Executive Interview: Sandra Armenta

Sandra Armenta has served on the Rosemead City Council since March, 2009, and has represented Rosemead as a delegate for the League of California Cities and the California Contract Cities Association (CCCA). CBJ interviewed Ms. Armenta about her beginnings in public service, the effects of redevelopment on California’s cities and her new role as Account Manager for Special Events with United Site Services.

1. Tell us a little bit about your background in public service and what originally inspired you to run for city council.

I was first elected in March 2009, the second Latina since 1974. This was the first time I ran for any type of office. I was blessed to have run on a slate with two great people, Steven Ly and Margaret Clark. Steven and I won our first election, Margaret won her re-election. I won my re-election in March 2013. I’m the first Latina to have served more than 1 term.

I grew up in Rosemead, having lived there since the age of 6. I attended Savannah Elementary, Muscatel Jr. High, and graduated from Rosemead High School. I also participated in the Park & Recreation programs as a child and later went on to work for Rosemead Parks & Recreation. I am a product of Rosemead, a hometown girl.

I found myself back in Rosemead as a Special Education Teacher in the Garvey School District. I had the opportunity to work with the youth of Rosemead. I wanted to give back to my community, the community I love. The assistant in my classroom suggested I run for city council. She pointed out, if I worked this hard for our special education students’ rights, she could only image what I would do for the City of Rosemead.

Rosemead was heading in the wrong direction. The current majority was trying to implement changes that were not beneficial to the community, even after their consultant warned the city’s infrastructure would not be able to sustain their projects. Many residents expressed their concerns, but they fell on deaf ears. My beloved hometown was not going to be the same. This is when I knew I had to do something. I was determined to be the voice for the residents of Rosemead. I also serve on the Executive Boards of California Contract Cities Association and The League of California Cities Latino Caucus.

2. What are the most pressing issues facing local governments in California today?

All over the United States cities are experiencing significant economic hardship, particularly in California. California cities have to tighten their belts and locate funding in order to keep their heads above water and not follow in the footsteps of those cities who filed for bankruptcy in California. Rosemead was particularly hit hard when the State of California decided to dissolve our Redevelopment Agencies in February of 2012. Rosemead was all of a sudden at a $3.6 million deficit, which was coupled with drastic cuts to Federal HUD-funded programs and unfunded mandates. California is now 1 out of 2 states which does not have tax increment financing.

Rosemead used Redevelopment Agency funds to clean blighted areas in order to attract economic development, which provides revenue to Rosemead in order to continue our programs and services. The City was able to close the $3.6 million deficit without laying off any full time employee and without reduction to services. Directors were directed to scale back in their department but not enough for the community to be affected, and they did. Not only was the City able to balance its budget, we were also able to attract economic development due to the aesthetic improvements we made the prior year. Since December of 2012, we opened T.G.I. Friday’s and The Olive Garden, The Habit Hamburger Grill, Chipotle, and Wing Stop. The much needed revenue will enable the City to continue working diligently for its residents and businesses.

3. What are the most rewarding aspects of public service? What are the most challenging?

One of the most rewarding aspects of public service is the satisfaction of knowing I made a difference in someone’s life. Since the age of 17, I have worked in the public sector. I started as a city employee and then taught for 15 years. I’ve spent the majority of my life helping people. I strive to improve people’s quality of life. The community is extremely grateful when I address their concerns and find a solution. The kind words and appreciation I receive from the residents is priceless.

Unfortunately, you can not please everyone. I try my best to find a win-win situation, but sometimes that is not obtainable. If we cannot find a win-win situation, I explain to our residents why I made a decision on a certain item. Communication is extremely important in dealing with the community; people need to know all the facts. It is disheartening to know people don’t trust all public officials because of the illegal actions of some public officials. It is extremely hard to hear, all politicians are the same. I am here to say, NO we are not. Many of us spend countless hours finding ways to improve our communities. We also spend countless hours away from our families because of our city responsibilities. We do it because we love our communities and we only want the best for our constituents.

4. Tell us about your new position at United Site Services and the work you will be doing there.

I am an Account Manager for Special Events with United Site Services. United is nationwide with over 50 locations coast to coast, my office is in the city of El Monte, CA. At United, we provide portable restrooms, temporary fencing, temporary barricades, and temporary power for all events. No job is too big or too small. I will be dealing with anyone who needs our services for their events, be it cities, event companies, stadiums, etc. My position involves wearing many hats. I will be dealing with sales, customer relationships, and public affairs in order to insure the job is complete and the customer is satisfied.

5. Name two competitive advantages United Site Services brings to the table when working with local government clients.

United Site Services has been providing unmatched site services for over 50 years to some of the most prominent and demanding events in the USA. Some of our clients and events are The Boston Marathon, NFL, Rose Bowl Parade, NASCAR, The Super Bowl, PGA, AVON Walk for Breast Cancer, Winter X Games, StageCoach, Coachella, The Academy Awards, BET Awards, True Blood, and the US Government to name a few.

United Site Services is sustainable and responsible to the environment. This is extremely important for the environment and local government. We use formaldehyde-free deodorizers, aerosol-free hand pumps, idle time limiters installed on all United vehicles in order to reduce emissions, energy star certified thin client computing, all waste is disposed in EPA permitted facilities, our portable restrooms use 98% less water versus conventional restrooms, toilet and paper products made with 40-50% recycled materials, our portables reduce fresh water usage by 13mm gallons / day, all United products are made and purchased in the United States, and United encourages and supports the hiring of ex-US Military.

United is also extremely proud of its safety and compliance. United technicians are trained to PSAI standards, United is OSHA compliant, our employees are subject to mandatory background checks and drug screening, we install rear-view cameras on all trucks, and United provides overnight management of ALL events if needed. Costumers will have a service they can trust.

United Site Services is a privately owned site services and solutions company. We are a leader in safety, cleanliness, health and environmental responsibility. United has unlimited capacity to handle your needs from the simple to the most complex events. We have state-of-the-art equipment including portable sanitation, hand wash stations, VIP restroom trailers and more.

We are proud to have over 65,000 customers, over 1,000 service & delivery vehicles, over 140,000 portable restrooms, over 650 restrooms and shower trailers, and over 1,100 employees. We don’t just rent equipment; we deliver unmatched expertise, creating a positive customer experience with consultative end-to-end event support.

6. When you aren’t working, what is a hobby or activity you enjoy?

There are very few days when I am not working, either attending city functions, serving on a board, or working at United. When I am not working, I like to spend time with family and friends. I enjoy sitting with them and just catching up, going to dinner, or going to the movies. It really doesn’t matter what we are doing as long as I am with them and having a great time.