Candidate Profile: Lawanda Turner For St. Clair Shores Council

Lawanda Turner

Age (as of Election Day)

36

Position Sought

St. Clair Shores City Council

Party Affiliation

N/A

Family

n/a

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

yes

Education

Marygrove: BA, Business & Social Science; Macomb Community College: AAS, Paralegal Studies; ABA, Business Administration; studied grant writing; Lawrence Technological University: Lean Six Sigma Green and Black Belt; Certification in Project Management; Studying at the University of Michigan: Urban & Regional Studies

Occupation

Realtor® and Real Estate Assistant for a Law Firm

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

n/a

Campaign website

Facebook: @Turnerforprogression

Why are you seeking elective office?

I purchased a home in SCS in 2012. Upon moving, I noticed that some of our storefronts were vacant. Over the years, the number of empty storefronts increased. Additionally, I have concerns about our police and community relations. I am working to improve both of these issues.
The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

I purchased a home in SCS in 2012. Upon moving, I noticed that some of our storefronts were vacant. Over the years, the number of empty storefronts increased. I composed a database of empty storefronts to determine what is causing extended vacancies. I will continue to analyze data that reveals the cause of extended storefront vacancies. I will also look for resources that may aid in securing tenants for retail properties. I will work to launch The Marvin Blueprint (a non-profit organization designed to teach younger demographics essentials to start a small business).

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I am the only candidate that does not currently hold office that is active with local non-profits, city committees, and established relationships with elected officials at a city, county, state, and federal level.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

The city followed CDC recommendations and protocol. The city did what was correct based on advisement.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I'm actively working to get the first week of July proclaimed as gun violence prevention and awareness week to help honor the memory and survivors of a SCS mass shooting that occurred on July 4, 2019.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

In 2020 there were several protests in SCS against our men in blue. My conscience would not allow me to stand idly.I opted for peace and organized a community conversation with the help of other residents. We envisioned unifying our community and giving a voice to those who do not feel as though they have one. With those goals in mind, we had a conversation with the SCS police chief and our state representative. Many questions were answered and residents were glad to have a conversation that was the first of its kind.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I was recently appointed to the Cool City Committee. I think incumbents trusting me to represent the city on a committee should speak to my character and ability.