Election 2018

Staff Report

Lionel Largaespada, chair of the Economic Development Board, became the second candidate to announce a bid for the Benicia City Council. (Courtesy photo)

The race for the Benicia City Council is underway. Shortly after the end of the 2016 election, Christina Strawbridge became the first candidate to declare her candidacy in the 2018 race. On Friday, Economic Development Chair Lionel Largaespada became the second.

“It’s time for new ideas and new leaders with the capacity to engage Benicia residents, promote our businesses, and attract the new investments and resources our community needs to thrive,” Largaespada said in a statement. “On the Benicia City Council, I will bring the optimism and thoughtful common-sense proposals Benicia needs to serve its residents.”

This is the second time Largaespada has made a run for the council. He placed fourth in the 2016 election but received endorsements from a wide range of groups, including the Benicia Chamber of Commerce, Benicia Firefighters Association (IAFF Local 1186), Benicia Police Officers Association, Benicia Teachers Association and Napa/Solano Central Labor Council & Building Trades Council.

Largaespada moved to Benicia in 2005. He currently serves as a marketing director for F3 & Associates, a Benicia-based professional services firm specializing in land surveying, laser scanning, underground utility locating and concrete scanning for architects, contractors, engineers and government agencies. He is currently chair of the Economic Development Board and sits on the Advocacy Committee at the Benicia Chamber of Commerce and the Design Committee at Benicia Main Street. He is also an adviser for Carquinez Village, mentor at Benicia Middle School, volunteer for the Matthew Turner Elementary Parent Teacher Association and member of both the Benicia Historical Society and the Benicia chapter of Native Sons of the Golden West.

“I am passionate about giving back to others in Benicia,” Largaespada said in a statement. “Between my volunteering work with varying groups in our community and serving on the Economic Development Board, I believe I have a good purview into the city, how it works and most importantly what’s important to the residents. I am running for Benicia City Council to give a voice to the residents. I will bring a broad and balanced range of experience in business, community service, and local knowledge to the council.”

Largaespada’s primary goals include finding solutions to the water and sewer rate increases, improving street maintenance, investing in infrastructure and promoting economic development. His economic development plan includes three pillars: heritage tourism, small business promotions and the recruitment and expansion of businesses in the Industrial Park.

“I want to work for Benicia’s future and will commit my time and energy to that success,” he said in a statement. “I am driven to deliver results because I care deeply about our community.”

For more information on Largaespada’s campaign, go to votelionel.com/. For further interviews with Largaespada and the other council candidates, keep reading the Herald.

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