“Virginia has years of experience in our community that has resulted in broad-based support for her candidacy. She is a bi-partisan problem solver who always listens with an open mind. I believe she'll make a great contribution to our fire board.”

Steve Westly, former California State Controller; Managing Partner, The Westly Group; Atherton resident

“As a former Menlo Park Fire Protection District Board member, I enthusiastically endorse Virginia because she understands the financial impact of pension plans on the Fire District. Plus, her recent leadership of school and parent groups will contribute to the Fire District’s outreach to improve community emergency preparedness.”

Peter Ohtaki, Menlo Park City Council member; former President, Menlo Park Fire Protection District Board

"Virginia Chang Kiraly understands the importance of providing top quality fire and emergency services that are also financially sustainable.  Her professional experience in finance and as a member of the State Commission on Economic Development, together with her substantial volunteer service in the community, have prepared her well to effectively serve the Menlo Park Fire Protection District.  Virginia is a problem solver and that’s what we need in this office."

Dave Pine, San Mateo County Supervisor

“I have worked in law enforcement for most of my life, and I know strong leadership when I see it.  Virginia Chang Kiraly's history of dedication to public service in the County is outstanding and, most importantly, productive.  Whether it’s investigating outdated property tax collection systems or advising the Fire District to connect school fire alarms to fire stations, Virginia won't stop until a solution is found. She's smart and tireless. The Fire Board needs this woman."

Don Horsley, San Mateo County Supervisor; former San Mateo County Sheriff

"I am happy to endorse Virginia for the fire board.  I feel strongly that her experience in finance is critical for a good balance of diversity on the board."

Ollie Brown, former President, Menlo Park Fire Protection District President; retired Fire Chief, Menlo Park Fire Protection District

"As a professional in the field of education and youth development here in East Palo Alto, I know first hand the importance of fire safety education for children. Virginia Chang Kiraly has been a passionate leader in the effort to teach all children the survival techniques needed to both prevent home fires and survive such a frightening event. Virginia is a mother and active school volunteer who will work diligently in serving our Fire District. There's no one I'd rather have on the Fire Board."

Laura Martinez, Vice Mayor, East Palo Alto

“Virginia has broad community support for her work with Survive Alive House, teaching young children in East Palo Alto and Belle Haven about Fire safety. In 2008, as Foreperson on the San Mateo County Grand Jury, she reported on the crucial need for school fire alarms to be connected to fire stations. This is why we need Virginia on the Fire Board - to keep our community safe.”

Ruben Abrica, East Palo Alto City Council member

"Virginia Chang Kiraly has my support because she is the only candidate who has the endorsement of the three important stakeholders - the officers of the successful 2010 Menlo Park Pension Reform Initiative Group, the Menlo Park Firefighters Association, and the San Mateo County Labor Council. All three respect Virginia for her commitment to a solution for the pension crisis."

Steve Schmidt, former Mayor, Menlo Park

"The Menlo Park Fire Protection District, and we tax payers, are facing unsustainable growth in the District's pension debt.  We desperately need to elect representatives who will address this problem and bring it under control.  I have known Virginia for a long time and trust her ability to straighten out this problem in a fair and orderly process. She has the financial background to work with her peers and staff to accomplish the objective."

Dee Tolles, former Mayor, Menlo Park

"We can count on Virginia to passionately promote the safety and preparedness of our children and our homes.  She also will apply her solid financial and communication skills to drive a sustainable budget that is fair to both the firefighters and to taxpayers."

Patti Fry, former Menlo Park Planning Commissioner

 "I have great respect for Virginia's leadership and experience in our schools and on the grand jury. I'm confident that she will work to ensure quality services and open government, while reducing wasteful or unnecessary spending. Virginia is not afraid to think out-of-the-box."

John Boyle, former Vice Mayor, Menlo Park