The City Council election is a five-way race among two incumbents— Tom Campbell and Christina Strawbridge— and three newcomers. Two of those newcomers— George Oakes and Steve Young— have served on the Planning Commission for five and four years respectively, making Lionel Largaespada— who has served as vice chair of the Economic Development Board since Sept. 2015— the newest of Benicia’s city officials to seek a council seat.

Not much was known about Largaespada prior to him announcing his intent to run back in May, but he has kept getting the word out in various ways. These have included eight meet and greets since Labor Day, spreading the word at the Benicia Certified Farmers Market, walking precincts four or five days a week and utilizing social media.

“I promised myself I’d commit every possible hour,” he said.

The maneuvers have worked to get Largaespada’s name out there, and he has become a popular candidate in the race. His “Lionel Largaespada for Benicia City Council” Facebook page has amassed 440 likes, more than any other council candidate, Largaespada noted. However, he does not view Facebook followers or the number of yard signs as official indicators of how the election will go but rather a display of support.

“I think it’s an indication of the interest and support of the campaign,” he said.

Largaespada has also received support from the Benicia Police Officers’ Association, IAFF Local 1186 Firefighters, Napa Solano Central Labor Council, Benicia Teachers’ Association and Benicia Chamber of Commerce.

“I’m honored and proud to have their support and get their recognition in confidence,” he said.

During the campaign, Largaespada has frequently referred to himself as “a first-generation American living the dream,” having been born to a father from Nicaragua and a mother from El Salvador. He developed an interest in politics at a young age, as his grandparents would always talk about current political events.

“It was something we discussed in our home on a daily basis,” he said. “They taught me history, and they taught me about current events. Ever since then, I’ve always had an interest in it.”

Nonetheless, Largaespada did not think he would ever run for political office, instead opting to get careers in marketing, consulting and public relations. From 2000 to 2004, he was the account services manager for the search engine Lycos and had also served as a political consultant for Civis Media Group. He is currently the director of marketing and corporate communications for F3 & Associates, a company that provides 3-D laser scanning, land surveying and building information modeling services. Clients have included UC Berkeley, Google, Intel and Valero Refining Company. The latter client has often been discussed at City Council meetings, particularly for its recently denied crude-by-rail permit which Largespada had supported but now says that he respects the council’s decision. However, the candidate does not view the situation as a conflict of interest, as he says F3 & Associates has not done business with the refinery in more than a year.

“Valero is one of many customers,” he said. “It’s not even our largest customer.”

Largaespada moved to Benicia in 2005 with his wife Jennifer, and their daughters Graciela and Viviana attend Benicia Middle School and Matthew Turner Elementary. In 2015, he was appointed to the Economic Development Board, which identifies economic development needs around town and makes recommendations to the City Council.

“We’ve been very good at going around town and meeting with new businesses,” he said. “That’s part of our mission. We meet as many of the newest businesses in town as we can, we introduce ourselves and we leave behind information because it’s important that they know that there are resources in town to help them be successful.”

Upon Largaespada’s appointment, Economic Development Manager Mario Giluliani presented him with a binder of what was expected of him. Among other things, he learned about the lack of broadband internet service in the Industrial Park, which played a big role in his decision to run for council.

“From that, I started to study the general plan, budget and financial forecast and came to the personal conclusion that our community could benefit from new leadership,” he said.

Largaespada noted that while he personally respects the councilmembers for their dedication, he does feel the council could benefit from more diverse points of view to reflect Benicia’s changes. He plans to bring in energy and enthusiasm as well as his background in marketing and business development.

“I think it takes more than just a love of community to be an effective councilmember,” he said. “I think it takes financial acumen, common sense, genuine collaboration and an attention to constituent services. Those are skills I’ve developed over 20 years’ work experience.”

According to Largaespada, the biggest issue in the election is Benicia’s impending deficit.

“The solution is smart and measured economic development,” he said. “I think I am most qualified to act on that, in collaboration with my peers on the council, the staff and community at large.”

“My tenure on the Economic Development Board and my familiarity with the issues and opportunities, (as well as) my professional background in marketing and business development lends itself to that primary issue,” he added.

Largaespada says his goal is to pass along “an even better Benicia for the next generation.”

“If we commit to the priority of smart and measured economic development, we’re headed toward great things,” he said. “I know we can do it. We have great talent at City Hall and have a very involved and great community, and we also have the resources to do great things in town.”

“We are the envy of the Bay Area,” he added. “There’s no other spot for 100 miles that has a similar geography. If we commit ourselves to this renaissance in the Industrial Park, as well as continuing to push for downtown to diversify its business offerings, our future will be great. It just comes down to our priorities, will and energy to execute against them.”