Guest Column By Matt Wendt
On December 14, 2022, Mark Turner was sworn in as mayor of Morgan Hill. He is the first Republican mayor to be elected in Morgan Hill in nearly 40 years. Mark won the Nov. 8 election for mayor with 6,672 ballots or 42.78% of the vote. Incumbent Rich Constantine received 32.91% of the vote; and former Morgan Hill City Councilmember Larry Carr, received 24.31%.
Residents were impressed with Mark’s background, experience, and commitment to the community. Mark is a long-time resident of Morgan Hill where he and his wife have raised their family over the last 30 years. Prior to being elected mayor, Mark was the President/CEO of the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce where his business advocacy included taking positions on local, regional, and state issues while working with elected officials at every level. He received the 2020 Chamber Executive of the Year Award from the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.), W.A.C.E. is the largest state or regional association of chamber of commerce executives in the United States. Mark was also the Chair of the Silicon Valley Chamber Coalition consisting of 18 Chambers of Commerce in and around Silicon Valley.
Mark also has volunteered in his community throughout the years. He currently serves on the board of the Morgan Hill Community Foundation. Mark has helped with creek clean-up efforts; coached his girls in Spirit Morgan Hill Softball; helped raise thousands of dollars for local schools; helped raise more than $10 million dollars for organizations such as Ronald McDonald House, Operation Freedom Paws, DreamPower Horsemanship, South Valley Wine Auction, Pratham USA, and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation-Northern California Chapter. He has served on the board of his homeowners’ association; and for the last 9 years, as the Director of South County’s efforts for Wreaths Across America.
Voters resonated with Mark’s message and focus on five core issues facing the city: 1) Public Safety including making sure police and fire staffing keep pace with the growth of the city; 2) Economic Development, Recovery and Jobs including forming a partnership between the City’s Economic Development Team, Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Association and Visit Morgan Hill to align economic development strategies; 3) Local Control of land use issues to push back on the state’s requirements; 4) Tourism (Recreation, Health and Wellness) to promote the community including increasing visitors to Morgan Hill; and 5) Responsiveness to residents’ concerns including returning council meetings to in-person meetings and bringing civility and respect back to the council.