Bob Gatt -
for President?
by Bernie Fratto
July 2004

Life begins when you decide to serve
- Ronald Reagan, 1980
 

“I don’t regret one minute of my time as a Novi Police officer, not one minute, “ Bob Gatt stated. “I loved it and I would have done it for nothing, but don’t tell anyone that!” he cajoled.

I haven’t looked up the words heart, passion, or enthusiasm in the dictionary recently, but if I did I wouldn’t be surprised if Bob Gatt’s picture was next to them. Visit with Gatt for just minutes and you are treated to a personality that is infectious. And fortunately for the rest of us, he decided early on in life he would use his gifts to the betterment of society and mankind.

Recently embroiled in the Hooters controversy, as a City Council Member, Bob Gatt showed why he is the type of leader that offers exceptional quality that will certainly add value to the lives of the citizens of Novi. While remaining analytical and objective, he was able to articulate his position, while checking his moral compass and ultimately making the decision he believed would serve everyone in the best possible manner.

This is nothing new for Bob Gatt. He’s been at our service for well over a quarter of a century. A Michigan native and graduate of Wayne State University, Bob’s goal was to serve the public by becoming a police officer, and pursuing a career in law enforcement.

It was the mid 70’s however, and our society was not as enlightened. At 5’ 6’’ he unfortunately didn’t meet the height standards that had been arbitrarily set. He learned the FBI had no such limitation and interviewed with them, but they had no openings at the time.

Gatt did however make some contacts there, and later while working in the auto industry, he got a tip that a little city called Novi was looking for police officers. Their Chief, a dedicated and prestigious man named Lee BeGole had no such height requirements, and was particularly enamored that Bob Gatt held a Bachelors Degree in Accounting and Marketing. Education was more valuable than size, and so when Bob Gatt reported to duty at the Novi PD for the first time on August 25, 1975, a great career was born.

“I was one of the most excited, and most nervous people to ever don the uniform, and I spent quite a while quietly learning from the people that had been there,” Gatt recalls.

Gatt believed as a rookie, although he would speak when called upon, his goal was to learn and become a contributing member. Humble to a great degree, he knew that fellow officers would better appreciate his contributions by the actions taken rather than the words spoken.

Bob Gatt served with honor and distinction for 27 years, and when he retired in May 2002, he told people very emphatically, “someday I’m going to run for City Council, and I’m going to win!”

His training, day-to-day duties, and professional experiences as a police officer prepared him well for the role of a City Council Member. “Police work is very rewarding," Gatt said. “You see everything life and society has to offer, good and bad.  One day you are saving lives and delivering a baby, and the next day somebody dies at the hands of a knife.”

But Gatt was quick to admit his teammates were the utmost professionals and always and the ability to step up and respond when needed. “These people were specially trained, and they were educated, top-notch people.”

Promoted to Sergeant in the early 90’s he cites Chief BeGole as “one of the best people God ever created.” “That man has been in uniform his entire life, and he’s dedicated his whole life to helping other people.” Gatt reminded.

Now as a valued member of Novi's City Council since his elected appointment of November 2003, Bob Gatt is again, striving to learn from the veterans that have been there before. And, he has already proven to be a valuable, contributing member.

His vision for Novi is simple. “Keep it moving in the right direction, and continue the great progress that’s been made.” Novi clearly has become a Premier city with first class housing, dining and entertainment establishments, and opulent family living.

Bob Gatt would like to see Novi recognized as Premier City in another dimension as well. “I’d like to see Novi become the ‘giving city’ and the ‘city of brotherly love.’"

“We are here on earth to help each other out, and when we put others first, we create the environment we all want.”

Bob Gatt for President someday? Who knows -- he’s still a young man with a lot of experience, a lot a great ideas, and a lot to give. In truth it doesn’t really matter which title, role, or responsibility Bob Gatt finds himself in for the rest of his days. The result will be the same; he will be at your service and loving every minute of it.

And, he’d probably be willing to do it for free, but don’t tell anybody that!