OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Recognizing Bob Gatt's Service to the City of Novi

Floor Speech

Date: Oct. 26, 2023
Location: Washington, DC

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Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bob Gatt, Mayor of Novi, Michigan, on the occasion of his retirement. His decades of tireless service to the city of Novi are worthy of commendation.

Born and raised in Detroit, it was a childhood dream of Bob's to become a police officer. When looking for a position, Bob was saddened to find that most police departments at that time had a height requirement. Luckily for Bob and for Novi, the Novi Police Department had no such requirement. Bob began his service to the City of Novi as a police officer in 1975.

Soon after starting the job, Bob learned about the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program. After attending a two-week course and becoming a DARE Officer, Bob launched the DARE program here in Novi. To this day, Bob teaches DARE to the children of Novi. Bob's leadership within the department led him to be promoted to the role of Detective, later earning the rank of Seargent shortly before his retirement in 2002.

After spending some time on Novi's Zoning Board of Appeals, Bob decided to run for City Council, a seat he would hold for the next 8 years. In 2011, Bob took the next step and was elected Mayor of the City of Novi. His 12 years at the helm has led Novi to reduce its debt by 75 percent and cut its crime rate in half. Novi has received national recognition for their support of small businesses, community schools, and technology innovation. In 2022, Fortune Magazine ranked Novi in the Top Ten Best Places to Live for Families in the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Bob Gatt and the 48 years of service he has given to the residents of Novi. While he is retiring from local politics, service runs in his blood, and Bob plans to continue as the Manager of the Oakland County Animal Shelter. We thank Bob for his tremendous service and wish him some much-deserved tranquility in this next chapter of life. I thank Bob.

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