[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 57 (Wednesday, March 29, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E277-E278]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING MAYOR ROBERT ``BOB'' BLAIS FOR HIS 52 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE 
                         VILLAGE OF LAKE GEORGE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 29, 2023

  Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Robert 
``Bob'' Blais on an incredible 52-year career as the Mayor of the 
Village of Lake George. He is currently the country's longest serving 
mayor and his extraordinary tenure stands as proof of his exceptional 
stewardship of the Lake George community. While he is retiring at the 
end of this term, the echoes of his remarkable impact will carry on for 
decades.
  Mayor Blais has devoted the entirety of his adult life to improving 
and revitalizing the Village of Lake George. He was first elected a 
village trustee in 1968 but was also a staple in the community for many 
years prior, serving as a volunteer firefighter, a police officer, and 
even a dog warden. Just three years after his election to the town 
board, Blais then mounted a campaign for mayor. He took his first oath 
of office in June of 1971 and spent the next half century guiding the 
village toward a brighter future. From strengthening the 
infrastructure, to preserving Lake George's natural ecosystem, and 
bolstering the local tourism industry, the outsized effect of Mayor 
Blais can be seen throughout the village.
  From his earliest years in office, Mayor Blais has worked tirelessly 
to transform the Village of Lake George into a world-renowned tourism 
destination known for its family friendly atmosphere and widespread 
appeal. He has been a patient steward of his community's success, a 
consummate public servant, always willing to set aside his own ego in 
favor of the village's best interests. Known for responding to every 
letter and making time for every concern, Mayor Blais put his 
constituents first, which is a model that all aspiring public servants 
should aim to follow.
  No individual can claim a greater degree of personal responsibility 
for the village's revitalization and enduring success than Mayor Robert 
``Bob'' Blais. He has dedicated nearly six decades to guiding his local 
community, and on behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I 
am honored to recognize his exceptional leadership and celebrate his 
remarkable career.

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