Politics & Government
Former Beverly Hills Mayor Max Salter, 90
'Mayor Max' is remembered for his dedication to civic and philanthropic causes.
Former Beverly Hills Mayor Maxwell Hillary Salter died Tuesday. He was 90.
The cause of Salter's death was not disclosed. Known as "Mayor Max," he was elected to the Beverly Hills City Council in 1986.
Salter served on the City Council from 1986 to 1994 and was mayor in 1989 and 1993. Aside from the council, he was chief executive officer of Beno's, a Los Angeles-based clothing company founded in 1938 with stores statewide.
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"Max Salter was a mentor to me, and I will deeply miss him," Mayor Jimmy Delshad said. "He was an innovator who embodied the best of our city by setting the highest standards for leadership and integrity, while demonstrating the importance of collaboration and respect."
Delshad praised Salter for his dedication to the community and his philanthropic and business efforts. Salter was a former board member of the Federal Small Business Advisory Committee and a member of the board of directors of Government Funding, a loan company with ties to the Small Business Administration.
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He also played a significant role in several community organizations, including serving as president of Temple Beth Am and as a member of the board of governors of the United Jewish Welfare Fund. Salter was a patron member of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and a friend of the Los Angeles Music Center.
Salter served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1946. Beverly Hills High School's theater, which hosts school board meetings and student performances, is named after him and wife Janet.
"On behalf of the City Council and all city employees I would like to extend my condolences to Janet and their wonderful family with the gratitude of the entire Beverly Hills community for their incomparable commitment to our city," Delshad said.
Les Bronte, who served as mayor of Beverly Hills in 1998, also praised Salter.
"During his terms on the council, significant and positive programs were instituted and a strong fiscal responsibility was enforced," Bronte said. "As a private citizen, he was extremely generous to philanthropic organizations and supported all the Beverly Hills charities."
Salter is survived by his wife and children--Pepper, Michael and Laura, who are all graduates of El Rodeo Middle School and Beverly Hills High School—and 11 grandchildren.
Memorial services for Salter will be July 11 at 5 p.m. in the main sanctuary at Temple Beth Am, 1039 S. La Cienega Blvd. in Los Angeles.
