Assembly Resolution No. 247

BY: M. of A. Simpson

HONORING Mayor Bob Blais upon the occasion of his
retirement after 52 years of distinguished service
to the Village of Lake George

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of esteemed
residents of this noble Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Mayor Bob Blais upon the occasion of his retirement after 52 years of
distinguished service to the Village of Lake George on Friday, March 31;
and

WHEREAS, Born in Holyoke, Massachusetts, Bob Blais moved to
Saratoga, New York when he was six years old; he attended college at
Boston University, studying at the School of Public Relations and
Communication; and

WHEREAS, Holding a variety of jobs before finding his love for being
Mayor, Bob Blais worked for the village police, the county sheriff, and
even the town police force, which he founded; additionally, he worked as
the General Manager for a bowling center and restaurant, and owned an
arcade and ice cream shop before running for Trustee of the Lake George
Village Board; and

WHEREAS, Bob Blais has a distinguished history of election wins,
having been the class President for multiple years throughout both his
high school and college careers, was the President of his fraternity,
Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and won the administrator position at the United
Methodist Church, as well as Treasurer of the Caldwell Presbyterian
Church; and

WHEREAS, These successes in his early life set him up to become the
renowned elected official he is today, serving 13 consecutive terms, a
total of 52 years, as Mayor of the Village of Lake George, New York
since 1971, earning him the title of America's longest-serving active
Mayor; and

WHEREAS, For the past 52 years, Mayor Bob Blais rendered faithful,
conscientious, and valuable service to the Village of Lake George,
earning the admiration, esteem, and affection of his colleagues; and

WHEREAS, In his capacity as Mayor, Bob Blais served with loyalty,
honor and distinction, and was governed by a keen sense of duty and
always showed a unique grasp of human problems in his official acts; and

WHEREAS, In a touching tribute, the Warren County Board of
Supervisors declared March 17, 2023, as "Mayor Bob Blais Day" in his
honor; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our

attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Mayor Bob Blais upon the occasion of his retirement after 52 years
of distinguished service to the Village of Lake George; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Mayor Bob Blais.