Samantha Turner, an operations director for a local nonprofit, is a rising star running for office for the first time. Deeply committed to Youngstown, she is raising her young family in the community and wants to build and support initiatives with neighborhood groups. If elected, Samantha will focus on community infrastructure, encouraging home ownership and business development.

In 2020 Samantha will begin her work as a Youngstown City Council Member, Ward 3.

The responsibilities of city council members include: 

• Establishing policies for effective delivery of municipal services like trash collection, water, and snow removal services.
• Adopting annual city budgets and legislation to address key issues in their community. 
• Approving the use and sale of city owned property. 

Meet the Candidate

Can you tell our members a little bit about your journey to filing as a candidate?

I made a choice to return to my hometown and join my family business because of the potential I saw here and because I believed in Youngstown. Upon returning, I was told “You need to invest and get involved in this community if you believe so much,” so I did.  I purchased my home, I am raising my family, I evolved in my career and I immersed myself in this city. In doing so, I found we have a long way to go and the only way we are going to get there is if people young and old have the courage to step out from behind their critiques and get involved. It is the responsibility of our elders to teach, lead, invest and guide the young population and it is the responsibility of the younger population to stop dreaming and leaving for big cities and turn this Youngstown into the city they want to see. The city that work best for those who love and live in Youngstown.

Tell our members about a friend or family member who inspired you to become a leader.

The answer to this question depends on where I am in my life. Sometimes it’s my parents, grandfather, Nina Simon, Maya Angelo or Langston Hughes all of which have been and continue to be a source of inspiration and wisdom. But now it is Anthony Amir, my two-year old. He is intelligent, strong, incredibly intuitive and full of love.  I learn from his bravery and his quest for knowledge, he truly is my proudest moment, keeps me grounded and gives me a sense of purpose.

Some of you are military veterans, some small business owners, some professionals, some mothers and grandmothers, some homemakers. How did one of these experiences shape who you are as a person and leader?

I previously served as the Chief Operating Officer at a family owned business which services numerous community businesses and a vast number of people from all walks of life. That experience, along with my volunteer activities and community experience led me to the opportunities in multiple organization throughout the city. In my position at Goodwill, I am able to make an impact on the business side and the personnel side of a local non-profit organization while servicing a vulnerable population.

The Matriots PAC has a goal to see 50% of all elected offices in Ohio held by women by 2028. What is your vision for Ohio in 2028?

2028 vision: I would like to see the Youngstown community and population growing. Our city is shirking as well as aging as we lose young men and women to larger metropolitan areas. With the loss of manufacturing jobs and other industries our economy is unable to sustain families or offer living wages. Thus, in 2028 I would like to see sustainable economic development that can support healthy communities and population growth.

Tip O’Neill famously said that “all politics is local.” What are the top-two issues your community or our state face today?

1. Lack of sustainable and continuous economic development

• Business development
• Work that provides a living wage

2. Deteriorating infrastructure

• Neighborhoods 
• Public Spaces

Tell us something personal about yourself.

I am a Vegetarian, Yoga instructor and dog lover who also maintains a large garden. On the other hand, I manage to kill EVERY plant that lives in my house.