Improving the Engagement and Transparency of El Cerrito’s Leadership: Addressing Broken Promises and the Path Forward

El Cerrito’s leadership has consistently made promises to enhance community living through the development of a new library, a senior center, and better overall services. These assurances have come from elected officials who have pledged their commitment to the well-being of El Cerrito residents. However, the reality of these commitments has come into question, particularly concerning the allocation of resources and fiscal management.

The situation with Measure V is indicative of a worrying pattern. Although it amassed over $15 million, not a cent has gone towards the eagerly awaited projects like the new library or the senior center. Initially pledged for these causes, the funds’ allocation was shifted by the council in February 2020. City Leadership announced the redirection of the money toward addressing a $1.5 million overtime expense and reinforcing the general fund’s reserves. However, it now seems that these monies have instead been funneled into addressing what is widely criticized as reckless budgetary decisions. This dilemma isn’t confined to just one individual within the council but points to a more extensive crisis of responsibility and ethical conduct among those elected to serve in El Cerrito. This breach in delivering on promises and undertaking projects is a grave threat to the trust and unity within the community.

Measure R aims to maintain essential services in El Cerrito by funding priorities such as rapid 9-1-1 response times, neighborhood police patrols, fire protection, emergency medical services, disaster preparedness, after-school programs, and the upkeep of city parks and open spaces. Originally approved in 2010 to preserve services from fiscal year 2009-10, Measure R ensures that the city sustains a high quality of life for both residents and businesses.

The allocation of Measure R funds, along with General Fund money, is determined annually through a budget process led by the City Council, which sets service priorities based on community input and estimated resources. This process is open to the public and includes multiple meetings.

Fiscal accountability for Measure R should be enforced through annual independent audits, an annual report to both the City Council and the community, and expenditure reviews by the Financial Advisory Board. Although the website says they do, it should be noted that the city does not involve the Financial Advisory Board in reviewing Measure R expenditures.

A conversation with a city manager from a similarly sized and successful city shed light on a fundamental difference in approach: prioritizing essential needs over personal interests and developing clear funding plans for desired projects. El Cerrito’s leadership could benefit from this perspective, especially considering the city’s significant financial influx from the Real Property Transfer Tax and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, which amounted to more than $24 million. Unfortunately, the absence of concrete action towards the library and senior center projects has led to a growing disillusionment among residents.

The repeated failures to deliver on key community requests have eroded trust in the city’s leadership. The potential for further tax measures to fund these unfulfilled promises without first implementing necessary reforms and ensuring accountability highlights a critical need for change. Residents are encouraged to engage more actively in city governance, attending Financial Advisory Board and council meetings to demand greater accountability and transparency.

Councilmember Quinto’s history of commitments, particularly regarding the library and senior center, underscores a pattern of unfulfilled promises. Despite previous assurances and the significant support for Measure V, based on the promise of funding local needs, the subsequent reduction in the Recreation (Senior Center) budget and the closure of the Senior Center have only added to the frustration and disappointment of the community.

This episode along with others, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability, transparency, and genuine commitment to community needs among elected officials. It is a call to action for El Cerrito’s leadership to not only make promises but also to fulfill them, ensuring that the city lives up to its potential as a clean, safe, and well-maintained community. For residents, it is a reminder of the power of engagement and the role they play in holding their leaders accountable for the promises made. The path forward must be built on a foundation of trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to the common good of El Cerrito and its residents.

Legislators and taxpayers are less inclined to endorse public funding if they perceive El Cerrito as unreliable stewards of their finances.