Turner To Make Run for At-Large Council Seat

District 3 Councilman Todd Turner filed this week to run at-large in the Nov. 8 city election, setting up a possible contest between three current council members for the two at-large seats on the seven-member city council.       

Turner is the first candidate to officially throw his hat in the ring.

Saying it was “nothing against [his] colleagues,” Turner said he wanted the opportunity to represent the entire city.

“I’ve run three times in District 3. I don’t want to be doing the same things over and over,” said Turner, whose district is largely comprised of neighborhoods south of Route 50. “It’s the right time.”

Longtime at-large Councilman Dennis Brady had no comment on Turner’s candidacy, but said he planned to file for reelection before Memorial Day. Brady has served on the City Council since 1994.

Turner may also face newly appointed at-large Councilman Henri Gardner in the fall. Both Gardner and Turner were among 23 applicants left vacant by Del. Geraldine Valentino-Smith who was elected to the House of Delegates last fall.

After an all-day interview session in January, the council passed over their colleague, Turner, and instead selected Gardner to finish out Valentino-Smith’s term, a move Turner described as "disappointing." 

Gardner, who has publicly pledged to run in November, did not return a telephone call by press time seeking comment.

November’s contest would not be the first time Gardner and Turner have faced off in an election. In 2007, Turner fended off a challenge by Henri Gardner in District 3, winning by a little more than 250 votes.

First elected in 2005, Turner points to his success in keeping residents informed by using technology and hosting town hall meetings.  The 43-year-old Longleaf resident works as a legislative officer for the Prince George's County Council.