This press release appeared in the print version of the Benicia Herald on Wednesday July 31, 2024

Former Councilmember Lionel Largaespada Running Again for Benicia City Council

Benicia, CA – Former Benicia City Councilmember Lionel Largaespada announces his candidacy for the upcoming election, driven by a commitment to represent diverse viewpoints and ensure fiscal responsibility while supporting taxpayers, community groups and local businesses.

After a narrow defeat in November 2022, Largaespada is eager to return to the Benicia City Council to advocate for inclusive governance and effective financial monitoring and management of city revenues.

Largaespada is dedicated to maintaining balanced budgets that benefit taxpayers. He pledges to ensure that Benicia's next budget aligns with the needs and priorities of its residents, maintains essential services, and promotes a stable economic environment for growth and prosperity

Recognizing the crucial role of local businesses in Benicia's economy, Largaespada will continue to champion initiatives that support economic growth and preserve the community's unique character. His efforts are aimed at creating an environment where small businesses can thrive, contributing to the vibrancy and resilience of the city.

In addition to his focus on economic development, Largaespada is committed to working with diverse community stakeholders, the city administration, and fellow council members to find common ground on critical issues such as housing and community development.  Upholding the quality of life in Benicia, he will advocate for safe neighborhoods, a prosperous downtown, and initiatives that enhance the city's cultural and historical heritage.

"Benicia is a vibrant community with a promising future," said Largaespada. "I am dedicated to ensuring that our city remains a place where every voice is heard, where we feel safe, where small businesses flourish, and where fiscal discipline guides our decisions."

Largaespada served on the Benicia City Council from 2018 to 2022, earning respect as an accessible, independent, and common-sense leader. He championed initiatives that improved Benicia's quality of life, such as increased street maintenance, freezing water and wastewater rates, and supporting historic preservation. During the pandemic, he initiated a grant program to support small businesses and secured additional funds for the Benicia Family Resource Center.

Largaespada continues his community service on the boards of the Benicia Chamber of Commerce, Benicia Main Street, and the Benicia Community Action Council, and volunteers for several local organizations including Benicians Adopting Benicia, Benicia Grad Night, Benicia Peddlers Fair, Benicia Reads, and the Tim & Jeannie Hamann Foundation.

His leadership experience includes past roles as chairman of the Benicia Economic Development Board, the Advocacy Committee at the Benicia Chamber of Commerce, mentoring at Benicia Middle School, the Matthew Turner Elementary Parent Teacher Association Auction Committee and supporting the Kyle Hyland Foundation/Benicia Teen Center.

A proud Benicia resident since 2005, Largaespada, his wife Jennifer, and their two daughters are deeply rooted in the community. Professionally, he is a business development specialist with over 20 years of experience, currently serving as the director of marketing and business development for Benicia-based F3 & Associates.

A son of Latino immigrants, and Bay Area native, Largaespada holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government and Philosophy from Saint Mary’s College and a Master’s degree in Mass Communications from Boston University.

For more information about Largaespada for Benicia City Council, please visit votelionel.com.