FeedsDecision 2006
LeBlanc seeks ‘natural transition’ to Lansing
According to Richard LeBlanc, pursuing a state-level political position has long intrigued him—but it was a behind-the-scenes look at life in Capitol that sold him on the idea.
He said that after current State Rep. Glenn Anderson was elected to his final term in office, he and his wife invited LeBlanc to Lansing to experience the political world there firsthand. It soon seemed like the next natural transition from the city level to the state level, he added.
LeBlanc hopes to parlay his experience, which includes nine years on the Westland City Council, a term on the Wayne/Westland Board of Education, and 46 years as a Westland resident, into the office of 18th District State Representative. It’s a position, he said, for which he is well suited.
“When you look at what is happening today, my experiences are more relevant than my two competitors in the Democratic race,” said LeBlanc.
If elected, he said that one of his main concerns would be the strengthening of the state economy. To do that, he said that the state needs to diversify the types of businesses it attracts and expand the market to capitalize on the selling points of the region. For instance, he said that life science companies could be lured to the area in part because of the University of Michigan Medical Center.
In addition, he said that the state may want to consider offering corporations more incentives, such as tax breaks, to encourage them to relocate to Michigan and to develop ‘renaissance zone’ style areas for more targeted development.
LeBlanc also said that he would like to handle the debate over the Single Business Tax (SBT) differently, but he said that if it is eliminated, legislators must be prepared in advance to find replacements for the lost revenue. He said that if it becomes an issue, he would explore the possibility of taxing corporate profits.
He also suggested that the state needs to focus on capitalizing on biofuel technology because by encouraging the development of alternative fuel opportunities, the state could gain opportunities for its residents by creating jobs while also making the region less reliant on foreign trade.
Education is another concern for LeBlanc. He said that, among other things, he would like to see early childhood education opportunities improved and expanded and is in support of the governor’s Merit Scholarship program to help students pay for additional education.
Environmental concerns are among the key issues he hopes to monitor and address in Lansing. LeBlanc said that although it has partially been addressed, he remains concerned about the diversion of water and the impact it has on the well being of the state. He also stressed that he was opposed to allowing Canadian trash into American landfills and would work to discourage the practice.
Professionally, LeBlanc works full-time as a part submission warrant coordinator for Ford Motor Co. as well as maintaining part-time jobs as a reserve police officer for the Canton Police Department and as a driver education instructor for Advanced Driving Academy. In addition to his elected positions, he has also served as a member of numerous boards, commissions, and community groups.
LeBlanc has received a number of endorsements for his campaign, including the support of outgoing 18th District State Representative Glenn Anderson, the UAW—CAP United Auto Workers Union, and the American Federation of Teachers—Michigan.
He will vie for the Democratic nomination against fellow Westland City Councilmember Jim Godbout and former State Representative Vince Petitpren during the Aug. 8 primary election. Incumbent Glenn Anderson was term limited. The winner of the primary will face Republican Sam Durante in the general election.
