City Council Candidate: Laureen Turner

We sent an e-mail questionnaire to every candidate running in the local November election. Here's the answers we received from Laureen Turner, who is running for city council.

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

Initially, because I was asked. However, in looking to the issues, I feel that my background, education, and strengths will serve our town well.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

My priority lies with BART planning, growth and development. I feel that we have a wonderful opportunity to plan the TOD housing in a manner that suits Livermore. We will not have BART dictating how many houses to put into our downtown and thus we can design our downtown the way we want.

With the train aligned along the freeway, we will be able to get the largest number of commuters off of the road. Additionally, we still need to look at transportation options to the downtown. I would like to add that we need to look at transportation options throughout town. I would like to see some sort of service – trolley, people mover, something that utilizes green and energy and is unique to Livermore that can circle our Valley. This transportation option can connect all of our recreation options as well as major employers. Looking to the future, I would like to see a transportation system that circles the town not only connecting residents to the downtown but also to the wineries, golf, the trails, and employers.

Additionally, we may then be able to go to BART and utilize homes along the “trolley” line into their numbers for TOD housing thus limiting the densities currently required.

Additionally, a key priority is to look at emergency services and ensure we have funding in place for adequate police and fire services.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

What sets me apart the most is my background and education. I hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a masters in Organizational Management. I have experience both working in health care as well as business. I think it is this unique background that provides me with the background to understand both the human as well as the financial side to many matters.

Where do you work and what is your job title?

• I work as a registered nurse at Valley Care Hospital
• I am faculty teaching pediatric nursing for Ohlone College
• I am faculty for the University of Phoenix teaching Health Care Administration and,
• I am a Director for Livermore Area Recreation and Park District

Age and birthplace?

I was born in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and I am 45.

Who’s in your immediate family? Spouse, children?

I am married to Christian Turner.

Between us, we have three children. Amanda is 23 and attending nursing school at Roseman University of Health Science. Sarah, 19, is a student at the Air Force Academy. Tommy, 16, is a high school student.

Please list the schools and colleges you attended, the degrees you attained and when.

• San Jose State University – Bachelors of Science – 1992
• University of Phoenix – Masters of Arts – Organizational Management 1999
• American Sentinel University – Masters in Nursing Education in progress completion due in September 2012.

Have you ever held an elected or appointed public office?

Yes. I currently serve as a director for Livermore Area Recreation and Park District.

Have you run before for an elected public office?

Yes – just for LARPD

Approximately how much money do you expect to spend on your campaign, both total spending and personal?

$8,000. I am attempting to keep my campaign as green as possible and thus have limited the amount of printing I have done. Thus the majority of my funds are being spent on electronic media such as my ad here on Patch.

Have you ever served in the military?

No

Have you ever been convicted or charged with a crime other than a minor traffic violation?

No

Have you or a business you owned or had principal interest in ever filed bankruptcy?

No

How long have you lived in Livermore?

A total of 10 years.

What's your favorite thing about Livermore?

I love the variety that Livermore has to offer. We have a world class recreation system, award winning wineries, a national laboratory, the IGATE, IHUB, and a thriving downtown.

I love that I can go from hiking Brushy peak, kayaking Del Valle, see a show at the Bankhead, and have an exceptional dinner all within minutes of my home. I love that I have a choice between seeing a “commercial” movie at the Regal or and Indie at the Vine.

Growing up in the Midwest where the nearest entertainment if 90 miles away, I recognize how blessed we are to have high quality of offerings and variety in our own town.

What is the biggest problem in Livermore?

Currently, the economy. We need to continue to work towards streamlining processes and cutting costs in areas that have the least impact on our citizens. We need to implement business practices that create jobs and help business succeed. We need to help our current businesses to be successful and keep their doors open.

Do you have a campaign website? If so, what is it?

www.turner4livermore.com