Will Pier announced that he will be running for the District 1 Supervisor position.
Ryan lely/Sonoma Valley Sun
Will Pier, fisheries restoration specialist for the Sonoma Ecology Center, has announced he will run for the office of Sonoma County Supervisor. In a prepared statement, he said, “I wish to represent our District with a commitment to lead the County to a sustainable future for 50 years and beyond.”
Pier’s plans for sustainability will include: developing a water management plan that will ensure the sustainability of our precious resource; improving public transit in our district, support the SMART Rail System for commuters; and increasing bike paths to safely connect schools, parks and tourist destinations. He will also work toward developing a comprehensive plan to promote green building practices throughout the county. In addition to environmental sustainability, Pier wants to restore county health care services, promote internships and other programs that support at-risk youth, and provide recreational facilities for all. He would also establish and support day labor centers, where needed, which would guarantee fair working conditions for the workers. He would promote “zero waste” as a goal for the entire county, while maintaining county control of waste management. Lastly, but as part of his overall vision, he would promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Pier has resided in Sonoma County for the past 38 years, and with his wife Anna has raised six children. He currently serves on the Sonoma Valley Citizens Advisory Commission and the AB 939 Local Task Force for the County Waste Management Agency. He served for 11 years as a Community Services and Environment Commissioner for the City of Sonoma. In addition, he is on the board of the California Salmonid Restoration Federation. Pier has an A.A. from Santa Rosa Junior College, a B.A. in Cultural and Physical Geography from UC Berkeley.
Pier is the second Sonoma resident to declare his candidacy, following David Reber’s announcement last week. Incumbent Valerie Brown, who lives in Kenwood, is expected to declare shortly. Filings must be made by March 7.