Gunnar Norberg
 | This article may contain excessive or inappropriate references to self-published sources. (February 2024) |
Gunnar Norberg | |
|---|---|
 Norberg ca. 1978 | |
| 27th Mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea | |
| In office 1976–1980 | |
| Preceded by | Eugene Hammond |
| Succeeded by | Barney Laiolo |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Nils Gunnar Norberg February 4, 1907 Kenora, Ontario, Canada |
| Died | September 17, 1988 (aged 81) Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, US |
| Political party | Republican |
| Occupation | Businessman politician |
| Known for | Mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California |
Gunnar Norberg, (February 4, 1907 – August 17, 1988) an American businessman and politician.
Career
[edit]He was inducted at the Presidio of Monterey and eneded up at Camp Beale. Private Norberg became editor for the camp's newspaper, and helped set up the military installation's first football team and symphony orchestra. He received an honorable discharge to embark on a new role within the Office of Inter-American Affairs. Eventually, this organization evolved into the Voice of America.[1][2]
Politics
[edit]Norberg's political journey in Carmel began with his election to the City Council in 1958. He was loved for his efforts in safeguarding the village's character, yet despised for his abrasive approach in doing so.[3]
In May 1979, 20th Century Fox purchased the Pebble Beach Corporation for over $71 million (equivalent to $298,063,274 in 2023). Norberg expressed his concerns about the purchase as he believed that 20th Century-Fox had a significant surplus of funds due to the success of "Star Wars." The City Council, in response, passed a resolution opposing the acquisition. Mayor Norberg stated, "If a large corporation can enter our community and freely spend the profits it generated elsewhere, thereby compromising the quality of life for our residents, then such conglomerates have the power to do the same anywhere."[4]
Upon Clint Eastwood's decision not to seek re-election as the mayor of Carmel from 1986 to 1988, Norberg and former mayor Charlotte Townsend expressed their hopes for a return to a simpler, more ordinary way of life, with diminished commercialization in the city. Norberg emphasized his belief that Carmel had experienced a surge in commercialization during the previous two years, asserting that the essence of "Carmel wasn't made by spending money. It was made by spending the time and effort of dedicated people." The preamble to the city charter of Carmel underscores its primary focus on being a residential, with business interests taking a secondary position in importance.[5]
Death
[edit]In September 1989, the Sunset Center theater presented Portrait of a Dream by True Boardman, winner of the 1989 Festival of Firsts an annual playwriting competition. Boardman's play was selected among 1989's 141 entries from across the United States. The Festival of Firsts playwriting competition had been inaugurated by the late Mayor Norberg of Carmel, as a prime annual cultural event for the city of Carmel.[6]
Norberg died shortly after completing a memoir of his experiences in the army, called The Private Norberg Story, Me and the General World War II at the Homefront. His wife and son had the manuscript published in March 2008.[2][7]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Gunnar Norberg 1907–1988". Carmel Pine Cone. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. August 18, 1988. pp. 1, 3. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
- ^ a b Robert Walch (March 22, 2008). "Author recalls life outside trenches". The Californian. Salinas, California. p. 24. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
- ^ Pam Marino (July 19, 2018). "Two Monterey Peninsula cities may change how they're governed". Monterey County Weekly. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
- ^ Robert Lindsey (January 26, 1979). "Monterey Peninsula Debates Sale of Scenic Tract". The New York Times. p. 1. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
- ^ "Former town leaders bid adieu". The Californian. Salinas, California. February 5, 1988. p. 3. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
- ^ "Sunset Center Theater". The Californian. Salinas, California. September 21, 1989. p. 10. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
- ^ Norberg, Gunnar (2007). The Private Norberg Story, Me and the General World War II at the Homefront. Booksurge Pub. ISBN 9781419677502. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
