VIRGINIA CHANG KIRALY Age: 52 Occupation: Vice President, San Mateo County Harbor District Board
Statement:
Though not well-known, the San Mateo County Harbor District is important because its responsibilities are substantial, and over 50% of its revenues come from property taxes. Those responsibilities include supporting commercial fishing at Pillar Point, operating Oyster Point Marina and South San Francisco Ferry Terminal, water rescue, marine-life protection, and clean-water initiatives along San Mateo County’s coasts. This election is critical. It decides whether our harbor board will serve its purpose and regain the public’s trust.
In November 2015, the San Mateo County Harbor District Board appointed me to their board to bring stability and good governance. As the board’s Vice President, I’ve brought my professional experience in finance, and a track record of leadership, fiscal oversight, and common-sense solutions in elected office.
Since my appointment, I helped develop a budget retiring $5.8 million of debt while ensuring funds for beach replenishment and trail maintenance; fought for stringent policies to control spending, supporting our OpenGov website for financial transparency; approved economic-development strategies supporting our commercial-crabbing industry at Pillar Point and biotech development in South San Francisco; and voted for public-private partnerships for ferry service at Oyster Point.
I want to continue bringing transparency, accountability, and common-sense solutions to an organization struggling to maintain the trust of San Mateo County taxpayers. I respectfully ask for your vote.