Out of office
Ending a 33-year career in public service, Westland City Clerk Richard LeBlanc will officially be retired July 21.
During his final city council meeting last week, LeBlanc, 66, was honored by both Mayor Kevin Coleman and members of the city council. Coleman presented LeBlanc with a key to the city during the celebration of his three-decade career.
LeBlanc, who began his career in 1992 as a member of the Wayne-Westland Board of Education, has served terms on the Westland City Council, in the Michigan House of Representatives, and as a Wayne County Commissioner. He was first elected as Westland City Clerk in 2016.
“Clerk LeBlanc has shown exemplary service, leadership, and dedication to our community,” officials noted during his final council meeting July 7.
Following his three-year term serving on the Westland board of education, he served two terms on the city council and three terms as the representative from the 18th District in the Michigan House of Representatives. Following his terms in Lansing, he was elected as the Wayne County Commissioner for Westland, Garden City, and Inkster, before his election as Westland City Clerk. Officials praised his performance during his tenure as the city clerk, noting that he modernized the clerk’s office, guided the city through multiple election cycles, and made participation in local government more accessible.
Several members of the council spoke about the lasting impact of LeBlanc’s service in the city and as a representative of Westland at both the county and state levels.
LeBlanc officially announced his retirement in May, noting that family considerations had moved his planned timeline. He assured Coleman and the council members that he was leaving the clerk’s office well prepared. He urged council members to name Deputy Clerk Shannon Inman as his successor, calling her “fully qualified” and ready to take the reins.
Council members are expected to consider the appointment of Inman at a future meeting.
