Debby Turner
Debby Turner is running for Ward 2 in the upcoming Northeast Town municipal elections. An avid community volunteer for many years, Ms. Turner is currently a member of the Manitoulin Health Centre board, Community Services Advisory Committee (CSAC) and chair of the Business Improvement Area (BIA). “I feel that it is time now to put hours around another table that I can be an asset to,” explained Ms. Turner of her decision to run for council. “Community comes first for me—the Northeast Town, and this area in general, is a great passion of mine.” When asked what her biggest assets are, Ms. Turner responded, “Once I start a task I follow it through to completion. I am also confident and I will have the courage to voice suggestions, feedback or concerns that residents relay to me.” Ms. Turner is the proud mother of two daughters and a grandmother to two grandsons. As well, she is the owner and operator of Turners of Little Current. Ms. Turner said controlling taxes and the spending of tax dollars is a priority for her. “We must continue the services now being offered and try to find new items to add to the quality of life for our residents,” said Ms. Turner. One of her ideas for improving the quality of life for the Northeast Town is a swimming pool. “Having a young daughter, I would often take her to Espanola for swimming lessons and I would always see a lot of other Islanders,” explained Ms. Turner. “There is definitely a need and it would help encourage healthy lifestyles for residents of all ages and be a source of revenue for the community.” “I would also like to reinstate street pickup during municipal clean up week,” continued Ms. Turner. “So many people don’t have or have access to a truck. It would help residents get their garbage to the landfill and help keep our neighbourhood yards clean.” Ms. Turner knows the importance of the Northeast Town’s parks to both residents and visitors and wants to help make the Low Island Park beach more accessible. “Creating road access to the beach for our seniors and young families can be done at very little cost, utilizing town equipment and staff,” she continued. If elected, Ms. Turner wants to sit down with community service groups and recreation groups to grow or develop new activities for the community. “Community groups are what make our town such an attractive place that young people want to move here to raise their families,” Ms. Turner added. “I want to sit down with the groups and see how council can help them to make our community even better.” “I am proud to be from this community and I want to work with our residents to build on our strong foundation as we look to the future,” concluded Ms. Turner.
