The Cupertino Courier

News

Wang will focus on public safety

By Hugh Biggar

Cupertino Mayor Kris Wang says she'll unveil her agenda for the upcoming year at the State of the City address in January.

Wang, however, provided a glimpse of her priorities during her swearing-in ceremony held Dec. 5.

"A large focus of my energy will be on public safety, especially around schools," she said. "I will also work with the Chamber of Commerce."

Wang was selected unanimously by her council colleagues, taking the gavel from outgoing Mayor Richard Lowenthal. In Cupertino, the mayor is selected on a rotating basis, with the vice major traditionally becoming mayor.

Council member Patrick Kwok, who served as mayor in 2005, was named vice mayor. It is the first time in the Cupertino's history that two council members of Chinese ethnicity have served simultaneously as mayor and vice mayor. More than 25 percent of the city's residents are of Chinese ancestry.

A capacity crowd filled the council chambers for the ceremony. The audience included residents, Santa Clara County Supervisor Liz Kniss and dignitaries from Taipei, Taiwan, where Wang was born.

"The Chinese community, not just in Cupertino and the Bay Area, recognizes the significant accomplishments of our Chinese-American leaders," said Rick Kitson, Cupertino's public communications manager.

Wang also received a congratulatory letter from the government of the People's Republic of China.

Wang, who was elected to the council in 2003, has often cast a dissenting vote on issues, tilting in favor of concerns of neighborhood residents. She also was involved in controversy over the leadership of Cupertino's Moon Festival in 2004.

As mayor, she brings a background in management and experiences as an immigrant to the United States.

Wang came to the United States 26 years ago to continue her education. She has an MBA.

An 18-year resident of Cupertino, Wang worked in management for high-technology companies including Sun Microsystems and Hewlett-Packard before retiring in 2002.

She has also been active in the community, having served five years on the Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission, chaired Santa Clara County's Parks and Recreation Commission, and been on Fremont Union High School District committees. She has two children, both graduates of Monta Vista High School.

"I am going to work wholeheartedly for a better Cupertino," Wang said.