The new San Francisco Bay Water Transit Authority has its first meeting in late November or early December to plan the future of expanded Bay Area ferry service. Meet the decision makers.
The San Francisco Water Transit Authority will have its first meeting in late November or early December to begin planning a comprehensive regional ferry system for the San Francisco Bay Area. Here are the folks who will be the architects of that system, the 10 members of the Authority Board appointed so far (one slot remains unfilled).
Anthony J. Intintoli, Jr.
Published: November, 2000
Home: VallejoDay Job: Mayor, City of Vallejo
Background: Went to Notre Dame and earned a law degree from St. John’s but opted for a career as a teacher instead (earning two Master’s in education – one in Teaching History the other for Education Administration – for good measure). Currently in his third stint as Mayor of Vallejo.Word on the Street: Presided over planning and building of Vallejo’s premier ferry operation. Ardent promoter of Vallejo’s interests; likable and gregarious. One of 2 living persons to have a San Francisco Bay ferry named after them.In his own words: "We’re very proud of our Transportation Superintendent Pam Belchamber and all that she has accomplished. I want to share our successful experience in Vallejo with the Water Transit Authority."
Tony Withington
Home: Sebastopol
Day Job: President/Business Agent, Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 1575
Background: Lifetime Sonoma County resident, resident of Sebastopol for 26 years. President of Local 1575, the union of bus drivers at Golden Gate Transit, for 13 years. Coordinates political activity statewide for his Union.
Word on the Street: Experienced transit pro with special understanding of all-important inter-modal issues, that is the connections (usually via bus) that will bring people to and from ferry terminals.
In his own words: "I’m on the street every day dealing with commuters and the working men and women that serve them. I know all too well the need for increased ferry service and improved landside transit connections."
Joseph Freitas, Jr.
Home: San Francisco
Day Job: Professional arbitrator and mediator
Background: Native Californian, has lived in San Francisco since 1964. Was District Attorney of San Francisco from 1976 to 1980.
Word on the Street: Smooth operator with reputation for knowing how to get things done. His Rolodex bristles with the direct numbers of many a top politico. A ferry rider, to boot: frequently rides the Alameda/Oakland boat to hearings in Oakland
In his own words: "When Senator John Burton told me the Senate Rules Committee wanted to appoint me to the Authority’s Board of Directors, I was thrilled because I thought then and think now that an expanded, tightly-coordinated ferry service on the Bay can be a cost-effective winner for Bay Area commuters and taxpayers."
Gavin Newson
Home: San Francisco
Day Job: Member, Board of Supervisors, City and County of San Francisco and serial entrepreneur
Background: Fourth generation San Franciscan. Precociously successful in business and in politics. Founder of the Plump Jack wine and food empire. Appointed by Mayor Willie Brown first to Parking and Traffic Commission in 1996, then to Board of Supervisors in 1997. Won reelection in his own right handily, currently running unopposed.
Word on the Street: At just 32 the Golden Boy of San Francisco politics. Blindingly charismatic; a media darling. Rumored to be a candidate for Mayor of San Francisco sooner or later (and more and more folks are whispering that it’s going to be sooner). Strong ties to environmental activists.
In his own words: "I want to offer a vision for a water transit system that’s sustainable, inclusive, environmentally friendly and regional."
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James Fang
Home: San Francisco Day Job: President of Asian Week, the largest circulation Asian-American publication in the US. Background: Native San Franciscan, attended UC Berkeley and Hastings College of Law. Worked as Director of Commerce and Trade in the administration of San Francisco Mayor Frank Jordan. Elected to BART Board in 1990 representing the 8th District, which includes the southwestern portion of San Francisco. Has been both Vice President and President of BART. President of Asian Week, the largest circulation Asian-American publication in the US. Word on the Street: He’s scion of the powerful Fang publishing family. Personable and approachable. Veteran of regional transit wars. Very savvy about San Francisco politics. In his own words: "I’m on WTA to bring to bear 10 years of public transportation experience for the benefit of everyone in the Bay Area. I’m proud that the Governor, in appointing me, recognized the importance of the fast-growing Asian community all around the Bay" |
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Captain Nancy L. Wagner
Home: San Francisco
Day Job: San Francisco Bar Pilot
Background: Graduated from U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in 1978 as a member of the Academy’s first class of women. Became the nation’s first female pilot when she joined the San Francisco Bay Bar Pilots Association in 1990. Winner of many awards and active in many civic organizations.
Word on the Street: A national symbol for equality on the waterfront but well respected in her own right by mariners and community leaders alike for her unstinting professionalism. A class act.
In her own words: "As a San Francisco Bar Pilot my intricate knowledge of the Bay and its tributaries — all 200 miles of it -- will help ensure that increased ferry traffic is safe for everyone.
