Running on his accomplishments and platform of public safety, economic development and improving infrastructure
“Our budget is balanced and we’re still able to get the improvements done for the city,” Mayor Pro Tem Kenneth Lambert
LOS BANOS, CA — Current Los Banos Mayor Pro Tem and District 1 Councilman Kenneth Lambert is running for a second term on the city council on a platform of “public safety, economic development and improving infrastructure”. In a post on his official Facebook page, Lambert wrote, “Together, we can keep Los Banos thriving and growing for a brighter, United future.”
Having been elected in 2020, the local restaurant shared his accomplishments during his first term.
“I’m just going to keep pushing on what I have been for my district and what I was elected to do,” he stated.
“When I first ran, I pushed for police presence in my district which is happening. I also wanted four-way stop signs at all the parks. All of my parks now have them. I also wanted all my parks renovated and I think we’re down to one left. Most of the parks have been renovated. We’ve also gained the dog park in my district.”
“The other project I’m still working on is the street lighting,” Lambert continued. “Some of our streets never have had streetlights. So, that’s what I’m working on.”
He said he’s also, “working with the homeless and solving that challenge which is ongoing. But with the grants that we have received the future of homelessness is looking better.”
“Basically, I’ve done what I said I was going to do,” Lambert stated.
Before being asked about his vote in favor of the large and controversial settlement for City Manager Josh Pinheiro, Lambert said he sees it as an investment for which the city is getting a return.
“Regarding the $1.8 million, with all the street and infrastructure improvements, we’re still ahead financially as a city,” the councilman stated. “If people will see what is reported at the council meetings each quarter they’d know.”
“As a council member, I look at the bottom line. Are we hurting or are we ahead?” he asked. “Our budget is balanced and we’re still able to get the improvements done for the city.”
Lambert provides a link to the city’s webpage showing the list of projects that have been accomplished.
“Go back several years,” he said. “You can’t find anything.”
“The waste treatment plant had never been maintained. Now, it is,” Lambert offered as an example. “It cost a lot of money with all the dredging that was done.”
He shared other accomplishments during his first term on the council including tree trimming and the new animal shelter building currently under construction.
Asked about his re-election campaign platform and why he’s running for another four-year term Lambert stated, “I’m going to continue pushing for public safety, economic development and improving infrastructure.”
He also shared about near-future recreation projects that he supports.
“The Splash Pad water park for kids is on this Wednesday’s council meeting agenda,” Lambert said. “The pickleball park has already been approved and will be located at the Ag Complex where the dog park is off of Mercey Springs.”
“Construction is expected to begin this year, and the baseball fields will also be upgraded next year,” he added.
Lambert served in the U.S. Army and was deployed to Iraq during Desert Storm in the 1990’s. He was born in Lincoln, Nebraska but grew up in Texas, is married to Lauren, a U.S. Air Force veteran, and they have three children and two grandchildren.
If you have an issue or concern Lambert says he’s available, accessible and attentive. “People can call me on my council line at (209) 270-7522 and leave a message or text me or email me at [email protected]. Residents can also stop by and see him in person at his family’s restaurant, Biggin’s Texas BBQ at 609 I Street in downtown Los Banos.
Lambert faces one challenger, Tommy Leyva, whose ballot designation is Retired Lightrail Operator. But other than a personal Facebook page and information on Transparent California about him retiring in 2021 and the amount of his pension compensation paid in 2022 from the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority Amalgamated Pension SCVTA nothing could be found online. As of publication time, Leyva has no campaign website nor Facebook page, and efforts to reach him via Facebook Messenger and to obtain contact information for him from the Merced County Elections Department were unsuccessful.
To learn more about Lambert’s re-election campaign, visit www.Facebook.com/ citycouncildistrict1.
