Turner will not run for re-election

When City Councilman Ross Turner made the announcement on Tuesday he is not seeking re-election, he wasn't very forthcoming about his reasons, except to say, "it's time."

"I have served the City of Corning and Tehama County since 1986," he said. "When I was elected to the City Council, I had hoped to help make changes for the betterment of the city."

Turner feels while the council was able to make some improvements during his first eight years on the council, between 1986-1990 and 1992-1996, he was unable to make changes to the city's costly office personnel policy and other personnel issues.

"Upon returning to the council in 2006, my goal was to correct these problems, which had remained unchanged during my absence," he said. "I am aware that policy and personnel changes occur very slowly in this town, but the current financial problems have intensified the need to make changes. A new direction is needed now, not later."

Turner is encouraging voters in the community to come out and vote during the November election.

"Now is the time for the voters of Corning to decide whether to make a change or to remain static," he commented.

There are two seats open for city council, and the mayor's seat is also up for grabs.

At this point, Turner's announcement leaves voters with a possible choice of five candidates for city council. As of Monday afternoon Genevieve (Gena) Bowen, and Ken Prather have pulled candidacy papers, but the only ones who have actually filed their candidacy papers are John Richards and Jesse Lopez.

John Patterson, owner of Patterson Electric, had pulled papers for a council seat, but said he will not be filing as he does business with the city and it could create a conflict of interest.

Dean Cofer is the only person who has pulled candidacy papers for mayor, and will be running against incumbent Gary Strack who filed his candidacy papers last week, according to Lisa Linnet, city clerk.