Jack Masters was born John Gerald Mastrangelo in Fort William. His family spent time in Beardmore before returning to Port Arthur. He studied broadcasting at Ryerson University and worked at CKPR radio before taking a job in television in 1960. As a broadcaster, Masters created the area's first live talk show, "Focus", which evolved into the popular show "Around Town".
He ran in the federal election of 1980, and was elected to the House of Commons as a Liberal, serving until 1984. As well as representing the Thunder Bay-Nipigon riding, he also served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of State (Mines), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Communications, and Deputy Whip of the Liberal Caucus. As MP, he helped to obtain funding for the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium and the 1981 Canada Games.
Masters was elected Mayor of Thunder Bay in 1985, one of the few mayors to have never previously served as a City Councillor. He served for two terms until 1991. As Mayor, he steered the city's government out of turbulence and towards a more progressive and forward-thinking culture. His focus included improvements to regional transportation and improving the city's parks and recreational facilities.
Born: Sept. 27, 1931
Member of Parliament: Liberal, Thunder Bay-Nipigon, 1980-1984
Mayor: 1985-1991
Previous Mayor: Mayor Eleanor Joan (Dusty) Miller
Next Mayor: Mayor David Hamilton
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