Politics & Government

Councilman Torn Over Resignation Decision

Robin Turner resigns as at-large Kent City Councilman effective today

It wasn't an easy decision, but resigning as an at-large member of Kent City Council was just something Robin Turner had to do.

Turner resigned from council effective today in order to officially retire as a  member of the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System with more than 20 years as a public employee in the state.

"It’s extremely difficult," Turner said. "It’s something I’m compelled to do. In order to retire I have to resign my (public) office. My preference would be to serve out my term, but unfortunately that’s not something I’m going to be able to do."

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Turner was appointed to council in January 2008 after the death of long-time councilman Bill Schultz, who was a close friend and mentor of Turner's.

Ward 5 Kent City Councilwoman Heidi Shaffer said she strongly supported Turner's appointment almost five years ago.

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"As an African American, and a friend of Bill's, Robin offered both continuity and a perspective that was missing on council," Shaffer said. "He opened my eyes to a different view in a number of council debates and in conversations about issues before council. He'll still be around to consult with, but I'll miss his intelligence and passion at council meetings."

During his time on council, Turner was a staunch supporter of ensuring public money invested in Kent, either in the downtown redevelopment or other projects — such as the city's proposed technology park — would lead to job opportunities for local residents.

More recently, Turner helped put a face on neighborhood issues involving the forced relocation of senior residents at the former Silver Oaks Apartments and a zoning issue involving a towing company trying to relocate on Lake Street.

Kent Mayor Jerry Fiala said he respected Turner both for bringing his own flair to the table and for his work to raise the issue of senior housing in Kent following the Silver Oaks eviction.

"He not only represented the people of the South End, but being an at-large person the people of the whole of the city of Kent," Fiala said.

The Dodge Street resident is an alum of Theodore Roosevelt High School.

When asked about a favorite moment during his term Turner said it was difficult to nail down just one. He pointed to the city's success in redeveloping downtown and strengthening ties with Kent State University as two issues he will be most proud of when reflecting on his time in office.

"As a council, I think we’ve just enjoyed an extremely productive period," he said. "I think those probably are the moments I’ll look back on. And when I walk downtown and I see this stuff fleshing out, you look at it and say ‘wow, we did it.' We did this as a council, as a staff, and as a community. That’s one thing I think I’m extremely proud to have been associated with."

As for challenges before council, Turner said the city must continue to strive towards redeveloping and strengthening areas of the city that are underused, such as the now vacant former RB&W property on Mogadore Road and the former AMETEK site on Lake Street.

"That and trying to also push this Issue 11, which I think is going to be extremely important to us," he said.

Council will start to advertise for a replacement for Turner later this month. Council members have 30 days to make an appointment to fill his seat, and they are expected to interview applicants and vote on the appointment during their Nov. 28 meeting.

Interested applicants can contact the mayor's office or the council clerk.

Kent City Manager Dave Ruller said he admired Turner's ability to find common ground on divisive isssues.

"He has served Kent at a pivotal time and his support for downtown revitalization was critical," Ruller said. "I appreciate his dedication to the community and wish him well."

Though he must resign in order to retire Turner said that doesn't rule him out as a future candidate for council during an election year.

"That’s not anything I necessarily want to get into at this juncture. It's always a possibility," he said. "More than I can say I enjoy this public service. Every day I have served it’s just been such a pleasure in my life, and it’s very difficult to walk away from."


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