Ricardo Munoz

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Ricardo Munoz

b. January 30, 1965

Chicago, 22nd Ward Alderman (1993-)
Chicago, 22nd Ward Democratic Committeeman (1994-)

22nd Ward Map

1 Clout and Influence
2 Employment and Electoral History
3 Education
4 Important Political Events
5 Sources

Clout and Influence

Born in Monterey, Mexico, Alderman Ricardo Munoz was appointed by Mayor Richard M. Daley in 1993 to replace Jesus Garcia, who was elected to the State Senate in 1992. In 2007 he prepared to run for Illinois’ 4th U.S. Congressional District, but ultimately dropped out when the current Representative, Luis Gutierrez, did not retire as anticipated.

One of the leading "Independent" Aldermen of the City Council, Munoz has often been at odds with both Mayor Daley and the Daley-allied, Hispanic Democratic Organization (HDO). On a "clout list," a directory of 5,743 people referred for city jobs by political or union sponsors released by federal prosecutors in June 2007, Munoz’ name was one of a few at the bottom of the list. Munoz was cited as having requested no city jobs for applicants nor received any.

Munoz was one of the leading proponents of the Big Box Living Wage Ordinance, to oppose siting a Wal-Mart within the city limits. Although the Ordinance was ultimately overturned by a mayoral veto, the effort cemented Munoz' political ties with the Chicago's labor unions. Despite The Big Box Ordinance's failure, the Service Employees Industry Union (SEIU) donated $32,000 to Munoz’ 2007 re-election campaign.

Munoz’ father, Ellias Munoz pleaded guilty to snapping photos used to make up fake IDs for illegal immigrants[1]. Ald. Munoz claims he is estranged from his father and stated that, “adults need to be held accountable for what they do.”

Munoz has been a vocal critic relating to the lack of transparency regarding Chicago police brutality and police misconduct. “If people are going to begin to trust the Police Department again, we need to eliminate rogue officers from the force,” Munoz said. “The way to do that begins with transparency. ”