August 30, 2009

Dear Friends & Supporters,

Please forgive me for the odd day and time of this message. We had every intension to get this announcement out to you on August 26, however, I made a decision to postpone this announcement until I was 100% sure of my declaration.

I would like to first thank you for your continued patronage and encouragement in our run for Atlanta City Council Post 1 At-Large in this year’s elections. You have shown me that it doesn’t matter what you come from, but what is in your heart. That it doesn’t matter who you are connected to, rather what your intensions are. Being a young man who grew up never knowing if I’d see my 21st birthday, I never would have imagined being in the position that I am in today. Henry David Thoreau once said “If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them.” That is what I plan to do.

After careful consideration and deliberation, I have decided to end my pursuit for the Atlanta City Council Post 1 At-Large seat in this 2009 election. My decision is based on personal and financial readiness.

So what will I do now? That’s a great question. I will now redirect my efforts to more grassroots initiatives such as the nonprofit my wife and I established, The Turner Family Foundation, which we will use as an umbrella for initiatives like providing micro-grants to youth artists for art supplies. We will also be operating the annual Y.O! forum through our nonprofit. I also plan to get more involved with my friend’s like ATAC, Neighbor In Need, Making the Transition Inc, and many more.

There is one activity I am extremely excited to do more of than spending more time with my newborn daughter, Cameron. Campaigning for 9 months has cost me valuable moments in both my wife’s pregnancy and the first months of my daughter’s life.

Do I support another candidate for the Post 1 At-Large seat? My answer to that is no, not at the moment. In fact, I do not support or oppose any candidate for any of the current city elections. Like you, I will weigh out who I feel are true and able to be positive and affective public servants for our city. My campaign was based on Fresh Thinking and a New Approach at how our city is managed. I want to see progressive leaders take office so that our city can remain competitive and attractive internationally.

Thank you, 
Clarence Turner