Valentino announces run for Bowie County judge
TEXARKANA, Texas — Author and publisher Armani Valentino has filed as a candidate for Bowie County judge.
“After living in other states and other counties in Texas, I believe I have some fresh ideas to attract businesses and much needed jobs to make Bowie County a more prosperous county for all residents,” Valentino, 39, a Texarkana resident since 1991, said in a statement.
Valentino holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Arkansas at
Pine Bluff. The CEO, publisher and director of marketing at College Boy Publishing, he has written 12 books and published more than 40 titles by other authors, according to the statement.
In 2018, he was named one of Four States Living magazine’s “Fabulous 40 and Under,” and in 2019 he received a Business and Economics Award from the Greater Texarkana Chapter of the NAACP.
Valentino cites his recent work in Texarkana’s Rose Hill neighborhood purchasing and revitalizing properties formerly used in illegal activity including drug use and sale.
His stated goal is “to continue to inspire other young people to take a more active role in their community through revitalization and entrepreneurial efforts.”
Valentino said if elected his five focuses as county judge would be fiscal responsibility and “finding creative ways” to increase revenue without raising taxes; attracting new business, industry and good-paying jobs; making sure all citizens feel safe; improving citizens’ health and access to quality health care; and improving county roads.
“A voting community is an informed community, and an informed community is vibrant, problem conscious yet solution focused, and growth centered in a positive way for all citizens regardless of party, race, gender, religion, or socio-economic status,” he stated.
According to an author profile on amazon.com, Valentino was born Armani
Valentino Moss. Books he has authored include “If You Want to Lose Weight Don’t Listen to Your Fat Friends” and “10 Women All Men Should Run From: Which One Are You?”
He is the only Democrat to file as a candidate for county judge in the party’s primary election, to be held March 3, 2020. Incumbent Bobby L. Howell was the only candidate to file as a candidate for the seat in the Republican primary.
The general election will take place Nov. 3, 2020.