Sebastopol Councilman Pierce resigns

Sebastopol Councilman Sam Pierce resigned his position Thursday, two days after he was criticized for raising questions about Councilwoman Linda Kelley’s conduct during her recent vandalism trial.

“Due to recent developments - personal, professional and within the Council - I am compelled to step down as council member for the city of Sebastopol,” Pierce explained in a written statement.

“Most significantly, my recent acceptance of a senior position within an applied science and engineering firm will not allow the devotion of time and energy required of an effective council member.”

In an e-mail message to The Press Democrat, Pierce said he would have no further comment on his resignation, which is effective immediately.

On Tuesday, Pierce proposed that the council examine whether Kelley violated the council’s code of conduct during her trial for allegedly using a key to scratch a pickup truck belonging to Pierce’s friend. Pierce and Kelley are neighbors.

The trial ended last month with the jury deadlocked 9-3 in favor of convicting Kelley, who then reached a plea agreement to pay the truck’s owner $500.

On Tuesday Pierce told council members that during the trial Kelley’s attorney suggested that the councilman was conspiring with city police against Kelley.

However, Pierce was unable to get another council member to second his motion for an inquiry, effectively killing the proposal. Pierce then left the meeting as a dozen people took to the speakers’ podium to criticize him.

City Manager David Brennan confirmed that he had received the resignation. He said the council at its next meeting May 20 likely would discuss filling the vacancy.

City staff said the council can appoint a replacement within 30 days or call a special election. Since Pierce’s term expires this year, the voting could take place on the date of the regular November election.