Vote for a Leader Who Puts Your Interests First

As the re-election of current Mayor Tessa Rudnick approaches, it’s time for us, the community of El Cerrito, to reflect on our leadership and the promises made to us. Our leaders have pledged to enhance our community with new projects like a library, a senior center, and improved services. Yet, the reality of these commitments has been questionable, especially regarding resource allocation and fiscal management.

The Measure V Dilemma

Measure V, which amassed over $15 million, was initially intended for projects like the new library and senior center. However, in February 2020, the city council redirected these funds to address a $1.5 million overtime expense and bolster the general fund reserves. Sadly, it seems that these funds have been used to cover reckless budgetary decisions rather than fulfilling their original purpose. This shift in priorities is not just an individual failure but a broader crisis of responsibility and ethical conduct among our elected officials. This breach of trust threatens our community’s unity and confidence in our leadership.

Measure R and Accountability

Measure R was designed to maintain essential services in El Cerrito, 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. Despite the funds from Measure R and the General Fund being determined annually through a public budget process, there has been a lack of genuine fiscal accountability. The city’s claim of transparency is questionable, given that the Financial Advisory Board has not been involved in reviewing Measure R expenditures, as promised.

Leadership in Comparison

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

The Need for Change

The repeated failures to deliver on key community requests have eroded trust in the city’s leadership. Before considering further tax measures to fund unfulfilled promises, necessary reforms and accountability must be implemented. Residents are encouraged to engage more actively in city governance by attending Financial Advisory Board and council meetings to demand greater transparency and accountability.

Questions for Mayor Rudnick

As Mayor Tessa Rudnick seeks re-election, it’s crucial to ask why she does not support the release of survey reports or data for the two library surveys or the 2024 forever tax. Despite her claim of being data-driven, the refusal to release this data for public analysis raises concerns about transparency and openness in El Cerrito’s government.

It’s also time for her to publicly acknowledge the reality of city finances.

Budget and Fiscal Responsibility

The El Cerrito City Council passed its budget on a 5-0 vote, but this decision seemed pre-determined, with little genuine discussion or consideration of public comments. The council’s narrative suggested that the city is doing well, yet the actual financial situation tells a different story. The federal bailout, not fiscally responsible actions, rescued El Cerrito. The lack of public comments on the budget may indicate a lack of faith in the council’s willingness to address concerns.

Staff Sacrifices and Leadership Accountability

Mayor Rudnick’s praise for staff sacrifices lacks clarity on what specific sacrifices were made. This further underscores the need for further independent scrutiny and accountability in city leadership. The city’s failure to align pension payments with its unfunded liability has resulted in an enormous $85 million pension liability, placing our financial future at risk. The absence of performance standards for city leadership allows for a range of behavior without consequences, leading to mismanagement and potential legal issues.

Ignoring Unacceptable Behavior

A glaring example of this lack of accountability is the failure to address the City Manager’s behavior during a city council meeting, where she directed inappropriate comments to a subordinate, telling the Public Works Director to “shut the (#$&%) up.” Such conduct is entirely unacceptable for a public official and reflects poorly on the city’s leadership. Mayor Rudnick’s silence on this matter raises serious questions about her commitment to maintaining professionalism and respect within our local government. This incident undermines public trust and sets a troubling precedent for acceptable behavior in our city’s administration.

The Role of the City Attorney

It’s likely that Mayor Rudnick consults with the city attorney to understand the legal requirements of her role. However, her standard should be much higher than merely adhering to the law. She should strive to do what’s right for the community, even when it’s not explicitly required of her. Leadership involves making decisions that are ethically sound and in the best interests of the residents, not just following the minimum legal standards. This higher standard of accountability and integrity is essential for rebuilding trust and ensuring effective governance in El Cerrito.

Conclusion

As we approach the re-election of Mayor Tessa Rudnick, it’s essential to vote for a leader who genuinely puts the community’s interests first. Our city’s future depends on leaders who prioritize transparency, accountability, and responsible fiscal management. Engage actively, ask the tough questions, and demand the changes needed to ensure a better El Cerrito for all.