As the El Cerrito City Council election approaches, we, the residents, must strive for integrity and fairness in our electoral process. Independent candidates offer fresh perspectives and new ideas that can drive positive change in our community. However, recent history has shown us that underhanded tactics can undermine the democratic process.
Remembering the Last Election
In the last election, we were thrilled by the candidacy of an independent candidate who articulated her views clearly and made them accessible to everyone. Despite lacking the backing of powerful political machines, her campaign resonated with many of us. Unfortunately, her efforts were met with deceitful opposition. A prominent city hall booster on Nextdoor took it upon himself to distort her views and disparage her at every turn. Just days before the Election, a series of malicious posts attacking her emerged from a single unfamiliar account, never seen before or since. These posts were suspiciously cheered on by the same city hall booster.
Several dedicated residents worked tirelessly to flag and remove these posts before they could cause significant damage. While this might not have been the sole reason she lost, it was deeply troubling to witness such dirty tricks in our local election.
Another independent candidate in a previous election faced similar challenges. His campaign, which brought innovative ideas for revitalizing San Pablo Avenue, saw a large number of his signs torn down. It’s disheartening to think people would stoop so low, but it’s not surprising given the baseless comments thrown around on Nextdoor by the city hall booster.
The Need for a Fair Election
The last election was marred by corruption on multiple levels. One candidate placed his signs out well ahead of the allowed period. Given the proximity to the election, the City Manager, Karen Pinkos, appeared to be publicly supporting a council member, Gabe Quintos, which is prohibited by ICMA rules. This luncheon occurred at Tigon restaurant on November 3, 2022. This year, if you witness any such indiscretions, please write to the ICMA to report them.
El Cerrito deserves a fair election where all candidates, especially independents, have an equal opportunity to compete for the three available seats. Through awareness, education, and advocacy, we can ensure that every candidate has a fair chance.
Call to Action
Let’s stand together for a fair election. If you see unfair tactics or violations of election rules, speak up and report them. Support independent candidates who bring new ideas and perspectives to our city council.
Join the movement for fair elections in El Cerrito. Together, we can make a difference.
#FairElectionsElCerrito #StandForIntegrity #IndependentVoices #ElCerritoCityCouncil #DemocracyInAction
By staying vigilant and advocating for fairness, we can uphold the democratic values that make our community strong. Let’s ensure that every candidate has the chance to be heard and that the residents of El Cerrito can make informed choices free from manipulation and deceit.
El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government (ECCRG) 