Steven M. Berman
Encyclopedia
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. 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.
, Qwest
and Westel.
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
.
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.
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.
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,"
Berman has been accused of and admitted to receiving gifts from local businesses, including free usage of a truck from a dealership.
Mayor
In many countries, a Mayor is the highest ranking officer in the municipal government of a town or a large urban city....
of the Town of Gilbert
Gilbert, Arizona
-Demographics:As of July 1, 2009, Maricopa Association of Governments, Census 2000. United States Census Bureau. there were 217,521 people, 74,147 housing units, and 3.01 persons per household....
, Arizona
Arizona
Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
. Mayor Berman is an Arizona native and has lived in Gilbert since 1981. He is a former captain in the United States Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
and holds a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University
Arizona State University
Arizona State University is a public research university located in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area of the State of Arizona...
. 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 WestUS West
U S WEST, Inc. was one of seven Regional Bell Operating Companies , created in 1983 under the Modification of Final Judgement , a case related to the antitrust breakup of AT&T...
, Qwest
Qwest
Qwest Communications International, Inc. was a large United States telecommunications carrier. Qwest provided local service in 14 western U.S. states: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.On April...
and Westel.
Political Service
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.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
League of Arizona Cities and Towns
League of Arizona Cities and Towns is a municipal league that provides an important link among the ninety incorporated cities and towns in Arizona. The League is the only organization that connects each and every municipality regardless of size or geographic location...
. He is also the former chairman of Williams Gateway Airport Authority
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport , formerly Williams Gateway Airport and Williams Air Force Base , is a commercial airport located in the southeastern area of the city of Mesa, Arizona, and southeast of Phoenix, in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States. The airport is owned and operated by the...
and currently serves on the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Arizona Municipal Water Users Association, Maricopa Transportation Policy Committee and the Maricopa Association of Governments
Maricopa Association of Governments
The Maricopa Association of Governments is an association of governments that represents the bulk of the metropolitan area of Phoenix, Arizona. It was formed as a result of the guidelines of the 1973 Federal Transportation Act...
.
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.
Controversy
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." Berman confronted the filer in the parking lot and spoke his mind (including expletives).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.
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,"
Berman has been accused of and admitted to receiving gifts from local businesses, including free usage of a truck from a dealership.