[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 177 (Thursday, October 26, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1024-E1025]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING BOB GATT'S SERVICE TO THE CITY OF NOVI

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 26, 2023

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

[[Page E1025]]

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.