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ALUMNI STORIES: SHARON QUIRK SILVA

SHARON QUIRK SILVA

Member of the State Assembly; District 65, elected 10/2012

A passion for education and public service have guided Sharon Quirk-Silva throughout her career. A lifelong resident of Fullerton, she was educated in that city's public schools from K-12 and went on to earn an A.A. degree from Fullerton College, a B.A. in sociology at UCLA, and a Teaching Credential from Cal State Fullerton. As one of ten children, she honed negotiating skills and learned the plusses of teamwork early on.

As a teacher in the Fullerton School District for the last 24 years, Sharon Quirk-Silva has been a pillar not only in the Fullerton community, but in the lives of her students and their families, paving the way for the next generation of California's leaders.

In 2004, she took the next step in her career of service and ran successfully for the Fullerton City Council. She's been a member of the council ever since, serving as mayor in 2007, and was the top vote-getter in the 2008 election.

Currently in her second term as Mayor of Fullerton, Sharon Quirk-Silva is known as a hard worker, one who presses for more transparency and communication between council leadership and the public. Not only has she met with more Fullerton constituents than any of her predecessors during mayor's office hours, but she leads "Walk & Talks" once a month, taking citizens on walking tours of neighborhoods and discussing issues facing residents and businesses. Other innovative programs have supported local businesses and provided annual public recognition of outstanding local women in leadership.

Regionally, she has been active in organizations serving all of District 65 and Orange County, becoming familiar with our district's cities and developing relationships with their leaders. She has provided leadership as a former vice chairwoman of the Orange County Council of Governments, focused on transportation as a representative to the Southern California Association of governments, and served on the board of the Orange County Sanitation District. Many of her honors reflect her regional involvement.

Sharon knows the importance of community action and advocacy for Orange County's families and businesses. She will take to Sacramento that tireless advocacy and talent for bringing people together to solve problems.

Mayor Quirk-Silva has four children and is married to Jesus Silva, also a teacher.

OTHER SERVICE AND DISTINCTIONS

City of Fullerton representative to:

Southern California Assoc. of Governments (SCAG) Orange County Council of Governments (OCCG), former Vice Chairwoman Orange County Vector Control Board Orange County Sanitation District, Exec. Board

Honors:

One of 50 Most Outstanding Hispanic Alumni, Cal State Fullerton Harry S. Truman Award, Democratic Party of Orange County "Woman of the Year," State Sen. Lou Correa "Golden Apple" award, Hispanic Education Endowment Fund "Beacon Award," Orange County Community Association

Nonprofit leadership:

Past Chair, Fullerton Collaborative Past Chair, Neighbors United for Fullerton

Member:

Assistance League of Fullerton Sister City Association Fullerton Chamber of Commerce

Supporter:

Fullerton Historic Theater Foundation Friends of the Arboretum Boys & Girls Club of Fullerton All the Arts for All the Kids Foundation

1. Posted by League of Women Voters, Smart Voter, June 5, 2012; bio provided by the candidate