Los Banos voters can learn more about the names on their ballot during a candidate forum on Tuesday hosted by the League of Women Voters Merced County.
It’s a historic election year for Los Banos because for the first time, every elected office for the city will be on the ballot.
Typically, terms for the council districts are staggered so that two of the four seats are up for election on even-numbered years. This year, however, two Los Banos City Council members face a recall election.
Plus, the incumbent mayor and two other incumbent council members all face challengers.
At the school board level, one Los Banos Unified trustee is up for re-election and faces one challenger.
Who’s running?
Two City Council incumbents – Ken Lambert in District 1 and Deborah Lewis in District 4 – are on the ballot in accordance with the regular schedule. Travis “TJ” Loebig, who operates a pool service, is challenging Lewis. A candidate named Tommy Leyva filed to run against Lambert.
District 2 Councilmember Douglas Begonia and District 3 Councilmember Brett Jones are facing recall elections. If recalled, the new council would decide how to replace them.
Los Banos Mayor Paul Llanez also is up for reelection. He’s facing two challengers: a former mayor and a former city councilmember. Former six-term mayor Michael Amabile is running against Llanez. So is Refugio Llamas, who previously served as a councilmember.
A Merced County judge recently extended a restraining order against Llamas. It was filed by Jones, the sitting District 3 councilmember, who accused Llamas of grabbing his elbow and making threats after a council meeting. Llamas denied the accusations, saying they are politically motivated.
On the school board, Trustee Gary Munoz is facing challenger Luis Castro.
How the forum will work
The League of Women Voters Merced County invited to the forum all candidates running in contested races. There will be separate panels for city races and the school board race.
Candidates will have one minute to present an opening statement and 90 seconds to answer questions from the League. There will not be time for candidates to provide follow-up responses, and there will be no closing statements.
Audience members can submit questions for League members to screen and ask the candidates, time permitting. The League will not allow questions that are personal or abusive in nature.
The forum will be held in the Los Banos City Council Chambers, inside City Hall at 520 J St. Doors will open at 5 p.m., and the forum will begin at 6 p.m.
The forum will be broadcast live via Comcast Channel 96 and via YouTube at www.youtube.com/@losbanos406.