It’s not easy to ask hard questions, especially when public discourse is limited and tightly controlled. However, as the November 2026 election approaches, we must take a clear-eyed, data-driven look at the record of El Cerrito’s longest-serving council member, Gabe Quinto.
Councilmember Quinto often speaks passionately about equity, fiscal responsibility, and public safety. But when you examine his voting record over the past decade, the gaps between his words and his actions become hard to ignore.
A Fan of Chevron, But No Parking for Seniors?
Councilmember Quinto has long been a vocal supporter of Chevron—one of the world’s largest greenhouse gas polluters. Yet this year, he voted to eliminate street parking on Richmond Street, making it harder for elderly and disabled residents to access their own homes. This decision was made over the objections of community members who were directly affected and who offered reasonable alternatives. It’s hard to reconcile his professed values with his vote.
A Record of Spending Increases—Outpacing Inflation
In March 2014, the city’s Finance Director publicly shared that the independent auditor had warned El Cerrito might not be able to continue as a “going concern.” Just months later, Gabe Quinto was elected to the City Council.
In 2013, the General Fund budget was $28.9 million. By 2018, it had grown to $36.6 million—a 26% increase, while inflation (CPI) rose just 16%. That’s a 4.8% annual growth in spending versus a 3% increase in costs. Councilmember Quinto voted for every one of those budgets.
Today, that trend has only accelerated. The FY 2025 General Fund budget is $53.7 million—a 47% increase over seven years. That’s an average of 5.7% growth per year, compared to a CPI increase of just 3.3% per year. And once again, Quinto voted in favor of every one of those budgets.
Since the pandemic, El Cerrito has consistently outspent revenue, draining reserves.
So where is the fiscal prudence?
Promises Made to Seniors—Then Broken
In 2018, Quinto asked voters to support a new real property transfer tax, in part to help fund a permanent home for the senior center. The tax passed.
In 2020, the senior center was permanently closed. And now, Quinto claims the city can’t afford a senior center.
What happened?
El Cerrito is one of the oldest and fastest-aging communities in the Bay Area. But instead of protecting services for seniors, Councilmember Quinto has consistently prioritized large capital projects and consultant contracts—while basic needs for our older residents go unmet.
Big Projects, But Not the Basics
In recent years, Quinto has voted to support:
- A multi-million-dollar aquatics center upgrade,
- A library project expected to cost over $100 million over 30 years,
- Several consultant contracts with limited public accountability.
At the same time, the city couldn’t fund a critically needed fire truck or essential public safety equipment in its latest budget cycle.
Councilmember Quinto says he supports public safety—and we appreciate that. But if public safety is truly a priority, why does it keep falling to the bottom of the funding list? Where’s the substance?
The Role of a Councilmember: Public Service, Not Pet Projects
Our elected officials are supposed to serve the public—not special interests, not political allies, and not their personal agendas. Yet time and again, Quinto has supported costly projects and symbolic spending that don’t reflect the priorities of everyday residents.
Seniors, working families, and small business owners have been left behind. Services that support daily life and community well-being have been deprioritized or ignored.
We need people in office who are willing to represent all residents—not just the loudest advocates or the most well-connected insiders.
Where’s the Public Dialogue?
Council meetings are increasingly scripted. There’s little debate. Few questions are answered. And the public is often relegated to the sidelines.
What’s missing is open, honest discussion about how taxpayer dollars are spent—and how those decisions affect our quality of life. We deserve more than ceremonial speeches. We deserve accountability.
Time for New Leadership
After more than a decade on the council, it’s time to ask: Does this leadership still serve El Cerrito? Is it aligned with our values, our needs, and our hopes for the future?
By every measurable standard, city spending has outpaced inflation. Services have been reduced. Promises to seniors have been broken. And transparency has eroded.
The November 2026 election is our opportunity to course correct.
We need new leadership—leadership that:
- Prioritizes public good over personal legacy,
- Listens to residents before casting votes,
- Fights for core services like public safety and senior care,
- And puts fiscal sustainability ahead of political symbolism.
We need leaders who don’t just speak well—but who vote well.
Let’s vote for someone who will represent all of us—not just pet projects, not just consultants, and not just the politically connected.
Let’s vote for someone who remembers what public service is supposed to be.
El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government (ECCRG) 