User:Connormah/Mayer

Norman Mayer (born c. 1935) is a Canadian politician and insurance broker who is the current mayor of Camrose, Alberta.

Mayer moved to Camrose from Manitoba in 1963, starting a real estate insurance business, Central Agencies, Incorporated. Married to Betty, whom he met while living in Edmonton, he has two sons, Bruce and James. Originally entering politics with intentions to give back to his community, he previously served as a councillor on the city council from 1977 to 1986, and as mayor from 1989 to his retirement in 2004. Affectionally called "Mayor Mayer" to the people of Camrose, during his first term of office, the city hosted the Canadian senior men's fastpitch championships, in 1991. In 2003, under his leadership, the city of Camrose introduced an illegal drug task force, following Edmonton mayor Bill Smith's initiative. Also during his mayoralty, the annual Big Valley Jamboree music festival was moved to Camrose as a permanent venue, and the city voted for its first casino, at the time the smallest city in Alberta to have a casino. He has stated that his mayoral goals have been to strengthen regional development as well as attract retirees to the city.

He is a recipient of the Alberta Centennial Medal (2005), University of Alberta Alumni Association Citation Award (2009) and the Golden Jubilee Medal (2012). He was elected to another term as mayor in October 2013, beating out Russell Hawkins. He had chosen to run again when incumbent Marshall Chalmers retired.

Him and his family were recognized by the Camrose Performing Arts Center, with the Mayer Family Community Hall named in their honour for their philanthropic contributions to the venue.

He is a member of the Battle River Community Foundation, which honoured him along with his wife in 2011. In addition he is also a member of the local Camrose Intermunicipal Committee, Emergency Management Committee and Subdivison & Development Appeal Board.