Corry resident, William Dear, is running for am open position on Erie County Council.

“I am seeking election to Erie County Council District 6 because our townships in the south-central and southeast parts of the county deserve stronger representation,” Dear said. “For too long, this region has been overlooked.” 

Dear resides in Corry with his wife and six children. He also works for Prowaste and was a volunteer firefighter. 

Dear said in a press release that he is running for County Council to represent the south-central and southeast parts of the county, ensure vital county recourses are delivered where they are needed, and advocate for the residents of District 6. 

“The responsibility of a County Council member is to act as a liaison for the townships,” said Dear. “Listening, advocating, and ensuring that vital county resources are delivered where they are needed most.”

Dear, a Democrat, will be running against the current District 6 representative Charlie Bayle, a Republican. 

Dear is running on a platform of equitable infrastructure investment, emergency preparedness funding, and economic growth and transparency. 

“I believe in protecting your hard-earned tax dollars through fiscal responsibility, ensuring every dollar is spent wisely and with transparency,” he said. “At the same time, we must invest in rural communities by strengthening infrastructure, supporting small businesses and creating good jobs. By cutting waste and promoting smart growth, we can build trust in government while driving economic opportunity across our region.” 

Another issue at the forefront of Dear’s campaign is public safety and supporting first responders. Dear states that, as a former volunteer firefighter, he understands the financial challenges first responders face and will work to secure funding and resources so firefighters and EMS providers can be well prepared for emergencies. 

Dear said in a statement in a that he wants to put townships first and ensure that District 6 is well represented at the county level.

“I will be a Council member who listens, advocates and stands with the people of District 6,” Dear said. “Someone who ensures our townships and residents have a voice at the county level.”

The 2025 General Municipal Election is on Nov. 4.