Garth K. Turner
Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.
I am married 24 years to wife LoriJo, who grew up in the area. We have two wonderful children, Grant (a freshman at Bellamarine University) and Claire a 5th grader. I have live in the St. Cloud area since 1976. We moved to the Sauk Rapids-Rice district in 1994, and then moved my business to downtown Sauk Rapids (from St. Cloud) in 1995.
I graduated from Chisago Lakes High School in 1976 where I was active in DECA, FFA, wrestling, and track. I graduated with a marketing degree from St. Cloud State University in 1980, where I was active in wrestling.
After college, I started my career in the financial services field where I continued to serve my clients daily. I hold the Certified Financial Planner(R) designation and own/operate Turner Financial, Inc. (an independent firm).
I am a Silver Certified coach through the United States Bowling Congress, and help coach the youth on Saturday morning leagues at the Sartell bowling center.
I am a volunteer with numerous organizations.
My hobbies include bowling and hunting. I am a member and active bowler of the Amateur Bowlers Tour Twin Cities Chapter.
What experience do you have that prepares you for public office?
I have been working in the investment arena for over 27 years. I work with budget and finance issues on a regular basis. Working with individuals to maintain lifestyle, yet control expenses and save for the future are the key aspects of what I do on a daily basis. I have the financial and business acumen to understand a lot of the issues the district will have to continually address. I am a conservative spender and as such would bring these experiences to the table when making decisions for the districts.
I have have great high school and college experiences that will bring perspective to the position. I work very well with people and have served in numerous positions of leadership, both as a student and as a community member. Below are the organizations I have been involved with over the years and various positions held:
DECA -- school store manager
FFA -- district treasurer, meat judge, dairy judge
St. Cloud Jayceess -- board member, president, district director
St. Cloud Downtown Kiwanis -- board member, president
St. Cloud Morning Optimist -- board member
Rock Mountain Elk Foundation -- habitat partner, life member, state director
Sauk Rapids Lions
St. Michael's Church -- finance committee
Sacred Heart Church -- finance committee
Colle of Financial Planning -- adjunct faculty
Why did you decide to run for this office?
I hear and see in the media the issues the districts in the area have had to deal with these past several years. My children have attended the Sauk Rapids-Rice district schools, and I found myself questioning and complaining about what I was hearing. I decided I need to become more involved and better understand the details and results before complaining. Being involved will allow me to bring my life experiences and professional knowledge to the table and take action to help make good decisions for the district and changes for the positive.
Top three issues you would tackle, if elected
a). Financial responsibility for dollars spent at all levels of the district
b). Equal opportunities for all students
c). Emphasis on the "three R's".