Arthur in the News

Click here to watch the entire Arthur Turner interview on the award winning Ed Brown Show.

Arthur Turner has been a recognized leader and problem solver who continues to works tirelessly to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Prince Georges County. Art has personally spearheaded many proactive initiatives ranging from community development projects, health care reform, and crime reduction to name a few. Arthur has been present, his efforts are documented, can be verified, and his record is accounted for.

Below, you will find over 70 links to articles that chronicle just some of the countless thousands of hours that Arthur has invested as an unpaid community leader and volunteer who is presently fighting valiantly for all who live, work, play, and pray in our most beloved Prince George’s County. As you can see, Arthur has been busy fighting to make things right while others have talked about what needed to be done. From the links to the many articles that actualize Arthur’s care, concern, commitment, dedication, and service, you can see that Arthur has a passion and love for his community and county.

Let’s support Arthur as he moves his fight of advocating for the interests of the community from the streets, to a member of the Prince George’s County Council.

Arthur needs your help to continue to fight! Won’t you help?

THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR RECOGNIZED, RESPECTED, AND TRUSTED EXPERIENCE!

“Voice Your Opinion and Support Arthur Turner”

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Press Releases

UPDATED AUGUST 18, 2011

Prince George’s County and District 6 need Turner’s leadership

Maryland Community News Online

Prince George’s County needs the best leadership available — capable, competent and committed leadership working in the best interest of District 6. This is not the time for trial and error in the district or inPrince George’s County.

We have in Arthur Turner a leader with both a historical perspective ofPrince George’s, an innovative, progressive and aggressive posture for the future and a fierce sense of urgency of right now.

Too much is on the line. Too much is at stake.

Our economic success is on the line. We need bold action to support economic stability and growth inPrince George’s County. That includes attracting federal and retail opportunities, but equally to support companies in our communities to build our own tax base. Our people need jobs.

Only capable, competent and committed leadership working in the best interest of District 6 can meet these needs.

We are at a critical juncture. Either Prince George’s will lead or we will follow; either Prince Georgians will pull together and work together for our greater good or we will be pulled apart for our detriment.

This is our time, this is our day to rise up and be what our founders, forefathers and leaders in the past hoped we would be, and what our youth, seniors, parents, families and community need us to be.

The time is now for committed leadership working in the best interest of District 6. The time is now for Arthur Turner.

Vote Arthur Turner for County Council District 6 in the Sept. 20 special election.

Porter Wynn, Upper Marlboro

ARTHUR TURNER FILES AS CANDIDATE

TO REPRESENT DISTRICT 6 ON COUNTY COUNCIL

Longtime Community Organizer Has Undeniable, Unmatched Record

Largo, August 17, 2011 – In a continuation of his efforts to make Prince George’s County the best place to live, work, play and pray, Arthur Turner filed paperwork Wednesday afternoon to appear on the ballot for the District 6 County Council Special Election on September 20.

“A community activist can only do so much,” Mr. Turner said. “You have ideas and work with the community, but at the end of the day you need the Council to follow through, hoping they understand the will of the community. By being a member of the Council and knowing what citizens want, I’ll be able to act of their wishes and desires.”

Mr. Turner, President of the Coalition of Central Prince George’s County Community Organizations and Chairman of United Communities Against Poverty, stressed the fact that his is a grassroots campaign by the people and for the people. He said that unlike others, he’s only beholden to residents of District 6, not third-party interests with larger agendas in mind.

“I’m confident that the citizens will go with someone they know, rather than someone who outsiders are pushing,” he said. “I think citizens appreciate the fact that I’m the only candidate who has consistent, verifiable record of delivering services for more than 20 years.

Mr. Turner is running to fill the seat recently vacated by Mrs. Leslie E. Johnson. Before Mrs. Johnson won election in November, Mr. Sam Dean held the seat for eight years and served as County Council Chairman.

“Arthur Turner, without question, is the best-qualified person for the position of Council Member for District 6,” Mr. Dean said. “He has my unquestionable support.”

During his long tenure working for change in Prince George’s County, Mr. Turner has been an advocate for residents’ rights, education, commercial development, public safety and apprenticeship programs, to name a few. He has also been a staunch supporter of women’s issues

and foreclosure prevention programs, as well as high-end retail projects and improved public transportation.

“I’m running because I want to continue serving the residents of District 6,” he said. “We need someone who’s ready from Day 1 to represent the citizens.

“Together, we will do better!”

Tuesday, August 02, 2011

Prince George’s County Council sets special election for Johnson’s replacement

Primary for District 6 seat scheduled for Sept. 20

by Daniel Valentine, Staff Writer

Returning from their summer break,Prince George’s County Council members voted in a special session Tuesday to set the special election to replace former Councilwoman Leslie Johnson in the District 6 seat.

Members voted to set a Sept. 20 primary date for the race to replace Johnson, who pleaded guilty to federal evidence tampering charges in June.

Though the council asked her to step down immediately, Johnson delayed her departure until Sunday, forcing the council to hold a special session to set the election date Tuesday.

Candidates running for the vacant seat have until Aug. 23 to file for the primary, which will be followed by a general election on Oct. 18. As Democrats dominate the district in voter registration, the primary winner usually clinches the general election.

Venus Bethea and Arthur Turner, who have announced their intentions to file for the seat, attended the 10-minute public session. Another unfiled candidate, Derrick L. Davis, who placed second in the primary, did not.

Other candidates are rumored to be considering a run, including a Republican, Daye Gardner ofBowie.

The special election ends a tense nine months for the council, which has faced public scorn for working with Johnson after her Nov. 12 arrest. Members did not call for her resignation until after Johnson pled guilty, and have refused to discuss her performance on the group.

“We stayed focused on what we were elected to do. We couldn’t allow one person to be a distraction,” said Council Chairwoman Ingrid Turner (D-Dist. 4) ofBowie. “It’s unfortunate that we had to go through this.”

The District 6 seat could be crucial to County Executive Rushern L. Baker III (D), who has had mixed success working with the legislative group. Baker was forced to withdraw a key piece of legislation, for the Economic Development Incentive Fund, when council members criticized the measure early this summer. In a series of meetings, members said that he did not ensure enough oversight over the $50 million fund. Baker has declared success by pushing though stormwater management legislation and was able to get council approval for his cabinet nominees.

As the ninth vote on the council, the new member has the ability to break ties in the group.

Baker has been seen at fundraisers last week forDavis.

County spokesman Scott L. Peterson said that Baker has not formally endorsed Davis, though Turner said that residents understand where Baker’s support lies.

“We all know what he’s doing,” Turner said.

Turner said he is not sure if council candidates would try to win an endorsement from Johnson, who enjoyed popularity in her district throughout the criminal process.

“She has some respect in some circles,” said Turner, who said he wants the endorsement from “the people of District 6.”

Council members convened in a closed session immediately after the meeting to consult with lawyers. Staff members said the discussion was on a continuing lawsuit by Reaching Hearts, aLaurelchurch that the council has denied zoning approval to over several years.

The next regular session of thePrince George’s County Council will be on Sept. 13.

Arthur Turner Files with the Board of Elections. It is official. Arthur Turner is on the ballot!

Election Results

Arthur is not new to voters in District 6. They had a choice and they elected him in the last gubernatorial election in 2006.

In the 2006 Election in which Arthur was elected to the Democratic Central Committee in the 25th Legislative District, Arthur got 8,160 votes. This represented 36.90% of the votes that were cast in a field of three candidates. The election was in September, the next month, the members of the Democratic Central Committee elected Arthur to be the Vice Chair. In November of 2008, Arthur was re-elected to the post of Vice-Chair by his colleagues. Arthur has served with distinction as the Vice-Chair of the Prince George’s County Democratic Party.

Recognized and Acknowledged for longtime care, concern, and commitment to the community.

Adventist HealthCare Recognizes Partners for Healthy Communities: 3rd Annual Community Partnership Award Honors Local Organizations for Contributions to Improving Accessibility and Affordability of Health Care (May 13, 2009)

Benefit Recognizes Leaders for Outstanding Community Service Organization Raises $200,000 for Community Development in Prince George’s County

Arthur is recognized for his community service.

Bridge Builders Award recipient at The Prince George’s County Foundation’s annual 2007 Civic Leadership Awards Dinner (April 26, 2007)

Arthur was the first person to be selected and awarded the prestigious Bridge Builders Award. This award is significant because it distinguishes Arthur from all other community leaders, activists, and volunteers in Prince George’s County.

Arthur’s community involvement and activism was featured in the Prince George’s Suite magazine

A Day in King Arthur’s Court. One of the County’s most outspoken proponents does all he can for Prince George’s. All except sleep.

Arthur is concerned about low-income residents and senior citizens

Pepco gives contribution to non-profit that helps low-income residents in Prince George’s County. This organization is headed by Arthur Turner.

Arthur is concerned about Senior Citizens and low-income residents of Prince George’s County.

United Communities Against Poverty, Inc. Celebrate Program Graduates

An organization headed by Turner graduated 23 Prince George’s County residents who earned their General Education Diploma (GED), and completing Housing Counseling programs.

Arthur has an opinion, and he speaks his mind.

Prince George’s County Wegmans Deal May Be Dead!? Hearing at 10am on 9/24 or Fax Letter of Support (September 24, 2007)

COMMON SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHING PRACTICES AND THEIR CIVIC OUTCOMES (Fall 2007)

Interview subject of an exciting five-week youth mapping program for fifteen teenagers from Prince George’s County. Program participants used mapping software to study a community problem of their choice. This program preceded a larger joint project between CIRCLE and the University of Wisconsin-Madison which is funded by the U.S. Department of Education (DoE).

Johnson May Aid Council Ally in Job Hunt (December 2, 2006)

Johnson’s Security Pick Probed by Police (August 6, 2004)

Arthur had the wisdom and foresight to see what would prove to be trouble in the waters.

The Advocate–Fighting for Change

Pr. George’s leader wants to curb county’s fast-food eateries

Front page news story from the Washington Post. Arthur Turner recognized that there are far too many fast food restaurants in Prince George’s County. Turner believes that in addition to the fast food restaurants there should be eating establishments that offer more healthy choices. With Prince George’s County having a large population of people who suffer from obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, heart problems, and tremendously high numbers of people who suffer from Diabetes, something must be done. Something was done. Turner took action. Turner got results.

A disproportionately high number of people in Prince George’s County and nationally in African-American communities suffer from Hypertension, Heart Disease, high Cholesterol, Diabetes, and other maladies. Many of these health problems can be directly attributed to diet. Turner has seen that a problem is that there are not enough restaurant options or choices where people

In a most unusual agreement, a developer of a new shopping center agreed not to sign leases with fast food establishments in this new shopping center. Turner recognized a problem and solved it. With the health care debate going on nationally about people being uninsured, under-insured, and being unable to pay for prescription medications, consuming more healthy food can help improve the health of Prince Georgians. This action by Turner will help to make people in Prince George’s County more healthy!

Prince George’s County leader seeks to slow fast food

Maryland Activist Aims To Limit Presence Of Fast Food

Prince George’s County leader seeks to slow fast food

Fighting Maryland Fat in the General Assembly: Community activist wants to see healthier options around Capitol Heights

Le Pearl Ballroom fined $7,500 for disturbing the peace with go-go: Homicide after concert at Capitol Heights venue prompted licensing investigation.

Arthur Turner fights against a business that has been a drain on police resources. Police have responded to 15 violent incidents either at Le Pearl or to incidents in the surrounding area that involved patrons. The incidents, the majority of which were shootings, include three homicides. As president of The Coalition of Central Prince George’s County Community Organizations, Turner has continually fought against businesses that bring down the quality of life for all who live, work, play and pray in our beloved Prince George’s County.

Brown Defends O’Malley Administration Before Activists (October 29, 2009)

Arthur pressuring the O’Malley-Brown administration to deliver on a campaign promise to bring a major State agency to Prince George’s County. Bringing the agency to county would bring with it an increased tax base, spin off companies, and the jobs associated with them.

Track “Officials” in Booth Hit Foul: Hip-Hop Note at C. H. Flowers Meet

Arthur helped to draw attention to a situation where a DJ played music over the loudspeaker at a county high school track meet that had lyrics laced with profanity, acts of violence, and vulgarity. The county introduced a policy that put controls over the type of music that can be played at school events in part due to the positive action and involvement of Arthur Turner.

Advocating for a National Firefighters Day (April 2, 2008)

As a supporter of firefighters and EMS workers, Arthur was a signer of a petition for the creation of National Firefighters Day and encouraged others to do so also.

Proposed telecom tax increase raises ire in Prince George’s; Businesses rally against higher levy on phone service (October 9, 2008)

Arthur spoke out against the telecom tax and was a part of a consortium of people, businesses, and groups who successfully spoke out and lobbied against this unwanted tax.

Obama Energizes Maryland County with Campaign Speech (October 24, 2007)

Arthur was an early supporter of Barack Obama for President. While some supported Hillary Clinton, John Edwards, Joe Biden and others, Arthur knew that Barack Obama should be the President of the United States and he worked tirelessly to accomplish that goal.

Lone Loaner Challenged: Bill In House Would End Local Company’s Monopoly On Minority Business Aid (March 21, 2007)

Testimony before the House Economic Matters Committee on House Bill 958 advocating for financial assistance and fairness in the dispensing of state money for small and minority businesses. Arthur has fought for many years on the behalf of small and minority businesses.

Preliminary plan OK’d for Brown Station Road (January 18, 2007)
Advocating for the Kettering Largo Mitchellville Boys and Girls Club

Arthur has been a long-time advocate and supporter of the Kettering Largo Mitchellville Boys and Girls Club. By working with the developer, Arthur fought to get land donated for the site of the proposed new Kettering-Largo-Mitchellville Boys and Girls Club.

Largo eatery fined $2,000 for license violations (September 15, 2005)

Taking a stand against businesses that are licensed as restaurants and operate as night clubs in residential neighborhoods. These establishments often have fights, shootings, stabbings, and often bring the criminal element into our communities.

Garage Strip Clubs Thriving in Pr. George’s (August 29, 2004)

Went undercover with two Washington Post reporters to expose strip clubs in Prince George’s County. These establishments have been havens for murders, shootings, prostitution and residents in neighboring communities have reported that strip club patrons urinate in their yards, engage in sexual activities in their yards, and break into their cars.

An Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance sections concerning the People’s Zoning Counsel (November 23, 1999)

As a community activist who has fought tirelessly for the citizens of Prince George’s County for over 20 years, Arthur recognized the need for legal counsel to represent the interests of the citizens in matters before the County Council. In 1999, Arthur testified for the bill listed above which eventually became the law to create the position of People’s Zoning Counsel.

The legislation’s purpose is to have an independent legal counsel attend all Planning Board hearings for cases that may be appealed to the District Council. The outside legal counsel would assure that the administrative record is complete and that the interests of the public are being met. This legislation created what is now known as the People’s Zoning Counsel. Arthur Turner was a leading advocate for the creation of this position. Arthur recognized a problem and fought for a solution. His activism helped to get the legislation approved!

Fighting Maryland Fat in the General Assembly: Community activist wants to see healthier options around Capitol Heights

CARDIN OPENS SENATE FIELD OFFICE IN PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Turner supports US Senator Ben Cardin opening field office in Prince George’s County

Greenbelt group offers free job skills classes
Program works to make applicants more viable candidates among work force

Respected and Sought After Public Speaker

Tough times…Real Solutions: Keeping Your Association Safe and Solvent (September 24, 2009)

Economic Development

Arthur is concerned about low-income residents and senior citizens

In order to sustain and increase the program offered by UCAP to assist low-income residents, fund-raising is essential. Turner lead a very successful event that raised much needed money to help senior citizens & low-income residents of Prince George’s County.

Candidates start wooing business community

In a presentation to the Greater Prince George’s Business Roundtable, Arthur Turner continued his 15-year pledge to fight for commercial office development. Before this group of business executives, Turner stressed the importance of Prince George’s County aggressively pursuing Federal and State agencies to locate and lease office space in Prince George’s County.

Residents complete Green Industry Certification

As the Board Chair of UCAP, Turner has helped to create a program along with Prince George’s Community College that enables Prince George’s County residents to be trained and earn Green Industry Certification. The Green Industry Certification Program is dedicated to the development of ‘green jobs’ that will focus on the economy and the environment.

Brown Defends O’Malley Administration Before Activists (October 29, 2009)

Violence, Vacancies Trouble Md. Mall Boulevard Struggles With Image Issues (March 29, 2009)

National Harbor Seeks More Public Cash

As a community activist and advocate for business, Arthur is steadfast in his efforts to see that Prince George’s County gets the best deal when negotiating with corporations when using county resources.

Nonprofit Cites Uphill Retail Battle

Planning Board OKs Woodmore site plan: Glenarden development expected to finish in spring 2010 (January 22, 2009)

Proposed telecom tax increase raises ire in Prince George’s; Businesses rally against higher levy on phone service (October 9, 2008)

Arthur spoke out against the telecom tax and was a part of a consortium of people, businesses, and groups who successfully spoke out and lobbied against this unwanted tax.

Development Brings Upscale Options Down To the Harbor (March 30, 2008)

Planning, Development and Real Estate Committee Board Information Item III-A —WMATA Joint Development Guidlines Report by WMAT Joint Development Task Force (December 13, 2007)

Smithsonian to relocate several programs to Landover; Federal agency bringing 60 employees to enterprise zone site (November 8, 2007)

Woodmoore lands Wegmans Center’s neighbors push for continued economic development (September 27, 2007)

Woodmore Towne Centre expected to get green light; Developer believes traffic concerns were raised because Wegmans is a non-union supermarket (September 14, 2007)

Prince George’s County Wegmans Deal May Be Dead!? Hearing at 10am 0n 9/24 or Fax Letter of Support (September 24, 2007)

Wegmans Project For Landover Back On Track

Wegmans to Open Store in Prince George’s as Giant, Safeway Move to Hold Dominance

County commute among the worst; 60 percent of residents work elsewhere, contributing to sixth-longest trip in nation (July 19, 2007)

Arthur has advocated for commercial office development for many years. He has understood that by 60% of the County’s population leaving the county each day to go to work, commuters spend their money in those counties and not in Prince George’s County. He also has understood that we need to grow our tax base and create jobs—all possible by creating commercial office development projects.

In Pr. George’s, Learning to Put Smile in ‘Service With a Smile’ (June 24, 2007)

For many years, Arthur has fought to improve customer service in retail stores and restaurants. He also has worked to raise the bar on the delivery of service in the hospitality industry in Prince George’s County.

Landover revival pushes ahead; County wants to give area near Landover Mall site a makeover (June 20, 2007)

Report of the Joint Development Task Force to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority May 2007 (May 2007)

Middle-income residents leaving Prince George’s, study shows Brookings report describes porous border between the District, Prince George’s
(April 12, 2007)

Lone Loaner Challenged: Bill In House Would End Local Company’s Monopoly On Minority Business Aid (March 21, 2007)

Pr. George’s Takes a Bite of the Good Life; Long-Ignored County Now a Retail Magnet (June 20, 2006)

Arthur has been a major figure and the undisputed leading voice in the struggle to increase the volume, quality and choices in retail and restaurants.

The Decline And Fall Of Landover Mall – Who’s To Blame? (May 17, 2006)

Mall’s Comedown Taints Lerner Image: Resentment of Nats’ New Owner Lingers in Pr. George’s (May 16, 2006)

Wegmans to open store in Prince George’s; Woodmore Towne Centre site would open in late 2008 (May 4, 2006)

Wegmans Continues Maryland Expansion (May 4, 2006)

Prince George’s Gains Upscale Grocer Wegmans (May 3, 2006)

County pitches for high-end retail: Officials say it’s coming.

Turner, a longtime advocate for high-end retail in the county.

Moving on up Prince George’s County striking it rich (January 22, 2006)

Largo eatery fined $2,000 for license violations (September 15, 2005)

Taking a stand against restaurants that are licensed as restaurants and operate as night clubs in residential neighborhoods. These establishments often have fights, shootings, stabbings, and are often bring the criminal element into our communities.

Lanham development project gains momentum (August 18, 2005)

Fought for and supported good retail development. This is the shopping center with US Sen. Ben Cardin’s Office, Grace’s, and Home Depot

Prince George’s Developer in Talks to Build Sears Grand (May 11, 2005)

Developer has huge retail plans for Prince George’s: Michael Cos. plans big-box center on 100 acres for Sears, Sam’s Club, Wal-Mart, others
(April 15, 2005)

Sam’s Club closes store; Opens door for relocation to Capitol Heights (August 5, 2005)

Federated slates Hecht’s for conversion, divesting (August 5, 2005)

Spreading the News on County Life : Prince George’s Has Its Own Magazine (March 10, 2005)

Community Forum/Town Meeting with Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. — Business Roundtable event (January 13, 2005)

Baseball’s Bounty District Boosters Believe Downtown Stadium Would Outperform Suburban Stadium (January 20, 2003)

Fighting for Respect in Prince George’s County

Brown Defends O’Malley Administration Before Activists (October 29, 2009)

Candidate Banners Can Leave Clients, Businesses Bruised (Sunday, October 12, 2008)

In Pr. George’s, Learning to Put Smile in ‘Service With a Smile’ (June 24, 2007)

Spreading the News on County Life : Prince George’s Has Its Own Magazine (March 10, 2005)

Pr. George’s Puts Its Best Face Forward: Newsletter Highlights Johnson’s Favorite Issues (July 7, 2004)

EDUCATION

Greenbelt group offers free job skills classes
Program works to make applicants more viable candidates among work force

COMMON SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHING PRACTICES AND THEIR CIVIC OUTCOMES (Fall 2007)

United Communities Against Poverty, Inc. Celebrate Program Graduates

An organization headed by Turner graduated 23 Prince George’s County residents who earned their General Education Diploma (GED), and completing Housing Counseling programs.