[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 207 (Wednesday, December 1, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1295]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF ROYAL OAK, MICHIGAN

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                            HON. ANDY LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 1, 2021

  Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I rise today to join residents 
and city leaders past and present in celebrating the one hundredth 
anniversary of the founding of Royal Oak, Michigan.
  On November 8, 1921, residents voted to adopt a city charter, turning 
the then Village of Royal Oak into the City of Royal Oak. At that time, 
they elected a mayor and a city commission, who brought the City of 
Royal Oak to life. The first Mayor of Royal Oak, George Dondero, had 
previously served the Village of Royal Oak, and later went on to be 
elected to the 73rd United States Congress.
  Over the past century, the City of Royal Oak has undergone a far-
reaching transformation, and today is an energetic city filled with 
businesses, attractions, and almost 60,000 residents. It is now the 
eighth largest city in Oakland County and has been recognized as one of 
the most exciting, safest, and best places to live in Michigan. Royal 
Oak is home to a wonderful public library, Oakland Community College, 
the Detroit Zoological Park, Beaumont Hospital, and more than 50 public 
parks for all to enjoy. The City has made significant initiatives 
towards diversity and inclusion, towards green infrastructure and 
environmental friendliness, and towards supporting the many small 
businesses in Royal Oak. On a personal note, Royal Oak is special to my 
family for another reason--my father, former U.S. Representative Sander 
Levin, is a longtime resident of the City and, like me, was proud to 
represent its residents in Congress.
  I have no doubt that the next century will bring continued 
achievements, growth, and prosperity to the City of Royal Oak and its 
people, and I invite my colleagues to join me in commemorating the 
centennial of this vibrant community in Michigan's Ninth District.

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