Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck, in her landmark book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, explains why some people and organizations adapt and thrive while others stagnate. Her research on fixed vs. growth mindsets offers a powerful lens for understanding El Cerrito’s current leadership.
A fixed mindset avoids mistakes, resists accountability, and clings to appearances. That’s exactly how El Cerrito’s City Manager and most of the Council approach fiscal responsibility. Faced with ballooning pension liabilities, service cuts that have never been restored, and overreliance on one-time reserves, they look away. Instead of confronting the hard truths, they highlight scripted “successes” while avoiding transparency about trade-offs and sustainability.
A growth mindset, by contrast, acknowledges problems, learns from them, and adapts. That’s the example Councilmember William Ktsanes has set—asking difficult questions, pressing for fiscal clarity, and refusing to accept business as usual. It’s not about blame; it’s about building a stronger future.
If El Cerrito is going to move forward, we need more leaders with a growth mindset. Leaders willing to admit mistakes, learn from them, and commit to long-term solutions. Until then, we will remain stuck in the same cycle of denial and deficit. The city’s future depends on choosing growth over fixed thinking—starting with who we elect to lead us.
⚠️ Reality Check: Credit Rating Up, Services Down
$89 million in unfunded pension liabilities. Essential services cut: senior center closed, library hours reduced, city offices shuttered every other Friday Higher staffing per capita than many neighboring cities—yet service delivery still falls short. The bond rating improved, but residents see fewer services, not more General fund reserves diverted to cover deficits instead of protecting public services
That’s the cost of fixed-mindset leadership.
El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government (ECCRG) 