Santa Clara County Voter's Guide On Children's Issues

City of Morgan Hill, Mayor

Mark Turner

All families in Morgan Hill deserve the right to live in a safe, inclusive community where opportunities abound.

  1. In a recent poll by Choose Children 2022 of likely general election voters, more than half of parents with children under age 18 say they are likely to move out of the Bay Area in the next few years. What do you think are the top three issues affecting our children and families and how will you make our region a place where all families can thrive?

    Families are leaving the area due to the challenges they face including crime, understaffed police department and high cost of living. Parents are working harder and making less due to the high cost of living in the Bay Area as well as the impact of inflation. I will work with other council members to ensure our police staffing increases as our community grows and develop better paying jobs in our area.

  2. As we have learned over the past three years, without quality, affordable, childcare, parents can’t go to work. What will you do to address challenges accessing childcare and preschool programs in our diverse communities?

    Research shows that investment in early childhood development leads to better health, intelligence, and economic success through life. Ensuring access to affordable childcare and early educational opportunities benefits children and parents. I’ll work with agencies and organizations that provide assistance to parents who need help.

  3. Much of the student achievement gap has been linked to the opportunity gap that children in low-income families and children of color confront (e.g., lack of access to healthy food, preschool, tutors, and enrichment activities). If elected, what will you do to increase equity of opportunity?

    It’s important to develop programs and partnerships with nonprofit organizations, the school district, as well as the county and state, in order to ensure access to healthy food, nutrition classes, and high-quality preschool and early education programs. Developing a program where advanced high school students could act as tutors for younger grades could benefit underachieving students as well as create a pathway for students interested in educational careers.

  4. What steps will you take to support inclusion and outcomes for children with special needs or with disabilities and their families to be fully included in our community?

    Morgan Hill recently opened an inclusive playground in partnership with the Magical Bridge Foundation. We need to continue capitalizing on opportunities like this because it fosters respect and a sense of belonging. We also need to focus on high quality inclusive early care and education programs.

  5. There is a mental health crisis among children, youth, and those who care for and educate them. If elected, how will you use the resources of your new role to improve access to mental and behavioral health services?

    I'll work closely with the county, local nonprofits, and other organizations to ensure affordable, easy access to mental health services to those in need of them.