By CHAT News Today

Meet the Candidate: Jim Turner

Oct 14, 2017 | 9:00 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Councillor Jim Turner is seeking a second term on city council to preserve the path the city is on.

“My main reason for seeking a seat on council back in 2013 was that I felt the city needed a better plan for economic development,” he said in an email. “We have a great plan now, and I want to continue my work to see that plan move forward. I truly feel the future is bright in our city, and I want to help move our city forward.”

Turner owned several businesses in Medicine Hat and served as executive director with the Medicine Hat and District Food Bank when he was elected councillor in 2013. While he has enjoyed the position, he admitted there was lots to learn four years ago.

“I learned that the city operations are much more complicated than I thought,” he said, adding it was frustrating to see the length of time it takes for things to get done, compared to his private sector experience.

While there were some challenges, Turner says there are just as many accomplishments.

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“I’m proud of the fact that most of our berms are now constructed,” he said, noting while working at the Food Bank, he saw the impact of the flood on residents first-hand. “I am also pleased at our establishment of Invest Medicine Hat and our new plan for diversifying our economy away from oil and gas.”

He says if elected, he will work to reduce the city’s deficit, but adds the issue of transit remains a priority for him. Turner was among the six councillors who voted to bring back the previous transit system.

“My first priority will be to get our transit system operating properly before the winter weather sets in,” he said, adding he will work with staff to see what needs to happen to return to the old system.

Turner, who sits on the Invest Medicine Hat board, the Municipal Planning Commission and the Corporate Services Committee among other positions, says his business experience allows him to make difficult decisions, something which he believes sets him apart from the majority of other candidates. He adds his council experience also sets him apart, noting he won’t face the learning curve a new councillor faces.

The election take place on October 16.