Who is Warren F. Turner, Democratic Charlotte City Council District 3 candidate?
Name: Warren F. Turner
Political party: Democratic
Which position are you running for on the Charlotte City Council?
Charlotte City Council District 3
Age as of Nov. 7, 2023: 59
Campaign website: warrenturner.info
Occupation: Retired
Education: College graduate
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought and/or held):
I served four consecutive terms on Charlotte City Council as the District 3 representative starting in 2003.
Please list your highlights of civic involvement.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Ordained Deacon at Silver Mount Baptist Church
Second Ward Alumni Association (lifetime member)
The future of Eastland Yards still hangs in the balance, with two options on the table — an indoor sports complex and one that would include a soccer academy, esports hub and amphitheater. Which do you support, and why?
This is a legitimate concern; however, the current proposed use for an outdoor/indoor sports complex appears to be the most feasible use economically. A public-private partnership is a great approach for the current proposed use. It is extremely important that the project is economically feasible when investing taxpayers’ money. It is important that the city continues to have dialogue with the community regarding their concerns because they would be directly impacted.
What’s the minimum and the maximum commitment Charlotte should give to the Carolina Panthers for stadium renovations?
The Panthers stadium is a pillar of the Charlotte community financially which brings in approximately $1.5 billion to our local economy. We should consider all possible options to support the renovations of the stadium with a long-term contract in place to recover the city’s investment.
Is there an area where you disagree with your party on local or state issues? Why?
I wouldn’t say that I disagree with my party, but I would like for us to take a stronger position on environmental issues of today by leading the way at the local, state and federal level by becoming a carbon-neutral city. Developing a plan to becoming carbon-neutral requires commitment and funding to accomplish our goals. This plan is critical to our future and the future of our children as it impacts the air that we breathe, the water that we drink as well as global warming.
What separates you from your opponent(s)?
I served as the City Council District 3 representative for four consecutive terms. As a result, I can hit the ground running due to my knowledge and experience. I served as vice chair of transportation, where I had oversight of the development of the first 9.2 miles of the light rail. I also served as the Chairman of Public Safety for Charlotte City Council as well as the NBC-LEO. I acquired the ability to cooperative effectively with colleagues as well as the business community.
What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?
During my time on City Council, I established a goal to lower the crime rate in our community to provide a safe place to live and play for the citizens of District 3 and the city of Charlotte by establishing a prostitution exclusion zone, adding more police officers, decreasing crime each year in District 3, and established new police stations. These actions enabled me to lay the foundation for the new west side for economic growth and housing opportunities.
