Candidate Q&A: White Lake Trustee Candidate Randy Hebert

To kick off election coverage, White Lake-Highland Patch has sent out a survey to candidates running for office in White Lake and Highland. The following is the Q&A response from White Lake Trustee candidate Randy Hebert. Hebert, a republican, will be facing off against several other candidates in the August primary election.

Patch: How long have you lived in White Lake?

Hebert: I have lived in White Lake for 56 years.

Patch: What community and civic organizations are you currently involved in?

 Hebert:  I attend Shekinah Temple in Waterford on a regular bases and I am an alum from Ferris State University.

Patch: What drew you to run for Trustee?

Hebert: I decided to run for Trustee because I feel that our tax money is being wasted in so many different areas. Being a resident of White Lake, I don't feel my voice is being heard among the rest of the residents. I have sat in on monthly board meetings and too many things are brought before the board and then it's taken to executive session (closed door) we the residents of White Lake are being shut out. The board members don't want us to know what's going on and that's not right. I feel the board members are abusing this right. Also the selective enforcement of ordinances. There are people sitting on our Township Board that don't feel that they should have to play by the same rules as the rest of us. This last year we paid out enormous amounts in lawsuits that were not our responsibility to pay. One lawsuit in particular cost the tax payers $85,000. This law suit should not have been the taxpayers burden. But, because someone sitting on the board didn't want to take responsibility for their own actions the taxpayers payed the bill. After talking with others in the community, residents and business owners alike I felt I needed to get more involved and make a difference in my community.

Patch: What personal and professional experiences make you qualified to hold that position?

Hebert: I worked for General Motors for over 31 years. For 20 years of that I worked in engineering. When I retired I went to work full time in White Lake Township in my own business as a certified diesel mechanic. I work everyday with the public. I listen and hear their concerns, whether it is a air conditioner not working or a total engine overhaul. I work with my customers to get the job done right and within their budgets.

Patch: What is the most important issue facing the township and what do you intend to do about it during your term in office?

Hebert: I believe that as a Trustee I would be working for every resident and business owner in White Lake. I would be their voice. I believe that the people of White Lake have the right to know what is being said and done in their township. I don't believe in going behind closed doors. I believe in a level playing field. I would also like to see our township board meeting televised, so those who can't attend in person can still be involved and know what's going on in their township.

Patch: In recent years there has been discussion about contracting either police services or dispatch services with the county. Do you think the police department should be turned over to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department? Why or why not?

Hebert: I believe a decision that important should be put to the citizens of White Lake. I believe that after we are informed of the pros/cons we can make the right decision for our township.

Patch: What is your vision for White Lake Township, where do you see the township in 10 or even 20 years, and what does the township need to do now to realize that vision?

Hebert: My concern is with our 1-4 year goals. If we do the right things between this time the 10-20 year vision will fall in line. My vision for White Lake is to listen to the people and then act on it.  Come and talk to me, tell me your thoughts and what you would like to see for White Lake. I would like to see our businesses increase and to see the people in White Lake supporting these businesses in turn there would be job growth. We need to turn our revenue into productive revenue. We need to be putting back into our community instead of paying out lawsuits. With good cash flow our goals can be attained.