Meet Ron Kies

Rooted in Half Moon Bay

Ron Kies has lived in Half Moon Bay for 21 years and is running for City Council to bring long-term perspective, practical problem-solving, and strong environmental responsibility to local government.

Ron holds a master's degree in Geological Sciences from San Diego State University and spent four decades working in the global energy industry. His career included leadership roles with increasing responsibility, international assignments, and hands-on experience improving operational performance while reducing costs and environmental risk. In his final role at Chevron, Ron served on the Asset Management team, where he helped teams work more efficiently, improve decision-making, and strengthen environmental stewardship. Much of his work involved mentoring professionals across different cultures and countries — experience he believes translates directly to collaborative, respectful local governance.

After launching his own consulting practice in 2008, Ron advised both U.S. energy operators and Thailand's national oil company. He retired in 2022 and now focuses his time on community service and education. He volunteers with Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, serves as a docent at Año Nuevo State Park, and continues to research and publish on coastal and regional geology.

Ron brings a combination of technical expertise, fiscal discipline, and a deep commitment to Half Moon Bay's community and natural environment.

Priorities for District 4

Transparency & Outreach

Our city council must be accessible and accountable to all residents — not just those with the loudest voices. Ron will proactively engage with diverse communities, provide clear and timely information, and encourage inclusive participation in council meetings and public forums.

Consensus-Based Decisions

Too often, council discussions are dominated by a few individuals, stifling productive dialogue. Ron will advocate for a council culture that values consensus and collaborative problem-solving, ensuring every voice is heard and respected.

Fiscal Oversight

Fiscal responsibility is vital to maintaining trust and delivering quality services. Ron will champion greater oversight of city finances, promoting prudent budgeting, transparent reporting, and regular reviews of expenditures to maximize the value of every taxpayer dollar.

Streamlined Permitting

Our city's growth and vitality — and solving our low-income housing crisis — depends on efficient and predictable permitting. Ron will simplify and expedite the building permit process, reducing unnecessary delays for homeowners and local businesses.

Coastal Commission Partnership

Half Moon Bay's unique coastal environment requires close coordination with the California Coastal Commission. Ron will prioritize improving communication to align city priorities with coastal protection goals, balancing development, conservation, and public access.

Community Engagement

Active community members are essential to a vibrant city. Ron is committed to making council meetings more accessible and efficient, and will hold regular constituent meetings in District 4 to collaboratively address neighborhood concerns.

Efficient Decision-Making

Lengthy debates over process stall progress and frustrate residents. Ron will advocate for reforms that streamline council deliberations — allowing the council to focus on substance over procedure and make better decisions, faster.

Integrity

Ron believes public service demands honesty above all. He will communicate openly about city finances, explain every vote in plain language, and hold himself accountable to the residents of District 4.

Collaboration

Four decades of working across cultures and organizations taught Ron that the best outcomes come from listening first. He will bring that same collaborative spirit to every council discussion and constituent meeting.

Environmental Stewardship

As a geologist and Año Nuevo docent, Ron has a deep, science-based appreciation for the Coastside's natural environment. He will ensure that growth and governance never come at the expense of the coast we all love.

Fiscal Discipline

Ron's career was built on improving performance while reducing costs and risk. He will apply that same discipline to city finances — scrutinizing every budget line and ensuring taxpayer dollars deliver real value.

Help elect Ron to City Council

Whether you can knock doors, donate, or simply spread the word — every bit of support moves us closer to a better Half Moon Bay.

What you can count on

• Always vote in the public interest
• Hold open office hours every month
• Respond to every constituent inquiry
• Publish clear budget summaries
• Never take money from developers