Voice of the Coast

The Coastside’s two fire protection districts, Half Moon Bay and Point Montara, face new challenges from consolidation. They will be best served by directors with financial, analytical, and community-building skills.

The new directors must be solidly committed to represent all of our residents, and to ensure that the consolidated district respects our Local Coastal Programs.

The Voice of the Coast endorses Gary Burke and Ron Taborski for the Half Moon Bay Fire Protection District, and Vince Williams for the Point Montara Fire Protection District.

Why consolidation?

For many years, the contract between Half Moon Bay and Point Montara allowed each district to cooperate but make its own service-level decisions, until the Point Montara board voted to terminate their contractual relationship with Half Moon Bay. For small districts like Point Montara and Half Moon Bay, there are few options to ensure that the community receives superior fire and emergency medical services. Across the county, much larger districts are consolidating in order to provide high quality service.

Half Moon Bay Fire Protection District

Gary Burke and Ron Taborski will bring their strong business and public service experience to the District.

Burke wants the fire district to take a stronger role in planning for major emergency services. He will bring a wide range of experience to a fire district that has suffered from conflict in recent years.

As CEO of the Silicon Valley Manufacturing Group, Burke has a demonstrated talent for taking the lead and building bridges between interest groups. He has a variety of business and government roles, as vice president of NASDAQ, as a board member of the YMCA, a member of the San Francisco Regional Water Quality Control Board and the Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce. During his 40 years in the business world, he has managed successful mergers, and has been a strong supporter of environmental reforms.

Ron Taborski wants the consolidation of the Half Moon Bay and Point Montara districts to be fair and equitable for each community. He will work towards creating a better working environment between labor and management. He wants the consolidated district to provide prompt fire and emergency medical service, while making sure the new district protects our coast, observing the Coastal Act and our Local Coastal Programs.

Taborski has participated in business and community activities since he moved to the Coastside 25 years ago. He was on the fire district board many years ago, and notes that many of the same concerns still remain. His experience in building organizations, working with the community, and handling tough negotiations will serve us all well.

Point Montara Fire Protection District

Vince Williams promises to represent all residents in Montara and Moss Beach. He notes that the average household pays $800 per year in property taxes, including the $160 Measure H parcel tax. He wants the district to be financially stable and have a high level of service in the future.

Williams has attended most meetings of the Point Montara district for the last few years. During that time he requested that fire board meetings be televised, allowing the entire community to monitor the decision-making process.

The relationship between the two boards has been strained, with the Point Montara incumbents making unsubstantiated accusations against the Half Moon Bay board. For consolidation to succeed, Point Montara needs Williams’ reasonable voice and moderating influence.

Beyond his commitment to quality fire and emergency services, Williams believes adherence with the California Coastal Act is crucial to preserving and protecting the coast for the public to enjoy.