Public service has always been his calling and now after retiring from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department as the Chief, after 32 years of service to the division, Bob Spierer wants to ensure the future of the Santa Clarita Valley stays sterling. The Newhall resident was the city’s first Chief of Police.
“Nearly three years before city hood, I began working in Santa Clarita. As a result, I was able to see the impressive accomplishments of the city during its first 19 years of existence,” said Spierer at a recent press conference announcing his run for a city council seat, “Now I’d like to take responsibility for helping it move forward in its quest to become one of California’s premier cities.”
A couple dozen supporters of Spierer, including former Mayor George Pederson were on hand for the announcement.
“He would be an incredible city council person,” said Sheriff’s Booster Club member, Cookie Diaz, “He’s got good ideas. It would be great to have new blood on the council.”
Cathy Buchan, Valencia, has worked with Spierer on a non-profit corporation, The Reel Cowboys, made up of motion picture professionals who have worked in Western films.
“He is very dependable, dedicated and even-tempered,” said Buchan, “He is most capable for the city council position and a very nice man.”
Spierer has also been a member of the Optimist and Rotary Clubs, served on the boards of directors of the Boys and Girls Clubs, the College of the Canyons Foundation and the City’s Blue Ribbon Task Force. He currently serves on the Anti-Gang Task Force Steering Committee, the Newhall Redevelopment Committee and the Sheriff’s Booster Club Board of Directors.
City councilperson, Laurene Weste, reacted favorably to Spierer’s announcement.
“I was pleased to hear that he announced his candidacy for city council,” said Weste, “As a former police chief and a Sheriffs commander, Bob Spierer is well qualified to lead and guard the quality of life we all enjoy in the City of Santa Clarita.“
Traffic and public safety are two points Spierer wants to stay on top of should he be elected, however, he commends the City for their current efforts.
“The City is doing a wonderful job. I think I could bring a fresh look to the issues,” said Spierer.
He also would like to promote a business-friendly approach to getting new businesses to locate here and create a balanced housing/job mix, among other goals to strengthen the reputation of what he considers an already desirable place to live, work and raise children.
“I’m looking forward to a new challenge,” said Spierer, “And I believe I can bring something positive to move our city forward.”
As a Sheriff’s Department Division Chief, Spierer managed and more than 13,000 personnel and planned a $1 million plus budget. During his tenure with the Sheriff Department, he rose from Deputy Sheriff to Division Chief and worked in jail, patrol and administrative positions.