PINETOP-LAKESIDE — Harry Turner is running for mayor of Pinetop-Lakeside and will face Town Council Member Taber Heisler in the race for the town’s top elected office.
Turner was elected to the Town Council in 2024. In announcing his campaign, he said his experience on the council and support from residents and business owners led him to seek the mayor’s seat. He resigned from the Pinetop-Lakeside City Council, effective March 5, 2026, after being elected to the position in 2024.
Turner said he believes Pinetop-Lakeside needs an experienced leader who can devote full-time attention to the position.
Turner notes, “I am appreciative of those who voted for me to serve on the Pinetop-Lakeside Town Council. The support of local residents and businesses and my role while serving on the Town Council led me to the decision to run for mayor. It is imperative the town has an experienced leader who is dedicated to providing full-time leadership and proper oversight. As I do not own a business or have other work obligations, there is nothing to distract me from the mayoral responsibilities of our town. I will devote one hundred percent to being the Pinetop-Lakeside mayor, and my broad range of experience will help lead our great community to its greatest potential.”
Turner’s press release stated that he has more than 32 years of executive management experience with General Motors Corporation, where he worked in vehicle design, production, marketing, and motorsports. He also later served as technical and race director for the Sports Car Club of America.
Throughout his career, Turner stated he was engaged in the communities in which he lived through homeowner associations and nonprofit work. In 2021, he was also appointed foreperson for the U.S. District Court, District of Arizona, Grand Jury #21-
3 for thirteen months.
After moving to Pinetop-Lakeside six years ago, Turner stated he shifted his corporate experience to serving the community. He stated that he brought calm, professional leadership as an advisor to the Chamber of Commerce for the White Mountains, the Rotary Club of the White Mountains (past President), the White Mountains Community Center Board of Directors, and as an attendee for the White Mountains Business Owner Round Table, the Save Our Park Committee, the Show Low Chamber of Commerce, and the People’s Voice Committee.
Turner holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois and a master’s degree in business administration from Oakland University. He is married and has two adult children.
