FLAT ROCK — State Representative Bill LaVoy (D-Monroe) was in attendance Monday night at the Flat Rock City Council meeting to present a tribute honoring the city’s 50th anniversary of being incorporated. The state of Michigan tribute, which gave some of the history of the city, was signed by state Senator Hoon-Yung Hopgood (D-Taylor), LaVoy and Gov. Rick Snyder. The tribute was presented to Mayor Jonathan Dropiewski and the city council during its regular meeting.

“I felt that it was important that the state of Michigan recognize the milestone of 50 years,” LaVoy said. “The city of Flat Rock is a wonderful community with passionate and engaged residents. I wanted to honor the spirit of the people who make Flat Rock such a treasure.”

“I am pleased to offer my congratulations to the city of Flat Rock,” Hopgood said. “It is with great pride that we honor Flat Rock for its 50th year celebration and recognize the dedication, hard work and sacrifices that many have made in order to reach such a milestone.”

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI 12) also contributed to the celebration by submitting an acknowledgement of Flat Rock’s 50th anniversary to the official Congressional Record.

“The city of Flat Rock embodies so much of what makes Michigan and the 12th Congressional District a great place to live,” Dingell said. “From the Flat Rock Assembly Plant, which produces the iconic Ford Mustang and Ford Fusion, to the rich history and vibrant mix of residents and businesses, the city of Flat Rock has captured the best of American industry and production, while maintaining its own unique identity and small town feel. Thanks in large part to the thoughtful and capable leadership of current Mayor Dropiewski, the city council and many others, Flat Rock continues to experience tremendous growth and success. Representing the city and its people is a great honor, and it was a privilege to include a statement in the federal Congressional Record recognizing the city of Flat Rock’s 50th anniversary. I wish the city many more years of success.”

Wayne County Commissioner Raymond E. Basham (D-Taylor) also passed along his congratulations, saying, “I am proud to celebrate with the residents of Flat Rock on their 50th anniversary as a city. I look forward to the continued growth and prosperity of such a wonderful community.”

In 1965, the village of Flat Rock voted 772-561 in favor of incorporating as a city, and the mayor and city council approved the decision on June 24 of that year. Then-Gov. George W. Romney approved the incorporation that September, making official the transition from village to incorporated city.