Motivations Behind Pursuing Local Government Roles:

Originally published on April 5, 2024 | Updated March 2025

Local government positions should be about service—improving communities, making informed policy decisions, and ensuring fiscal responsibility. However, as we have seen in El Cerrito, motivations for seeking office can sometimes stray far from these principles.

Since our original post in April 2024, the El Cerrito City Council has seen changes. Two new council members, Rebecca Saltzman and William Ktsanes, have joined, while three previous members—Carolyn Wysinger, Gabe Quinto, and Lisa Motoyama—continue to shape city policies. While new leadership presents an opportunity for fresh ideas, it is also a moment to ask whether these officials truly prioritize the needs of residents or if their agendas are driven by personal ambition, ideological pursuits, or deference to special interests.

El Cerrito has faced ongoing financial challenges, and the need for responsible governance has never been greater. The question remains: Are our city leaders prepared to make tough, data-driven decisions in the interest of fiscal stability and public trust, or are they continuing down the same unsustainable path?

As we move forward, we urge residents to remain engaged, ask hard questions, and hold elected officials accountable—not just for what they promise, but for what they deliver.

For a deeper dive into this topic, read our original post here.