Vice Mayor Dolan and Councilmember Maglio Take Extraordinary Step to Endorse Woehleke and Mapel

Two sitting Moraga Town Councilmembers jointly endorse candidates in an unusual public statement emphasizing principles of good governance.

In a jointly authored letter to the editor published in Lamorinda Weekly, Vice Mayor Brian Dolan and Councilmember Lisa Maglio explain their decision to endorse Steve Woehleke and Alexis Mapel, identifying specific principles of governance and qualities of elected leadership that prompted them to speak out.

Their letter is reproduced below in full:

Alexis Mapel and Steve Woehleke for Moraga Town Council As sitting members of the Town Council, we do not ordinarily endorse candidates for Council. We understand that our decision to do so now is unusual. Neither of us expected to take this step, but we believe we have a responsibility to share our judgment about what will best serve Moraga. We are speaking for ourselves, not on behalf of the Town or the Council. We endorse Council Member Steve Woehleke and Planning Commission Chair Alexis Mapel. Steve brings years of service on the Council and on Town commissions and committees. Alexis has led the Planning Commission with a people-first approach. Both have shown qualities that matter greatly in local government: they listen carefully, work constructively with others, treat staff with respect, and understand the distinct roles of the Council and the Town Manager. Moraga needs Council members who can exercise independent judgment, work with colleagues even when they disagree, and keep the Town's interests ahead of personal or political ambitions. We believe Steve and Alexis will do that. Our decision to speak publicly reflects the importance we place on those qualities and on the Town's future. Brian Dolan, Moraga Vice-Mayor Lisa Maglio, Moraga Town Councilmember

Source: Lamorinda Weekly, October 14, 2026.