Sunday, December 20, 2009
Johnnie Turner, NAACP Head, to Seek Late Husband's Legislative Seat
Posted by Jackson Baker on Sun, Dec 20, 2009 at 7:34 AM
- JB
- Johnnie Turner
Johnnie Turner, the longtime head of the local NAACP chapter, is highly respected in her own right and has been influential in numerous political, civic, and civil rights initiatives over the years.
Several other local figures — among them code enforcement officer Eddie Jones and lawyer Van Turner, chairman of the Shelby County Democratic Party -- had expressed interest in running for the position in the weeks following Larry Turner’s death.
The Shelby County Commission will appoint a successor to Larry Turner at the commission's meeting of Janiuary 11, one day before the convening of the General Assembly. Johnnie Turner has indicated that, in adidtion to her interest in the interim position, she intends to seek election to a full term in next year's regular election cycle.
Comments (5)
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As a general rule for good governance reasons, those seeking an interim position should declare that they will not seek a full term in the next election for same seat. Wait, what am I saying about good governance??? Heck, you don't really have to live in the district you represent. Never mind. Play on.
Mrs. Turner has been a long time advocate for civil rights, progress for all Memphians, and has proven to be fair and reasonable in decisions. In her own right, she is very qualified for the position. The fact that she is Larry Turner's wife is icing on the cake! Well wishes to Mrs. Turner in her appointment and the election if she so desires.
The influence that Ms. Turner has had on the Memphis community cannot be measured. Even though her husband may have been the “elected” official it was not uncommon to find Ms. Tuner advocating for the issues that affected the citizens of her husbands district and the entire Memphis community. I think the best thing that can be done to ensure the ongoing care and rights for the citizens of her late husbands district is for the most capable person to fill the position. That would be Ms. Jonnie Turner! I hope she decides to run!
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