Bowie City Councilman Turner Eyes County Council Seat

After serving on the Bowie City Council for eight years, having won re-election unopposed in November, Councilman Todd Turner (at-large) is hoping for a "promotion"—to the Prince George's County Council. 

Turner announced Monday that's he's running in the Democratic primary for the District 4 county council seat, which represents Bowie and Greenbelt as well as parts of College Park, Glenn Dale, Lanham, Mitchellville and Upper Marlboro. 

"Given my experience both as a local elected official in Bowie for the past eight years and being on staff at the county council for the past eight years, I have the best experience to continue," Turner said in an interview. 

Running for another office as an elected official, Turner said, is like asking the people for a promotion.

"Hopefully you have a track record to prove to people that you are able to do the work and will be successful and representing their interests," he said. "Hopefully I have done that."

Turner was first elected to the Bowie City Council in 2005, representing the city's third district, where he was re-elected in 2007 and 2009. In 2011, Turner ran for and won the at-large seat vacated by now Delegate Geraldine Valentino-Smith (D-District 23A), and was re-elected to that position in 2013. 

Now, Turner is hoping voters will select him to represent them on a county level.

Tuner has worked for the Prince George's County Council since 2007, drafting legislation and advising council members on a variety of issues. He has also been responsible for directing intergovernmental operations with the
Maryland General Assembly and oversight on issues including transportation, housing and the environment in the county. 

Prior to his current position, Turner served as director of constituent services for former Prince George’s County Council Member Douglas J.J. Peters (D-District 4). Both Peters, who now serves as a state senator for District 23, and current District 4 Councilwoman Ingrid Turner have both endorsed Turner's run for the District 4 seat. Peters also served on the Bowie City Council prior to his election to the county council, and then the Maryland General Assembly. 

If elected to represent District 4, Turner says he'll focus on education, public safety and economic development. 

"We want to expand as a county to diversify our tax base so it’s not all the backs of residential properties," Turner said, adding "People need to feel safe, that Prince George’s County is a place that you want to come."

Turner lives with his wife of 18 years, Anita, and their two daughters, Rachel and Maya, in Bowie. Both girls attend Prince George's County public schools. He will appear on the Democratic primary ballot for the District 4 Prince George's County Council Seat. He is currently running unopposed.