Turner announces NC Statehouse bid against Moffitt

Former UNC Asheville Assistant Vice Chancellor Brian Turner (D) announced his intention today to run for the North Carolina Statehouse in 2014 against two-term incumbent Rep. Tim Moffitt (R). Of course, if any other Democrats decide to run, there would be a Democratic primary to see which candidate challenges Moffitt. No other Democrats have declared their intention to run at this time.

For several weeks, there have been rumors that Turner would run. Already, a satirical Twitter account has popped up and started attacking him.

In a video announcing his political debut, Turner focuses on his local roots as well as education issues. “Times are tough for folks. They face real challenges. And the future’s uncertain. Cuts to our schools, community colleges and universities have begun the dismantling of our education system,” he declares. “If children are going to have a fighting chance in the job market of tomorrow, we must fully invest in education and job training today.” 

In addition to the video, Turner announced his run with the launch of a website and a press release.

Here’s the announcement from Turner:

Former UNC Asheville Assistant Vice Chancellor Brian Turner announced his intention today to run for the North Carolina General Assembly in 2014. Turner will run as a Democrat against two-term incumbent Rep. Tim Moffitt in House District 116, which includes most of western Buncombe County from Arden to Enka-Candler and Leicester.

“My wife and I chose to raise our daughter and build our business here because this is where I grew up, our families are here, and we believe this is a great place to live and work. Unfortunately, many of the things that make this area great have been threatened and, instead of just standing on the sidelines, I want to do something about it,” Turner said.

Turner is concerned that Raleigh is not investing in the areas that will provide positive returns for this community and the effects of this neglect will be felt for years to come.

“We need to be strengthening our schools, community colleges, and universities or we will no longer be competitive in attracting the kind of stable, well-paying jobs this region was built on. While we need to attract new businesses we must not forget to invest in helping locally- owned small businesses. These businesses are the foundation of a strong local economy; they are the businesses we all know, the businesses that have been here for generations,” Turner said.

A small business owner and former head of manufacturing and operations for family business Mills Manufacturing, Turner brings diverse private and public sector experience to the campaign. Turner says he is running because he believes if we fully invest in education, if we attract new businesses while helping grow our local ones, then together we can build a stronger community for now and for the future.

“We need elected officials who understand the winner-take-all mindset that has infected Raleigh is not sustainable, and we need to be willing to work together, regardless of party, to achieve positive solutions to the challenges we face.

“I want to listen to the concerns of people and the businesses in our region that are affected daily by the decisions made in Raleigh, I want to give voice to those concerns, and ensure the interests of this community are being fairly and honestly represented in the capital,” Turner said.

For more information about Brian Turner and why he is running visit www.TurnerforNCHouse.com.