Turner to not seek re-election

City Commissioner Terry Turner announced he will not be seeking re-election this March.

Turner, who has held an at-large commissioner seat since 2009, made the announcement Wednesday.

“I do feel a continuing obligation to serve,” Turner said in a press release. “However, family and business obligations require my time and attention. Experience has shown that I cannot give these obligations the attention they deserve while serving the citizens as a city commissioner.”

The commissioner said he hopes his early announcement to not seek re-election will allow qualified candidates to enter the race who might not have wanted to challenge a sitting commissioner.

Turner said the city needs “commissioners with a solid grounding in finance and budgeting” as it faces more tough budgets ahead.

Four challenges have thus far filed to run for one of two open at-large commission seats currently held by Turner and Mayor Suzanne Atwell.