rotation at a number of local radio stations and offers Katz ironic sympathy for the difficulties of running "a city, a business and a baseball team", the use of Malathion
Malathion
Malathion is an organophosphate parasympathomimetic which binds irreversibly to cholinesterase. Malathion is an insecticide of relatively low human toxicity, however one recent study has shown that children with higher levels of organophosphate pesticide metabolites in their urine are more likely...
for mosquito fogging, and a military training exercise (Operation Charging Bison).
Katz has also come under fire from the city's French-speaking population after removing a bilingual requirement from the criteria for awarding a restaurant license on the Esplanade Riel bridge and backing away from earlier promises to help fund a French-language theatre.
Six days before the Winnipeg City Council voted on the city's operating budget, Katz revised it. This drew criticism from councillor Jenny Gerbasi
Jenny Gerbasi
Jenny Gerbasi born in 1962 is a City Councillor in the Fort Rouge - East Fort Garry in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. She was first elected in 1998 and subsequently reelected in 2002, 2006 and 2010. She is a registered nurse and taught at the University of Manitoba...
and the Manitoba director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation
Canadian Taxpayers Federation
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is a Canadian federally incorporated, non-profit organization and taxpayers union that claims to have over 70,000 supporters across Canada. The organization advocates lower taxes, and a reduction of what it considers to be waste in government...
, Adrienne Batra.
Riverside Park Management
Riverside Park ManagementRiverside Park Management
Riverside Park Management is a non-profit organization in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It was founded by Winnipeg businessman Sam Katz in 1997 to create a leasehold stake in the proposed CanWest Park stadium that eventually housed his Winnipeg Goldeyes baseball team...
is a non-profit organization was founded by Sam Katz in 1997 to create a leasehold stake in the proposed CanWest Park stadium that eventually housed his Winnipeg Goldeyes
Winnipeg Goldeyes
The Winnipeg Goldeyes are a professional baseball team based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in Canada. The Goldeyes play in the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball. From 1994 to 2010, the team was a member of the Northern League.The...
baseball team. Katz continued his involvement after being elected mayor and when a property tax controversy arose was accused of conflict of interest
Conflict of interest
A conflict of interest occurs when an individual or organization is involved in multiple interests, one of which could possibly corrupt the motivation for an act in the other....
as he was both Mayor of Winnipeg and president of Riverside Park from August 2005 to April 2008, while the two sides were engaged in a financial dispute.
Katz spends large amounts of time outside Winnipeg and frequently misses important social engagements as mayor such as the Remembrance Day Ceremonies on November 11, 2011 insulting veterans some of who helped to liberate Nazi Camp surviours like his father. Some Winnipeg City Councillors have spoken off the record to some members of the media that if the public knew how often the mayor is out of town especially on Fridays there would be a large protest from the public
Honours
In 2002, Katz was presented with the Queen's Golden Jubilee MedalQueen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal
The Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal was a commemorative medal created in 2002 to mark the 50th anniversary of the accession to the throne of Queen Elizabeth II...
. 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
Order of Manitoba
The Order of Manitoba is a civilian honour for merit in the Canadian province of Manitoba. Instituted in 1999 when Lieutenant Governor Peter M...
, 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,15 years younger than himself, 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, who is thirty years younger than himself.
Electoral record
| Candidate | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| (x) Sam Katz | 116,308 | 54.8 |
| Judy Wasylycia-Leis Judy Wasylycia-Leis Klazina Judith "Judy" Wasylycia-Leis is a Canadian politician. She was a Manitoba cabinet minister in the government of Howard Pawley from 1986 to 1988, and was a member of the Canadian House of Commons from September 22, 1997 to April 30, 2010... |
90,913 | 42.8 |
| Brad Gross | 3,398 | 1.68 |
| Rav Gill | 1,775 | 0.8 |