Don Peyton is currently finishing his first term as councilman from the third ward.
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Don Peyton is currently finishing his first term as councilman from the third ward. He has lived in Trenton all of his life but for two years when he served in World War II in the South Pacific (the Phillipine Islands). He is a graduate of Trenton High School and was self-employed in the restaurant and food business for about 50 years before retiring. He and his wife, the former Charlotte Harris, have been married for 52 years and have two children living in Trenton, Connie Hoffman and Rick Peyton. Among his activities is commander of Joseph L. Norton Post No. 919, VFW, president of the Trenton Shrine Club, and is also a member of the First Baptist Church of Trenton, all for over 50 years. He has also been involved in other organizations.
1. Why are you running for this position?
“I now have the time to be obligated and serve the constituency of the third ward. I’m presently serving on two committees of the city council. I have personally answered every call of concern the past two years of third ward voters to bring closure to their problems or concerns. “
2. What do you feel are the concerns facing the city of Trenton that you would like to see addressed as related to the position for which you are a candidate and how would you deal with them if elected?
“Trenton was founded in the early 1800’s. We had gas lights, no sewers, no paved streets. So the big problem is to keep pace with modern improvements. And that takes being money, lots of it. So we must be open to change and improvements all the time. I, for one, like to be open to improvements and save money when possible. One thing for sure, we can’t close the doors. We must be cooperating with state and federal money programs. So you can’t be totally independent. You must give a little.”
3. The city of Trenton, like all governmental entities, is facing budget concerns and is looking at ways to continue offering services while staying within its projected revenue sources. Please discuss the budget issue and how would you address it in relation to the city of Trenton (including what cuts, if any, you might suggest be made).
“As we are people of material concerns and money problems, we know that we must live within our income. So therefore we may have to prioritize most of our projects. Also, pay raises for city administrators and employees – fire, police, water, street – across-the-board until times and revenue can come in and make these adjustments. The city has been very frugal in its operations lately. We have bought a used fire truck and equipment to serve our city and saved tens of thousands of dollars. Also, our street department bought a used street paver for $24,500, which will serve our needs very well. A new one costs $150,000. That’s the way to conserve and do the job.”
4. A one-half cent sales tax issue is on the April city ballot that, if approved, would help pay for operations of the park system, including construction of a new aquatic center among other planned improvements. What are your feelings about this issue and, should it pass, would you support the park board’s request to roll back the property tax currently assessed for parks?
” If the half-cent sales tax passes by the city voters, I will support it with the limitation of monies available to the park system and would support 100 percent of the property tax assessment be rolled back.”