Job interview for Market candidates

The process to pick a new manager for Sonoma’s Tuesday night Farmers Market moves forward this week when the two applicants make their case to a city committee.

The Community Services and Environment Commission will hear presentations Dec. 8 by the Valley of the Moon Certified Farmers Market, chaired by Bill Dardon, and Sonoma Certified Farmers’ Market, represented by Irene Morgan.

Both proposals met the city’s basic criteria, according to Public Works Director Milenka Bates. After hearing both pitches, the nine-member CSEC will chose one to recommend to the city council for the final decision.

Last year, the council chose not to act on the CSEC recommendation for a group named Fair Bounty. The council instead voted to retain the incumbent group, which included site manager Hilda Swartz.

Dardon’s group is basically a reformation of the incumbent group, without Swartz or her deputy. A board headed by Dardon and including vendors and community members would direct it. The group intends to hire a manager from Sonoma who has experience in nonprofit organizations, event planning and budgeting.

As for Morgan, she owns a small farm and has participated in farmers markets for seven years, she said. She serves as secretary on the board of directors for Sonoma Sister Cities International, and has had a volunteer production role in numerous fundraising events.

Morgan proposes a team of four, to include herself, Rene Schuman Armstrong, Ric Olvera and an additional staffer not yet recruited.

The CSEC meeting is Wednesday, Dec. 8, at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room, 177 First St. West.