Mayor Pro Tem Shaquille Turner

10/15/2026

FYI

10/15/2026

BETTER COMMUNICATION. GREATER ACCOUNTABILITY. REAL SOLUTIONS FOR BENTON HARBOR!

This morning, I had the opportunity to learn about an innovative software system that could significantly improve how the City of Benton Harbor communicates with residents and responds to their concerns.

One of the biggest frustrations I continue to hear from residents is the lack of communication and follow-up from City Hall. Emails go unanswered, phone calls aren't returned, and residents are left wondering whether their concerns are even being addressed.

That is unacceptable, and we must do better. Im still awaiting on a Comprehensive Communication policy.

This proposed system would allow residents to submit concerns, track their requests, and receive real-time updates on the status of their issues. No more guessing. No more being left in the dark. Just greater transparency, accountability, and communication.

MY NEXT STEPS:

✅ Present this opportunity to the Communications Committee, City Manager, and City Clerk.

✅ Bring the proposal before the Personnel & Finance Committee for further review, including potential costs and implementation.

✅ Explore how this technology could improve efficiency, accountability, and customer service throughout City Hall.

Here's where I stand, I'm no longer willing to sit around waiting for solutions to come from City Hall. That approach is not working for me, and judging by the concerns I continue to hear, it's not working for many of our residents either.

Leadership requires initiative. If we recognize a problem, we should be actively exploring solutions instead of accepting business as usual.

I'm not interested in maintaining broken systems simply because that's how things have always been done.

Our residents and businesses deserve a City Hall that answers, responds, follows through, and remains accountable.

I'm committed to doing my part to help build a SAFER, STRONGER & MORE VIBRANT BENTON HARBOR!

10/15/2026

10/15/2026

BACK TO MY REGULARLY SCHEDULED PROGRAM!

During our recent MML Convention, one thing that caught my attention was learning how other Michigan communities are taking vacant and underutilized lots and turning them into opportunities for housing, neighborhood revitalization, economic development, and community growth.

It made me ask myself one simple question, WHY CAN'T WE DO SOMETHING SIMILAR IN BENTON HARBOR?

I plan to reach out to a few fellow City Commissioners and invite them to travel with me to other Michigan communities to see these developments firsthand, learn what is working, understand how they're being funded, and explore what a pilot program in Benton Harbor could look like.

We have vacant lots. We have neighborhoods that deserve investment. We have residents who want to see progress. What we need is a willingness to think beyond the way things have always been done.

I've reached a point where I refuse to allow unanswered emails, delayed conversations, or a lack of communication to stop me from doing the research and groundwork necessary to bring ideas forward.

I'm not waiting around for somebody to give me permission to LEARN, NETWORK, or EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES for the people I was elected to serve.

Now, let me be clear, Any actual city development program would still require the appropriate public process, collaboration, and approvals. But gathering information, building relationships, and bringing solutions to the table? THAT WORK CAN START NOW!

My mentor said,” Shaq, Sometimes leadership means taking the initiative instead of waiting for an invitation.”

10/15/2026

Come join us Saturday at this event sponsored by the Rotary Club of St. Joseph and Benton Harbor at the Benton Harbor Public Library

10/15/2026

Fact check: how many times have Medic One gone through committee(s) and still not resolved months later 🤔

Can’t say I’m lying! All is made available on the city website. I refuse to stay silent until city commissioners and city staff is back at the table to solve this matter.

I’m not going to a special meeting when the city had more than enough time to solve this.

WARRING CAME PRIOR TO MY POST!

READ…READ…READ… Court is in session 👨‍⚖️

10/15/2026

Fact Check: can’t say I’m lying! All is made available on the city website. I refuse to stay silent until city commissioners and city staff is back at the table to solve this matter.

I’m not going to a special meeting when the city had more than enough time to solve this.

WARRING CAME PRIOR TO MY POST!

READ…READ…READ… Court is in session 👨‍⚖️

10/15/2026

“ And the King will answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” — Matthew 25:40 (KJV)

I didn't come to City Hall to be seen, celebrated, or to chase a title. I came to be part of the SOLUTION to problems that have plagued our city for YEARS! That’s why they didn’t want me at City Hall.

I didn't come to make friends, play politics, or become comfortable with dysfunction. I came with a heart for the PEOPLE and a genuine desire to see Benton Harbor move forward.

And perhaps that's what makes some people uncomfortable about me. I refuse to accept that things must remain the same simply because that's how they've always been done.

You asked me to be transparent. You asked me to be truthful. You asked me to ask the difficult questions and hold government accountable. And that's exactly what I've tried to do. You asked me to take your concerns to city hall. I done that.

These past 10 months have tested my patience, challenged my strength, and TRIED MY FAITH. I've seen things, experienced things, and learned things about local government that I never imagined I would encounter.

But one thing about me, MY FAITH IS BIGGER THAN MY FRUSTRATION!

The Bible declares in Is. 54:17,”No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper.”

I don't have to fight every battle publicly. I don't have to respond to every attack. And I certainly don't have to compromise my integrity to fit into a system I was elected to help improve.

One day, I'll be able to tell the full story of what I've experienced in local government. And when that day comes, I pray it becomes a lesson about accountability, leadership, courage, and the importance of doing what's right, even when it's uncomfortable.

I DIDN'T COME THIS FAR TO BECOME PART OF THE PROBLEM!

I came to SERVE. I came to WORK. I came to make a DIFFERENCE. I rolled up my sleeves to serve my community for FREEEEE!!!

And if standing for the people means standing alone sometimes, then I'll stand with GOD! Because my assignment has always been bigger than a TITLE!