[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 136 (Friday, September 27, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1767-E1768]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO COMMERCE TOWNSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOE KNOLLENBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 27, 1996

  Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend Robert 
H. Long who

[[Page E1768]]

will retire next week after 29 years of dedicated service to Commerce 
Township, MI. A lifelong resident of Commerce, public service has come 
naturally to Bob, just as it did for his father, a former township 
supervisor and State legislator. After being appointed as Commerce 
Township supervisor in 1967, he was elected in 1968 and began his 
distinguished career. Bob has also served as a member of several boards 
and associations, including the Michigan Townships Association and the 
Oakland County Board of Commissioners.
  For over a quarter of a century, Bob Long has been a model 
supervisor. He has balanced the budget with one of the lowest tax rates 
in the area, still managing to implement impressive improvements in the 
roads, sewers, drainage, and other infrastructure projects.
  In the years of development and growth, Bob Long has met the 
challenges of the times with professionalism and compassion. He has 
maintained Commerce Township's environment by securing the preservation 
of vulnerable wetlands areas and acquiring a 500-acre natural park with 
15,000 newly planted trees. Bob led the fight to prevent annexation of 
sections of Commerce to neighboring cities. And he was instrumental in 
bringing a senior center and full-service hospital to the Lakes area.
  Bob Long is a model citizen and public servant. His hard work and 
dedication are reflected not only in the books, but the beauty of 
Commerce Township. Congratulations, Bob. We wish you a long and healthy 
retirement.

                          ____________________