Dennis Munoz

Oct, 21-2009 2:04 pm

Recently appointed Democratic City Councilman Dennis Munoz said he decided to run for office because he simply wants to help out his community.

“I want to help out specifically with public safety,” he said. “I want to get more police officers on the force. I have a few plans that we can do to generate money, and a lot of that can go toward (getting police officers).”

Munoz said the most important issue facing the municipality is related to the population growth.

“We need an increase in population,” he said.

There are projects that the current administration is working on that should bring in ratables, and he wants to continue those initiatives, he said.

“I want to help in any way I can,” he said.

Munoz, 59, has been a resident of the Egg Harbor since 1976.

This is his first experience in holding public office. He also ran in last year's Democratic Party primary against then Atlantic County Sheriff Jim McGettigan.

Munoz served a total of 32 years with the Galloway Township and Atlantic City police departments. He was also a paratrooper and demolition specialist for the United States Army Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets.

“Growing up, I always wanted to jump out of airplanes,” he said.

He is married to wife Carmen, and they have two grown children and three grandchildren.

“No one really has to vote for me,” he said, when asked why people should vote for him. “I’m just another guy running for office.

“I do, however, bring a lot of law enforcement experience. Whether it’s beneficial or not is yet to be seen,” Munoz added. “I do need to get in there and see what they need.”

“Nonetheless, this is my town and it’s a great town,” he said. “I want to do whatever I can to improve it.”