Hugs, handshakes and congratulatory smiles from friends and colleagues rounded out a warm farewell to Plano Deputy City Manager Frank Turner at a retirement party held in his honor Wednesday, March 2 at the Courtyard Theater. Turner closed out a stellar 41-year municipal career, including 32 years of service to Plano where he oversaw community development projects: planning, building inspections, engineering, public works, transportation, sustainability, and property standards.
Deputy Chief of Staff for U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson’s office, Lori McMahon, presented Turner with a congressional record for his service stating that he is one of the reasons Plano is one of the fastest growing cities in the country. On February 29, a U.S. flag was flown over the Texas capitol in his honor. Mary McClure from State Rep. Jeff Leach’s office also recognized Turner for his extensive experience representing the City of Plano on state legislative affairs. She said a Texas flag was flown over the capitol as well.
Highlighting the presentation was a surprise announcement that the historic Saigling House deck will be named The Frank Turner Performance Deck. The house is currently under construction and slated to be the new ArtCentre of Plano. Frank was presented a framed rendering of the deck.
Frank took the podium and said, “I’m not retired, I’m unemployed,” prompting a chuckle from his audience. “In April of 1984, I came over here to interview for a job. I was taken with this community by the people…they wanted to do things; [they] wanted to contribute to the soul of the community. I have never been disappointed. Why would I go somewhere else? Plano is a wonderful place—made rich by its people.”
An additional presentation came in the form of a plaque that read “Turner Town” with a comical yellow duck…presented by City Manager Bruce Glasscock, in memory of Frank’s infamous idea of marking the entryway to Downtown Plano with giant yellow ducks. Needless to say, the idea never got wings.
Before coming to Plano, Turner was the Planning Director for the Knoxville Knox County Metropolitan Planning Commission in Tennessee.
In Plano, his greatest accomplishment has been the redevelopment of downtown, which was recently named a Great Place in America by the American Planning Association. He skillfully coordinated downtown projects based on transit-oriented and new urbanism design principles.
Turner received numerous honors and awards for his leadership in planning, development and the arts. He recently received an Arts Leadership Award from the ArtCentre of Plano. He is a Fellow of American Institute of Certified Planners, an Honorary Member of the Dallas chapter of the American Institute of Architects and an Eagle Scout. He held numerous leadership positions with professional organizations, including the American Planning Association, Urban Land Institute, Texas Municipal League and the Greater Dallas Planning Council.
“In his three decades with the City of Plano, Frank Turner made a tremendous impact on our community,” said City Manager Bruce Glasscock. “Frank played a vital role in creating the quality of life our citizens enjoy every day. We celebrate his long legacy of excellent service and outstanding achievements in the planning and development of Plano.”
Assistant City Manager Jack Carr has stepped into the role of Deputy City Manager.
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