Corte Madera council appoints Karen Lang and Christopher McBride to sales tax oversight committee

The Town Council of Corte Madera voted unanimously to appoint Karen Lang and reappoint Christopher McBride to the Sales Tax Citizens Oversight Committee.

Karen Lang, a member of the town’s Climate Action Committee, spoke to the council in person and emphasized her quantitative background: “I have a B.A. in economics and M.S. in energy management,” she said, citing work in consulting and at PG&E where she handled rate cases and expenditure analyses. Lang told the council she would bring ‘‘analytical rigor’’ and clearer public-facing explanations of sales tax revenues and expenditures.

Staff told the council the recruitment period ran from Feb. 28 to May 9 and that new applicants were required to appear for in‑person interviews while incumbents could submit written responses if they preferred not to interview. Staff also noted that Nikita Kondaria withdrew her application after being appointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission and that Christopher McBride was absent because he was ill but remained eligible for reappointment.

Council members discussed the vacancies and eligibility rules before a motion was made and seconded to appoint Christopher McBride and Karen Lang. The council approved the motion in a roll call vote: Council Member Andrews — yes; Council Member Beckman — yes; Council Member Casiza — yes; Vice Mayor Thomas — yes; Mayor Evazio — yes.

Staff said it will formally announce any remaining vacancies and continue recruitment as needed.

The appointments fill seats on a five‑member panel charged with reviewing sales tax revenues and expenditures and advising the council on transparency and use of sales tax proceeds.