Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett had a few things on his mind as he hobnobbed with guests at this year's White House Christmas Party Dec. 14 in Washington, D.C.
It was not about who was there.
Hundreds of big names were on hand, including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist. Plus Gov. Mike DeWine from our neighbor state, Ohio, and Tim Walz of Minnesota. There were mayors there, too, from many U.S. cities. Mayors like Barnett, who has run for the top job in Rochester Hills five times and won the last three times as a write-in candidate because he is unable to appear on the ballot -- twice is the official limit.
And no, it was not the famous buffet lines, though Barnett, who was particularly thrilled to be able to bring his two sons -- Kenneth, 20, and Tristan, 18 -- along with him, said the food was a hit.
Barnett was there to, among other things, chat up robotics and remind influencers at the event that the industry is booming in his city.
He sees events like the White House Christmas Party (he has been invited to five -- twice by President Joe Biden and three times by former President Donald Trump) as a place to shine the light on his constituency when he can.
Robotics, he said is a key industry and employer in his city. He says the city competes for title of largest robotics manufacturer with neighboring Auburn Hills.
There are over 196 companies involved in making robotics across the state, according to the Michigan Economic Development Corp. Firms like FANUC, Yaskawa Motoman and Wipro have engineering and research centers in Rochester Hills, and they also have a chain of suppliers connected, too, like AIR/Ta System Automation and Empire Wire, said Barnett.
"FANUC is the biggest robotics company in the world and Rochester Hills is home of their North American headquarters," he added.
Voters in his city are known to be independent, said Barnett, who is Republican and who served as president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. He knows about getting things done and helping businesses grow in town across the nation.
He added getting things done isn't always about the "R" or "D." Regardless of who occupies the White House, he said his focus today as mayor is on making sure his town gets attention from Washington.
I asked Barnett what it was like to be at the White House Christmas Party -- where the topic of politics was off-limits -- particularly as Biden, who invited him this year, winds down his 50-year career and as president-elect Trump gets keys to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. on Jan. 20.
QUESTION: TELL ME ABOUT FOLKS AT THE PARTY.
ANSWER: There were hundreds including a dozen or so governors including Gov. Walz, Gov. Whitmer, Gov. DeWine, Gov. (Tony) Evers (Wisconsin), Gov. (Andy) Beshear (Kentucky) and others. There were also quite a few mayors from cities like Orlando, Columbus, Lincoln, Kansas City, San Antonio, Austin and, of course, Rochester Hills.
Q: DESCRIBE WHAT YOU SAW WHEN YOU GOT TO THE WHITE HOUSE.
A: It is always such a privilege to be in the White House, but it is exceptionally cool at Christmas. The first lady picks the theme; this year was "Peace and Light." As you enter, a military band plays Christmas songs. The presidential movie room is the coat check and the long lower level hall is always one of the most beautifully decorated places in the White House. You have access to several themed rooms on the lower level, including the Library and China Room and then head upstairs to the main level. You have access to every beautifully decorated room on that floor. Two huge buffet lines are in the East Room and the State Dining Room. I believe my boys hit the buffet lines harder than any other guests I noticed throughout the evening.
Q: WHAT TAKES PLACE ONCE YOU ARE INSIDE?
A: For the next few hours you enjoy drinks and conversation with incredible people from around the country as you marvel at the fact you are in such a spectacular place. They even allow you to sit and eat on the furniture, which is not allowed on any other White House tour.
Q: WHAT WAS PRESIDENT BIDEN DOING?
A: The president and first lady came out to greet their guests and delivered a short holiday message. The president seemed relaxed and chatty. He raised his glass in a toast and offered an Irish Blessing. He mingled with the guests and took pictures.
Q: WITH SO MANY POLITICIANS THERE AND POLITICS OFF-LIMITS, WHAT DID YOU TALK ABOUT?
A: We talked about holiday plans, the year that's passed, sports. ... I talked a lot about the Lions. My boys got into a conversation with Gov. Walz about football. My youngest son played football for Rochester High School. It was a proud father moment as I just watched from the sidelines.
At the end of the night, as we headed out, my son, Kenneth said, "Low key, dad; Gov. Walz was the coolest guy there." He voted for Donald Trump.
Q: I SAW YOU POSTED PICTURES OF THE NIGHT ON SOCIAL MEDIA. ANY REACTION?
A: I posted them right after leaving the White House and challenged my social media followers not make political comments or judgments. As the mayor of a purple city, I believe it is my job to work with, support and collaborate with anyone who can help Rochester Hills. It's a position I've held since I was first elected. Gov. DeWine and I noted we were two of just a few Republicans there. And I'm proud of that. I hope it speaks to that collaborative philosophy.