Business Exec Jason Davies to Run for Council

Jason Davies, a Petaluma business executive and founder of a media technology firm, has announced that he is running for city council.

This will be Davies’ second bid for council following an unsuccessful run in the fall of 2010.

Davies made an informal announcement over the weekend at the South County Democratic Club’s summer barbeque, also attended by Jared Huffman and Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey. Woolsey, who is retiring at the end of this year, has endorsed Davies.

"We need leadership that will improve our local economy and produce jobs, plan for and invest in critical infrastructure, protect the environment, and represent the public's interest,” Woolsey said in a statement. “Now more than ever, we need the type of leadership that Jason Davies is capable of providing."

Davies previously was vice president of business development of BIAS, a Petaluma audio software company and is founder and CEO of Eleven Dimensions Media, a media technology company.

He is also chairman of the Technology Advisory Committee and has been a vocal opponent of the Dutra asphalt plant who has often argued that the city can increase its revenues by attracting tech companies to the area by offering them incentives.

"We need to both ensure companies looking to locate to the Bay Area give serious consideration to Petaluma, and nurture the entrepreneurial talent in our city to create new businesses that can offer jobs to our residents," Davies said. "By fostering companies that can provide high paying jobs, we can help stimulate the housing market and other areas of the economy – which in turn will bolster revenues for city services such as police and fire, infrastructure improvements, and more.”

To learn more about Davies and his platform, check out his site www.jason4petaluma.com

Davies’ announcement makes him the fourth candidate to officially enter the November race. Others in the running include Vice Mayor Tiffany Renee, Planning Commissioner Alicia Kae Herries and Gabe Kearney. Former Petaluma police sergeant and ex-Sonoma County Supervisor Mike Kerns has said he is considering a run. He did not return Patch’s call for comment on Monday.