In the race to lead Morgan Hill over the next two years, City Councilmember Yvonne Martínez Beltrán is challenging Mayor Mark Turner, with the pair often publicly at odds on issues ranging from from peace resolutions in the Israel-Gaza war to tax deals for a luxury hotel.
Now, their diverging visions for Morgan Hill are moving from the dais to the ballot box as part of the 2024 election cycle, in an attempt to convince voters of their experience and accomplishments, while calling into question those of the other. Turner, who has served with Martínez Beltrán since 2022, looks to push a pro-business agenda and touts his decade of executive experience as head of Gilroy’s Chamber of Commerce. Martínez Beltrán, meanwhile, boasts that her eight years in city leadership and background as an urban planner gives her an edge in strategically growing a city with a growing budget shortfall.
The new mayor will have to manage the need for affordable housing with concerns that growth could change the face of Morgan Hill while finding ways to support a growing population — striking a balance between being a “bedroom community” of commuters to Silicon Valley and attracting new jobs so people can live and work in the city. All the while, the city faces a looming budget deficit, adding urgency to the need to create revenue streams and bring in economic growth.
Turner, 63, has served as mayor since 2022, and previously was CEO of the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce for 10 years. During his tenure, he has launched a literacy initiative called Read20, a workforce development initiative to give students an alternative to college, and an initiative to encourage healthy living throughout the city.
Turner also boasts pushing to fill vacant positions in the police force during his term, and touts endorsements by local and regional public safety. “While we’ve made very good progress, there’s still more work to be done,” said Turner.
If elected, Turner hopes to push for more economic development and a “pro-business” agenda focused on tourism, and youth sports in particular, and establish a fund where developers help pay for public art for the city.
Turner’s endorsements include the Morgan Hill Police Officers Association, the Santa Clara County District Attorney, City Councilmember Gino Borgioli, and the Silicon Valley Biz PAC.
Martínez Beltrán, however, says that her experience in government gives her what it takes to be a better leader for Morgan Hill. She served for two years on the planning commission and nearly six years as a member of city council and has a Masters in Urban Planning.
She lists her accomplishments as pushing for the third firehouse, spearheading the city’s climate action plan, advocating for community cultural events, and fighting back against proposed distribution centers among others.
“We need someone to lead Morgan Hill who wants a Morgan Hill for everyone,” said Martínez Beltrán. “Someone has to stand up for Morgan Hill.”
She says her deep connections with regional leaders have set her up to advocate for Morgan Hill and collaborate across jurisdiction and touts endorsements from local representative Zoe Lofgren and county Supervisor Sylvia Arenas as proof.
If elected, she plans to be “equitable and data-based,” pushing for development guided by a deeper understanding of what sources bring in funds to the city.
Martínez Beltrán’s endorsements include Morgan Hill City Councilmember Rene Spring, the Nor Cal Carpenters Union, and the Santa Clara County Democratic Party.
Throughout the campaign, both contenders have exchanged barbs over the fitness of their opponent to lead.
Martínez Beltrán has questioned Turner’s lack of government experience and his ability to deal with the city’s budget deficit. Turner says that his 10 years running meetings and brokering agreements as leader of the chamber of commerce and his two years as mayor prove that he is more than suited to serve, arguing that his accomplishments in two years rival those of her six in city council.
Turner calls her divisive and has accused her of being anti-police. Martínez Beltrán says that the accusations are “lies” and that rather than be divisive she engages in hard conversations to improve the community. She also argues that she supports public safety and that her conversations with police after protests in Morgan Hill led to real improvements, such as police outreach to Latino communities, and mental health and homelessness specialists strengthening public safety.
Perhaps their most substantive division comes in their approach to development. Both candidates agree that Morgan Hill must bring in more business and revenue to stem a looming budget deficit. However, Turner has focused on exploring as many opportunities as possible, such as pushing for a deal offering tax breaks to bring in a luxury hotel and Michelin Star restaurant — which Martínez Beltrán opposed. Turner says her opposition does not bode well for the city, which would be better served by a “pro-business” stance.
“Closing (the budget) gap doesn’t start with the word ‘no’,” said Turner. “When you keep saying ‘no’ to the opportunities that come along, you find yourself out of opportunities.”
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Martínez Beltrán, however, argues that Turner’s approach lacks strategy, and says that the hotel deal was “reckless,” rushed, and missed out on potential tax revenue. She says that the city must reassess its economic plan, and use it to strategically choose which opportunities to pursue, focusing on those that best serve the city.
“I’m not saying ‘no,’ I’m saying, ‘get to work.’ I’m not willing to take whatever falls into my lap,” said Martínez Beltrán. “I’m pro-business but I’m also pro-resident. We need to have a plan that we stick to.”
Both candidates agree in the need to meet state-mandated housing requirements and provide affordable housing for Morgan Hill residents. Turner wants to ensure a mix of diverse housing — from single-family to high-density at varying levels of affordability. Martínez Beltrán hones in on the need for workforce and teacher housing that would allow more residents to live and work in Morgan Hill.
Martínez Beltrán has two years remaining in her term as a city councilmember, so she will remain on the dais even if Turner wins.
In that case, Turner says he would hope to reset despite the conflict. “Should I have the good fortune of winning, I would want to reach out and get a new start,” he said.
Martínez Beltrán said she looks forward to serving the city regardless of the outcome, “Either way, I’m on the council. I will be representing Morgan Hill one way or another.”