Morgan Hill Mayor Mark Turner called for increased unity among residents while highlighting infrastructure projects, public safety needs and potential revenue challenges during his March 13 State of the City address at the Granada Theater.
Turner emphasized the importance of collaboration, likening the city’s progress to “a great race” that depends on teamwork.
“This race is not about individual triumphs, but about our collective journey toward a brighter future,” he said. “Just as runners rely on their teammates for support, encouragement and strength, so too must we lean on each other.”
The mayor outlined several key infrastructure projects, including the final phase of the Upper Llagas Creek Flood Control Project, which is scheduled to begin in May with completion expected in two to three years.
“Once complete, we should see very little of the flooding that we have been seeing over these past several years during these heavy rains,” Turner said.
He acknowledged community frustrations with delays in the Anderson Dam project but promised residents that Valley Water shares their concerns.
“I can assure you, those at Valley Water are equally frustrated, and they share our desire for good progress,” Turner said. “Every effort is being made to ensure the project is completed safely and effectively.”
Turner touted Morgan Hill’s new all-electric fire station on Butterfield Boulevard, which will open with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony in late spring. The facility will house Engine 59 and be part of the city’s ongoing partnership with Cal Fire.
The mayor also introduced the city’s new fire chief, Jake Hess, who replaces recently retired Chief Baraka Carter. Hess is “no stranger to Morgan Hill” and brings 30 years of experience with Cal Fire to the position, Turner said.
Public safety personnel received special recognition during the address. Turner recounted an incident where officers and firefighters rescued a family of four from a submerged vehicle in a canal alongside Highway 101.
“Our public safety personnel, putting aside their own personal safety, went into the vehicle, pulled out the family members, and administered CPR to one of the children who they brought back to life,” Turner said.
The mayor highlighted a critical issue facing the city’s finances, noting that Morgan Hill collects the lowest amount of sales tax per capita in Santa Clara County—about $730 compared to the countywide average of over $1,200.
“While we’ve been able to maintain a high quality-of-life standard for our residents, going forward we will need to generate additional revenue for the city where we can expect to keep up with a growing community and provide the public safety efforts our community deserves and expects,” he said.
Turner announced that City Manager Christina Turner will present revenue enhancement options to the council later this year, including a potential sales tax initiative.
“Please keep in mind, the mayor and the city council do not have the authority to implement a sales tax initiative on their own,” he said. “It is you, the voters, who will decide whether or not to implement such a tax that would enhance public safety and other city services.”
Turner also addressed public safety staffing concerns, stating that Morgan Hill has fewer than one police officer per 1,000 residents, compared to about 1.25 officers per thousand in most Santa Clara County cities.
The mayor devoted significant attention to divisive rhetoric in the community, condemning those who “deliberately fan the flames of hysteria and fear within the migrant community.”
“Fear mongering and misinformation have no place in our city,” Turner said. “The damage caused by falsehoods not only misleads the public but also deepens divisions, erodes trust and fosters unnecessary fear and resentment.”
Turner emphasized that federal law prohibits local law enforcement from investigating or detaining individuals based on immigration status.
Another priority highlighted in the address was expanding high-speed internet access. Turner noted that 6% of Morgan Hill residents have no internet connection, while 8% are connected only via smartphone.
“In this day and age, in this community there should be no one without high-speed internet connection,” Turner said, calling for a community initiative to “close the broadband gap.”
The mayor concluded by urging residents to set aside differences and work together toward common goals.
“Let’s put our differences behind us and work to bring Morgan Hill together, to move Morgan Hill forward and to make Morgan Hill the best it can be,” he said.
Calvin Nuttall is a Morgan Hill-based freelance reporter.
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