As we approach the 2024 election, El Cerrito’s City Council race is heating up. With two current council members—Paul Fadelli and Tessa Rudnick—not running for re-election, the landscape is set to change. This blog provides a brief overview of the candidates on the ballot and what their election could mean for the future of El Cerrito.
Who’s Not Running?
Two incumbents, Paul Fadelli and Tessa Rudnick, have decided not to seek re-election. Their departure opens up opportunities for fresh faces on the council. Lisa Motoyama, the only incumbent running for re-election, will be looking to retain her seat amid a competitive field.
Candidates on the Ballot
This election is particularly significant because there are three seats up for grabs on the El Cerrito City Council. With two incumbents stepping down, the race is wide open for new leadership.
Lisa Motoyama
As a current council member, Lisa Motoyama brings experience and a record of service to the table. Her re-election campaign will likely focus on continuing the work she’s done during her term, particularly in areas like fiscal responsibility and community development.
Rebecca Saltzman
Rebecca Saltzman, currently serving as a BART Board member, is stepping into the local political arena. With her background in public transit and regional planning, Saltzman could bring a unique perspective to the council, especially on issues like transportation and sustainability. However, Saltzman’s tenure at BART has not been without challenges. She has faced criticism for struggles with fiscal management, as BART has dealt with budget deficits, rising costs, and an ongoing pension liability crisis. Additionally, despite efforts to improve passenger service, issues such as service reliability and safety concerns have persisted, leaving some riders dissatisfied.
Courtney Helion
Another contender, Courtney Helion, is vying for a seat on the council. Though less is known about her campaign platform at this stage, her participation in the race adds to the diversity of choices available to El Cerrito voters.
Lauren Dodge
Lauren Dodge is also in the running, bringing her perspectives and ideas to the forefront of the election. Voters will be keen to hear more about her plans for the city as the campaign progresses.
David Hatton
David Hatton has shown interest in running but has not yet submitted the required documents. If he officially enters the race, it will be interesting to see how his platform compares with those of the other candidates.
William Ktsanes
Similar to Hatton, William Ktsanes has yet to submit his paperwork but may still join the race. His participation would further broaden the field of candidates.
Important Dates
With two incumbents not filing for re-election, the deadline for submitting candidacy documents has been extended to Wednesday, August 14. This gives potential candidates additional time to declare their intentions and get their campaigns up and running.
What’s at Stake?
The 2024 election is a crucial one for El Cerrito, as the newly elected council members will have significant influence over the city’s future. Key issues like fiscal management, public safety, and community services are likely to dominate the discussions in the coming months. The candidates’ positions on these matters will play a pivotal role in shaping El Cerrito’s direction in the years to come.
As the campaign season unfolds, we’ll be watching closely to see how the candidates differentiate themselves and what they propose to tackle the challenges facing El Cerrito. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to election day.
For more details on the candidates and their campaign disclosures, you can visit the official El Cerrito election pages.
El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government (ECCRG) 