Mayor Gatt Seeks Second Term in Novi

• Master’s Degree in Liberal Studies (School of Technology), Eastern Michigan University
• Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration (Marketing and Accounting), Wayne State University

I was born in Highland Park and raised in a modest Northwest Detroit home with one brother and two sisters.  I attended St. Monica Grade School and St. Francis De Sales High School in Detroit.

I was elected to Novi City Council in 2003, re-elected in 2007. In 2008, I was appointed as Novi Mayor Pro-Tem. In 2011, I was honored to be elected Novi Mayor, and now I seek re-election in 2013. 

I have a PASSION for keeping Novi residents safe and secure.  I served a distinguished 27-year career in the Novi Police Department.  I’m still known by many residents as "Officer Bob." I started the local Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program in Novi Schools in 1988, when I served as a Police Detective. I also managed and operated the Crime Prevention Section within the department.

I have lived in Novi for 25 years.  As our city slogan says, “I AM NOVI!”  I am an expert in the law enforcement industry.  I have an impeccable record of KEEPING YOU SAFE! 

No other candidate offers you this type of background and public-service experience.

Do you have an activity relevant to this position or an endorsement which you would like readers to know of?

I am proudly endorsed by many community leaders. 

• Former Novi Mayors: David Landry, Matt Quinn and Patricia Karevich
• L. Brooks Patterson, Oakland County Executive
• Michael Bouchard, Oakland County Sheriff
• Novi Business Leaders: Blair Bowman, Moe Leon, Victor Cassis, Bill Bowman, Tim Herrington, Bob Churella and Mike & Liz Stanford
• David Staudt, Novi Mayor Pro-Tem; Justin Fischer, Novi City Councilmember; Wayne Wrobel, Novi City Councilmember; Laura Marie Casey, Novi City Councilmember; Mike Kowall, State Senator; Hugh Crawford, State Representative; Kathy Crawford, County Commissioner; Nancy Cassis, Former State Senator; Ed Leininger, Former Novi Mayor Pro-Tem; William Barr, Former Novi Superintendent of Schools; Lee BeGole, Retired Novi Police Chief; Dennis O’Connor, President-Novi School Board; Willy Mena, Vice President-Novi Library Board

Could you summarize why you are running for mayor?

I have been part of Novi for almost 40 years.  I understand the community’s history and culture.  I love Novi! I want to help mold Novi’s future, while preserving its great heritage. 

As Novi’s current Mayor and the Manager of a large Oakland County Department,
I have the organizational and leadership skills required to achieve City Council priorities.

I have lowered your taxes, without reducing services. I’m focused on keeping you safe. I am the only candidate with life, business and government experiences that are required to be an effective Mayor. I also have the expertise to make tough decisions.

What do you think are the greatest issues facing the city? How would you handle them?

My first priority is public safety.  I will help Council develop a fiscally responsible plan to meet the long-term needs of the police, fire and public works departments, including proper resource allocation in personnel, equipment and building facilities.  Secondly, I will continue to encourage economic development to maximize City revenue and job growth by working with City Council and our skilled and dedicated City staff to promote cooperative efforts with state and county officials engaged in similar initiatives.  Third, the City must manage its legacy costs by eliminating any new long-term obligations. I pledge to work together with our City officials to remain fiscally prudent.

What questions do you have for Gatt? Tell us in the comments.