Councilor Turner Press Release 11/24/08

For Immediate Release - November 24, 2008

City Hall Office: (617) 635 3510
District Office: (617) 427-8100

Councilor Turner’s Press Statement

After 45 years of what I believe has been a career of integrity and service to my people, I find myself in a difficult situation.  Ironically, the fact of my arrest and the possibility of spending twenty-five years in jail (if I live that long) while troubling, is not my paramount concern.

Those who know me understand that beyond providing care and support for those I love, I only have one objective in life—the liberation of my people.  If at the end of my 45 year attempt to be of service to my Creator by standing up, speaking out, and taking action on behalf of my racial and human family, I am convicted for a crime I did no commit, I can accept that as the will of my Creator.

My main concern is that I am not being tried by a jury of my peers, I am being tried by the Globe, the Herald, Fox News, Channel 7, Channel 5, etc., etc. etc.  News outlets that would not cover my work as a City Councilor are now knocking at my door almost every hour demanding that I speak to them as if I have some responsibility to serve their bosses.

In addition, Council President Feeney, on Friday at 12, three hours before my arraignment felt it appropriate to strip me of my committee chairpersonships and committee seats.  She then decided that it was appropriate to have the City Council put me on trial at a special City Council meeting called for 3 p.m. today.

Obviously, the press is working to publicly destroy my reputation before I even have an opportunity to have a day in court.  Since I am being tried by the media and my fellow Councilors, I have made the decision to publicly defend myself.  That is I will act as my own lawyer in this media trial in which I find myself.  Some argue that I should keep quiet for fear that I may make some statement that can be used against me.  So be it!  I will not sit back silently and allow my reputation be ripped to shreds.

While there are more issues that I will raise in future press conference to help the public appreciate my innocence, I would urge all assembled to join me in the Council Chambers at 3 p.m. as I participate in the Council’s deliberations on whether to expel me from the Counsel and deprive my constituents of my representation.

I also urge you to join me at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 26 in front of my district office, 51 Roxbury Street where I will continue to present my defense.