[img]1294|left|Christopher Armenta||no_popup[/img]One day after rumors surfaced, 10-year City Hall veteran Chris Armenta announced this afternoon that he will retire from the City Council when his first term expires in April.
The move did not come as a shock.
As long ago as last spring, it was reported that Mr. Armenta’s position with the State Board of Equalization would carry him far from Culver City, making it virtually impossible to run for a new four-year term. Filing for the new term opens in 10 days, on Monday, Dec.19, and the election is April 10.
The 48-year-old Mr. Armenta, previously the City Clerk, serves as the deputy advisor to the chairman of the Board of Equalization., “a local elected official working for a state elected official,” he said.
Mr. Armenta’s departure, coupled with colleague Scott Malsin’s anticipated temporary resignation at Monday night’s Council meeting — for a far different reason — swings the door of tempting opportunity open wider than ever for candidates such as a possibly comebacking Gary Silbiger and a returning Meghan Sahli-Wells. She missed election to the Council by three dozen votes in April of 2010.
Mr. Silbiger is a two-term former Councilman who has been re-establishing his public profile in recent weeks.
One report last spring held that Mr. Armenta, because of his work, might need to leave the dais immediately. But he scotched the suggestion.
“I was elected to serve four years, and that is what I intend to do,” he told the newspaper this afternoon.
Mr. Armenta said his decision is “job-related, among other reasons. A year from now, I may not be in Culver City. Not knowing whether I will, went into my decision. I expect to be somewhere in Los Angeles County. When I started with the Board of Equalization 20 years ago, I was in Culver City. Now I am in Monterey Park, and I find myself traveling to Sacramento.
“From a promotion standpoint, opportunities could take me outside of Culver City.”
Mr. Armenta said that it is time for him to “focus on my professional and private life. I am pleased with all that has been accomplished during my time as Councilmember and Mayor. Our city is fiscally strong. We have top-notch city services and excellent city employees. Our development projects are innovative and community friendly.
“I will leave office knowing that the city is in a good place. The future is bright. I am most grateful for the opportunity to work so closely with the community.”
