Getting to Know the Candidates: William LeFevre

Incumbent William LeFevre is currently the mayor pro tem and has been on the Trenton City Council for 21 years.

He is a lifetime Downriver resident and a Trenton homeowner for 37 years.

Trenton Patch editor Nate Stemen asked each candidate the same three questions. LeFevre's answers are as such:

Why run for the position you are running for? What can you offer that no one else can?   

I have been a councilman for the citizens of Trenton for the past 21 years, and very much would enjoy the opportunity to again serve them for the next four years. I therefore can offer 21 years of experience to fall back on when making crucial decisions for the citizens of this community.

I am a very visible member of council, and enjoy attending the majority of events, activities and functions within the city throughout the year. I am also a very good, neutral listener who considers everyone's views and opinions prior to making a sound, commonsense decision based on what is truly best for Trenton and its citizens.  

What do you think is the number one problem facing the city of Trenton? How do you intend to resolve the problem?   

I think the biggest problem we are facing, (as well as all cities and governments), is how to best address the reduction in revenue. (local assessments, state revenue sharing)  We must continue to work with our surrounding communities and continue to explore the combining of services, without lowering our standards and expectations.

A prime example of this would be our animal control partnership with the city of Woodhaven. As councilman, I would also like to address and encourage more development within the city. Examples of this would include the as well as the and equipment upgrades.  

With the budget getting more and more difficult to balance each year, what are you willing to cut to keep the city’s budget balanced? What aren’t you willing to cut?  

Drawing on my many years of experience in running the budget sessions, I know first-hand how difficult some of these decisions can, and have to be. The citizens of our city are accustomed to the best services available, and we must continue to provide them as expected. One of my primary concerns for our community and residents is public safety. We simply cannot layoff any of our police officers or fire rescue personnel.

Over the years these two departments have delivered services to our residents that are second to none. I have also made it my goal to not layoff any employees in any of our departments. The employees of this city have worked hand-in-hand with us to achieve these goals and make Trenton the best city Downriver.