Residents urge Cloverdale officials to back Alex DeCarly for regional transportation seat

Several Cloverdale residents urged city leaders to support Alex DeCarly for a regional transportation appointment, telling the council he has repeatedly volunteered during emergencies and advocated for extending SMART rail service to Cloverdale.

Supporters said DeCarly’s volunteer work during wildfires and his local advocacy make him a strong choice to represent Cloverdale on regional transit committees. Those who spoke described him as a persistent community volunteer and someone who listens to local concerns.

The remarks came while the council discussed appointments to multiple regional transportation and transit bodies, including seats tied to the Sonoma County Transportation Authority (SCTA) and SMART-related committees. Speakers described three types of seats: two filled by council members, two seats for SCTA-committee representatives, and one seat for individuals not currently serving on SCTA committees. One resident who identified herself as the founder of Mercado Livestock Evacuation said DeCarly “will always step up to help the community,” praising his work during fires and a Measure J activation.

Other speakers emphasized DeCarly’s interest in trains’ history and future and said he would be an active advocate for Cloverdale in regional discussions. A supporter who identified himself as a member of the Northwestern Pacific Pilots Historical Society said DeCarly has led long volunteer shifts during emergencies and is committed to community service.

Speakers also tied the choice of representative to hopes for additional SMART service and freight activity in the region, saying local advocacy matters when regional bodies consider service expansion. The speakers urged council members to consider appointing people who will press for extending services and for Cloverdale’s interests.

The council did not record a formal vote or motion on DeCarly’s appointment in the portion of the transcript provided.