Martin Packer and his wife, Susan, retired to Florida ten years ago and moved to the city of Bal Harbour. Mr. Packer, however, did not retire from his lifelong participation in community affairs. He was president of the business and neighborhood coalition in Yonkers, New York. He continued his civic involvement in his new location.
The Packers joined both local synagogues, Young Israel of Bal Harbour and The Shul of Bal Harbour, and Martin participated in the Bal Harbour commission. On November 17 he became mayor of the city.
The swearing in ceremony took place on November 17 at Bal Harbour Village Hall. Interim village clerk Dolores Meja administered the oath. Other council members sworn in were Patricia Cohen, Gabe Groisman, and Seth Salver. Over 150 people attended the ceremony. Rabbi Simeon Schreiber gave the invocation.