Is committed to building a public swimming pool, supports recall of two councilmen including one who defeated him in 2022
By Allen D. Payton
After losing for election in 2022, former appointed Los Banos District 2 Councilman Refugio LLamas is seeking a comeback, this time as mayor. He launched his campaign with a Kick-Off on Aug. 11th at Smokey Joe’s Billiards. An announcement on his official Facebook page for the event reads, “Refugio will provide the leadership needed to return accountability and public oversight to our city council. Come join us and be part of the solution!” His first name is pronounced, “ref-yoo-hee-yo” and his last name is pronounced, “ya-moss”.
On his campaign website, the former councilman says he offers, “A New Vision and Direction for Los Banos” and LLamas says his “campaign is rooted in a commitment to honor, integrity and responsibility.” His “platform emphasizes transparency in government operations, ensuring that your tax dollars are spent wisely and with your input,” the campaign website also reads. He claims Los Banos, “lacks a clear vision for its future,” is “committed to changing that by ensuring that every resident’s voice is heard” and his “goal is to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcomed and valued.”
LLamas also shares the five Pillars of his campaign which “is centered on transparency, accountability, fairness, responsiveness, and providing up-to-date information to our residents.” He also says, “What sets my campaign apart is my dedication to making the city’s administration fully accessible and responsive to you.” His campaign website offers details on each of the pillars on the “Services” page.
Background, Experience & Education
As previously reported, LLamas served for two years on the city council, to which he was appointed by a unanimous vote in January 2021 after the former mayor, then councilman Tom Faria, left the seat vacant after winning the 2020 mayoral election. LLamas is a former local business owner of a pet shop called Marinas Pet Supplies and retired in 2021 as a Gunnery Sergeant in the Marine Corps. As of two years ago, LLamas worked for Merced County as the Veterans Service Officer. Asked if he still works in that position or currently has another, he did not respond.
LLamas served a total of 27 years in the Marine Corps with the majority of that service as an infantry Platoon Commander. He also served as a Foreign Military Advisor for Guatemala, assisting with the fight against transnational organized crime.
Public Service
Besides his time on the city council, LLamas also served on the Los Banos Planning Commission in 2014 and 2018 and in 2016, he served on the School Oversight Board for Creekside Middle School. He earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration with an emphasis on Management.
Campaign Commitments
LLamas’ campaign promises include being “committed to building a public swimming pool, auditing the city and supporting the recall of city councilmen who do not serve your best interests,” his website shares.
Record & Accomplishments
The first-time mayoral candidate voted to hire City Manager Josh Pinheiro in 2021, then was one of three councilmembers who voted to fire him in June 2022. LLamas was later defeated by current District 2 Councilman Doug Begonia, who is one of the councilmen currently facing recall.
Faces Two Opponents Including Llanez Who LLamas Wouldn’t Appoint to Mayoral Vacancy in 2022
He faces incumbent Paul Llanez, running for his second, two-year term as mayor, and former Mayor Mike Amabile, owner of Españas Southwest Bar and Grill in Los Banos. In 2022, although Llanez was the only candidate running for mayor, LLamas refused to vote to appoint him to the vacancy created when Faria resigned and moved out of town. That’s in spite of the fact LLamas committed in a text to Llanez to appointing him “at the earliest opportunity” and said to this reporter, “The sooner we can get Mr. Llanez seated the better.” The council split 2-2 on holding the appointment process which left the mayor’s seat vacant for two more months and almost three. (See related article) The same night Llanez was sworn in as mayor was LLamas’ final meeting as councilman.
Personal Life
LLamas is married but did not respond to questions emailed to him asking for how long, his wife’s name, if they have any children or grandchildren, and how long he’s lived in Los Banos.
LLamas Provides Phone Number, Email Address for Public to Contact Him
LLamas posted a Facebook Live video on Sept. 4th in which he said, “I think the most important thing is for mayor to hear from you. It’s important to know what your thoughts are, what your ideas are, what your questions are and what your concerns are. I’m very interested to hear from you so we can together shape a brighter future, more prosperous future for Los Baños. Thank you.” Unlike many other candidates, LLamas offers an example of transparency by providing his personal email address both in his video and on his campaign website, as well as his phone number on the website.
For more information about his campaign call LLamas at (209) 829-5349 or email him at [email protected].
Please check back later for any updates to this report.