Candidates for El Cerrito Council

Incumbents

• Paul Fadelli (not running for re-election)
• Lisa Motoyama
• Tessa Rudnick

Candidates

• Lisa Motoyama Campaign Website
• Tessa Rudnick
• Rebecca Saltzman Campaign Website | Email: rebecca@rebeccaforelcerrito.com
• Lauren Dodge
• David Hatton

There is still time to run for council.

November 2024 Candidates

The City of El Cerrito General Municipal Election will be held on November 5, 2024, to fill three seats on the City Council. Terms are for four years, and successful candidates will be sworn into office at a City Council meeting held in December 2024.

Candidate information will be populated during the nomination period, which will be open from Monday, July 15, 2024, to Friday, August 9, 2024. If one or more incumbents do not file by this deadline, the nomination period will be EXTENDED to Wednesday, August 14, 2024.

Appointments for obtaining and filing nomination papers are required and can be requested by emailing cityclerk@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us. Appointments will be scheduled during regular business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and every other Friday, and between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. More information | Campaign Disclosure

Candidate Overview

Tessa Rudnick

Key Votes:

• FY 2022: Voted NO on the budget.
• FY 2023, FY 2024, FY 2025: Voted YES on the budget.

Tessa Rudnick has shown strong opposition to certain amendments and proposals. Notably, she opposed the Motoyama amendment and voted favorably renting out the senior center. Despite frequently advocating for data-driven decisions, she has not indicated that she uses data or information derived from data objectively. Her leadership faced significant scrutiny during her tenure as mayor in the second half of FY 2024, a period marked by a deficit exceeding $6 million. When Tessa ran in 2020, she emphasized her belief that the current city manager was doing an excellent job. This stance has raised questions given the city’s ongoing financial challenges.

If re-elected, Tessa Rudnick needs to ensure the city manager demonstrates sustainable reductions in spending and stops relying solely on new taxes and using reserves to meet payroll.

Lisa Motoyama

Key Votes:

• FY 2022, FY 2023: Voted NO on the budget.
• FY 2024, FY 2025: Voted YES on the budget.

Lisa Motoyama proposed an amendment to reduce extra library hours, which was initially passed by the council but reversed before the final vote. Like Tessa Rudnick, she also voted to rent out the senior center. As mayor during the passage of the FY 2024 budget, the city experienced a $6 million deficit. In her State of the City message, given as her last act as mayor, she asserted that the council and management have worked hard and that the city has mostly resolved the budget crisis.

If re-elected, Lisa Motoyama needs to ensure the city manager demonstrates sustainable reductions in spending and stops relying solely on new taxes and using reserves to meet payroll.

Rebecca Saltzman

Rebecca Saltzman is a new candidate facing scrutiny regarding her handling of financial matters and public and staff safety related to fare evasion. Her platform will need to address these issues to gain the trust of El Cerrito’s residents. You can find more information about her campaign and reach out to her through her campaign website or via email at rebecca@rebeccaforelcerrito.com.

Lauren Dodge

Lauren Dodge is a fresh face in El Cerrito politics, bringing new energy and perspectives to the council race. Her campaign focuses on transparency, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement. Lauren emphasizes the importance of listening to residents and making decisions that reflect the community’s needs and values.

David Hatton

David Hatton is another new candidate aiming to bring change to El Cerrito’s City Council. With a background in local activism and community service, David prioritizes public safety, economic stability, and environmental sustainability. He advocates for a balanced approach to growth and development, ensuring that El Cerrito remains a vibrant and inclusive community.

Conclusion

The upcoming election in November 2024 is crucial for the future of El Cerrito. With key incumbents like Paul Fadelli not running for re-election, the city will see fresh faces and possibly new directions in its leadership. Residents need to stay informed and engage in the electoral process to ensure that the city’s leadership aligns with their values and needs.

Remember, there is still time to run for council. If you are passionate about contributing to the community, consider filing your nomination papers within the specified period.

Stay informed, stay engaged, and make your voice heard in the upcoming election.