Local business owner Armando Muñoz runs for El Centro City Council
EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) - The race for the El Centro City Council is heating up as a new candidate steps into the political spotlight ahead of the November election.
Armando Muñoz, a longtime El Centro resident, parent, and local business owner, has officially thrown his hat into the ring.
Muñoz said his diverse background as a local builder, real estate investor, and retail store owner gives him the unique, practical experience needed to manage the city's budget, economic development, and infrastructure.
"You know, I'm just a local parent resident frustrated with the way the direction our city has been going and I'm just wanting to make a change," Muñoz said. "If the voters want somebody whose heart is going to be in this position and really be in it for the best of the city, then vote for me."
A major cornerstone of Muñoz's campaign platform is the revitalization of El Centro's downtown core, an area he argues has been neglected by city leaders for far too long. He believes restoring the downtown area is critical to setting a standard for the rest of the Imperial Valley.
"This is the jewel, this is El Centro," Muñoz said. "This is the big brother of the Valley. We should be an example to the surrounding cities, and if we’re downtown, our jewel is the way it is. What kind of example are we setting?"
Part of that plan involves holding local landlords accountable and establishing design guidelines to bring back the area's visual appeal.
"We make the property owners maintain their buildings, restore their buildings," Muñoz explained. "And if they're building new, build similar or something that goes with the architecture."
In addition to downtown beautification, Muñoz is vowing to tackle the homeless crisis head-on. His approach includes stricter enforcement of local laws, balanced with proactive community resources.
"Create an ordinance and if it's existent, enforce it, to make it illegal to camp within city limits," Muñoz said. "But before we do that, we need to have something prepared to offer these people."
Muñoz also highlighted a desire to create more family-friendly events and community activities. He believes investing in local entertainment and infrastructure will give the city's youth a reason to stay rooted in their hometown rather than moving away.
"A lot of our kids can't wait to grow up and move out to San Diego," Muñoz said. "If we could keep these families here together and create something for the kids to fall in love with their town, they won't want to leave."
Muñoz is currently planning an upcoming meet-and-greet event, which will give local voters a direct opportunity to speak with him and learn more about his complete vision for the city.
