Eric Pierce announces candidacy for Downey City Council

Eric Pierce receives a city proclamation in 2019. From left: Mayor Blanca Pacheco, Councilman Alex Saab, Eric Pierce and Councilman Rick Rodriguez. Photo by Claudia Gomez

DOWNEY — Longtime resident and community volunteer Eric Pierce announced his intention to run for Downey’s City Council this November, becoming the first to do so in this election season.

Pierce, 38, will bid for the city-wide District 5 seat, which will be vacated by current Councilman Alex Saab when he terms-out later this year.

“Downey is the best community to live, work, and raise a family, and I want to ensure it remains that way,” said Pierce in a statement released on Monday. “I’ve dedicated the past two decades to Downey and serving on the City Council would be the ultimate form of community service.”

He says his campaign platform will focus on three areas: public safety, quality of life, and cultural arts.

Saab is endorsing Pierce, calling him “the best person for the job.”

“Eric Pierce has a keen understanding of how city government works, and I know he will uphold the values that Downey residents cherish,” said Saab. “He’s a leader who genuinely cares for Downey and has our residents’ best interests at heart.”

Pierce also has the endorsement of Downey Unified School Board members Martha Sodetani, Nancy Swenson, Bobbi Samperi, Tod Corrin, Giggy Perez-Saab, and D. Mark Morris, as well as six former Downey mayors including Saab, current councilman Rick Rodriguez, David Gafin, Kirk Cartozian, Mario A. Guerra and Meredith Perkins.

Pierce has nearly 20 years of volunteer experience in Downey, including a term as president of Gangs Out of Downey. During this period, Pierce budgeted funds to help pay for police officers at Downey, Warren and Columbus high schools to enhance student safety.

His service also includes a term as president of Downey Los Amigos Kiwanis, plus current roles as a board member of the Downey Symphony, TLC Family Resource Center board member, Downey Unified School District Measure O citizens bond oversight committee chair, volunteer adult advisor to Warren High School’s Key Club, and past board member of the Downey YMCA.

Pierce has worked at the Downey Patriot newspaper since 2002. As editor, he has worked to build collaborations within the Downey community and increase government transparency. His journalism has won awards from the Los Angeles Press Club and California Newspaper Publishers Association.

He is also a Realtor with Century 21 Peak in Downey. He and his wife, Nicole, live in Downtown Downey.

The election will be held Nov. 3.