Armenta Talks About Training for a Councilman’s Position

‘This has been a great time for me. I have gained a great deal of experience, and I think this is the right time to run for the City Council.”

The well-known 43-year-old tax advisor for the State Board of Equalization yesterday became the first candidate to announce that he has filed papers for next April’s City Council election.

As the final elected City Clerk in Culver City’s history, Mr. Armenta’s present position will disappear into the City Manager’s office, as determined by the new City Charter.

Cornerstones of Campaign

“Transparency in government and increasing the turnout at public meetings, especially the Monday night meetings of the Redevelopment Agency and City Council, will be important pillars of his campaign.

“I love the idea of public participation,” said Mr. Armenta, an East Culver City resident who grew up in Culver City schools. He is married and the father of one.

“I have a lot invested in Culver City,” he said. “I love this town.”

Learning to be a Leader

If he is able to plough through what is expected to be an unusually large field of contenders next spring for the three Council seats that will be forced open by term limits, what kind of leader will Mr. Armenta be?

He explained that when he is at his desk during meetings, he has carefully observed the lady and gentlemen on the dais.

“I have studied their approach and their reasoning,” he said.

“I have a great deal of admiration for all of them,

“I probably will take a little from the attributes of each one.

The Element of Time

“I admire the commitment that Council members make in time. Many people may not realize how much time they actually invest in their jobs.”

Not casting himself to the right or left politically, Mr. Armenta said the most attractive asset of the Council members “is when they to come to a middle ground and compromise.”

This Will Be No. 5

He is looking forward to his fifth Culver City campaign.

“I enjoy campaigning,” he said, “because I get to talk to residents and get a good sense of what they want done.”

An advocate of smart growth, Mr. Armenta said it can work every time as long as a partnership is struck among the city, residents and the developer.