Candidate for
Harbor Commissioner; San Mateo County Harbor District

Will Holsinger's personal, professional and public service background makes him uniquely qualified to serve the residents of San Mateo County on the Harbor District commission. He believes in working with people to seek consensus and common values.

During an interview with one of the local newspapers, Will Holsinger was asked what the biggest challenge was facing the Harbor District. He responded that he preferred to focus on `opportunities.' "There are great opportunities to serve the residents of San Mateo County by making sure the district remains fiscally sound, cooperates with neighboring cities and other public agencies in any future development, and by providing ocean and bay related recreational and educational facilities and programs."

Oyster Point Harbor, South San Francisco

Will Holsinger supports a new hotel at Oyster Point Harbor. This will provide a new source of revenue for the Harbor District and new taxes for the city. The hotel and, if appropriate, a related conference center, will benefit the new ferry service, which is one of the few new traffic alternatives now in the development stage. "We need to do everything possible to give the ferry service a chance to be successful." The new hotel and ferry service, along with other projects at Oyster Point will require the Harbor District commission to work cooperatively with the South San Francisco planning commission and city council. Will Holsinger can do that.

Pillar Point Harbor, Princeton-by-the-Sea

The commercial fishing fleet is now less than 25 full time boats. At one time there were twice that many. The direct sale of fish to the public, started when the fishing was poor and the wholesale prices were down, was good for the fishermen and the public. It should be continued. It is a priority for Will Holsinger to support and preserve the commercial fishing fleet. This includes the development of an enviromentally sound, state-of-the-art boatyard.

The neighboring town of Princeton-by-the-Sea is in a state of change. The Harbor District should be a strong voice for the local residents and businesses to prevent development that is not compatible with harbor and ocean activities. This includes large commercial office structures and high density housing, which have no place anywhere on San Mateo's coast. Will Holsinger understands that the seaside and rural character of the area must be preserved for future generations.

Marine Research and Educational Facilities

Neither harbor has any marine research or educational programs or facilities. At present, residents need to go to the U.C. facility at Bodega Bay or to the aquarium at Monterey for a marine resource educational experience. There is a tremendous opportunity to serve the public, especially school-age children, by providing such opportunities on the Bay and coast in San Mateo County. Will Holsinger will work to make this a reality.