The State of Rochester Hills Is . . . Hollywood Worthy [Video]

ROCHESTER HILLS, MI – Was that the Academy Awards?

Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett’s March 29 State of the City address at Stoney Creek High School had the same flair as some the spring awards shows, and the mayor even awarded the city an “Oscar” as the “pre-eminent place to live in America.”

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The mayor himself was introduced in a throbbing voice as “the one, the only Mayor Bryan Barnett,” and the production was complete with an opening dance number, spotlights, glitter and glam. The mayor even changed his tuxedo midway through the program.

Sticking with the Oscar theme, he began:

“The City of Rochester Hills has had another exceptional year — a golden year if you will. And much like the entertainment industry gathers once a year to celebrate their stories, we do the same. Stories of heroic achievement and personal accomplishment, of kindness and humble service to others, of groundbreaking innovation and national excellence. All written on a 32 square mile stage with our beautiful community as the backdrop. And tonight, many of the great actors and actresses starring in these stories are in the house. Ladies and gentlemen, we are in the golden age of Rochester Hills and I am honored that you have joined us to celebrate this evening.”

From there, he touted some of the city’s accomplishments, including a 13 percent increase in new housing permits; the construction of 150 new townhomes; a 9 percent increase in property values; an 88 percent decrease in foreclosures in five years; and the city’s 3.5 percent unemployment rate.

In case you missed it, you can watch the whole grand production below. Be sure to tell us what you think in the comments about the Hollywood-themed presentation.