Prompt. Professional. Prepared.
It Matters Who Leads!
Mark's Views on Issues
Public Safety
Public safety is the top priority of local government. Since taking office, I’ve led the effort to add police officers to the streets. As a result, the Morgan Hill Police Department is one of only a few law enforcement agencies in Santa Clara County that is fully staffed. Having led the council through the most recent budget process, I’m proud to say we have funded an additional two police officers over the next two years. We should expect a quality of life that includes a sense of safety for our families and neighborhoods. I will ensure our police and firefighters have the tools and training to keep pace with the needs of our community. My willingness to stand with our public safety organizations has garnered the endorsement of both the Morgan Hill Police Officers’ Association and CAL FIRE Local 2881.
Youth Sports and Recreation Tourism
I have challenged the council to prioritize making Morgan Hill the premier Northern California destination for youth sports and recreation focusing our efforts to build out the Outdoor Sports Center’s Master Plan. Youth sports tournaments combined with swim meets at the Aquatic Center will drive overnight stays, stimulate the local economy, and drive much needed revenue to the city. Youth sports and recreation tourism must be one of our highest priorities.
Public Art Projects
Since joining the council in 2023, I have been working to fund public art projects through employing a funding mechanism that levies a fee against residential and commercial developers. A community like ours deserves a more robust public art program and I am committed to seeing this through.
Economic Development and Jobs
I meet with and talk to individual business owners who are thinking of relocating to Morgan Hill or expanding their operations. I’m committed to reducing bureaucratic red tape, and supporting businesses that deliver good paying jobs. I will continue to encourage entrepreneurialism and support small business development. I’m proud to have received the endorsement of the South County Biz Alliance as well as the Silicon Valley Biz PAC.
Workforce Development Initiative
I’m working hand-in hand with the Chamber of Commerce and business leaders to implement a workforce development program to identify, educate, train and create pathway options for our emerging workforce, those students exiting high school. Since our educational partners have the largest developing workforce, we need to work with the Morgan Hill Unified School District and Gavilan College to develop programs for students to become aware of various career opportunities.
After-school Reading Program
During my State of the City address in March of 2024, I announced a Literacy Initiative called Read20. Working with the Morgan Hill Unified School District, the Morgan Hill Library, the Boys and Girls Club, and the YMCA, this initiative is designed to improve 3rd grade reading proficiency. While there are always exceptions to the rule, the fact of the matter is, reading proficiency is a key factor in determining scholastic and vocational success.
Healthy Morgan Hill
I have been working with a group of Morgan Hill residents, health professionals, and business leaders, to advance a community-wide health initiative to improve the health and wellness of all residents interested in participating. Healthy Morgan Hill is designed to make healthy options more accessible. The kick-off event for Healthy Morgan Hill is scheduled for Sunday, October 20 at the Community Center from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Morgan Hill’s Critical Water Projects and Waterways
Since taking office, I consistently meet with Valley Water Director, John Varela, regarding the critical water projects affecting Morgan Hill and South County, in order to receive updates and provide input. I see Valley Water as a valuable partner in the effort of flood control and sustainable water supply for Morgan Hill. I continue to attend the Anderson Dam community meetings to hear from residents and their concerns with the ongoing construction affecting the neighborhoods in that area.
At a recent Valley Water Board meeting, I was able to lobby the Valley Water Board for the necessary funding to complete the Upper Llagas Creek Flood Control Project, finally brining to an end the flooding challenges our community has faced over all these years. This project has been on the books since about 1950 and we will now be able to see this project completed in the next 3 years.
Other areas I’m working on are:
Water pipeline to Morgan Hill
Trees along the walking path between Watsonville and Middle
Anderson Dam wildlife concerns
I’m honored to have the endorsement of Valley Water District 1 Board Director, John Varela
Wreaths Across America
As mayor, I believe it’s important to recognize the contributions our military Veterans have made to our country as well as our community. I’m proud to be endorsed by many of Morgan Hill’s Veterans. I consider it a great honor to have received a Certificate of Commendation from then, County Supervisor, Mike Wasserman, for my donation of time and effort to the veterans and residents of Santa Clara County. Over the last 11 years I have led the effort of Wreaths Across America – South County, raising approximately $18,000 per year to purchase and place a memorial wreath on each of the graves of the more than 1,200 veterans buried in Morgan Hill and Gilroy. Throughout these last 11 years I have worked with veterans’ groups, community groups, and hundreds of volunteers in South County to ensure the recognition of those men and women who sacrificed their time, and in some cases, their lives, defending this great nation. I’m grateful to have received the Community Leadership Award from the American Legion, Post 217, for my efforts and involvement with Wreaths Across America.
Mark Turner
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