Ald. Ricardo Munoz, who has represented Chicago’s 22nd Ward since 1993, announced Monday he will not run for re-election this February, citing a desire to try something new and perhaps “make some real money.”
“I don’t suffer from founder-itis, or incumbent-itis, like some guys in politics, like [Ald. Ed] Burke, that want to be there forever,” Munoz told Carol Marin on Monday during an NBC 5 interview. “I want to write a next chapter of my life in public service. I’ll do some good in the neighborhood and just move on.”
In January, Munoz pushed for an investigation of Ald. Ed Burke after the longtime alderman derailed property tax increases on two buildings owned by his law firm’s clients. Burke was later cleared of wrongdoing by the City Council’s Board of Ethics.
The 22nd Ward incorporates parts of the West Side neighborhoods South Lawndale, Little Village and Archer Heights.
While describing his 25-year aldermanic career, Munoz cited the addition of new schools and libraries to his ward, but conceded to Marin that “being an alderman does limit your income, if you want to be honest.”
“Being a freelancer does give me the opportunity to make some real money,” he added.
Munoz said he will serve out his term as alderman through May 2019. He said his future plans may include working on the development of Saint Anthony hospital in Little Village, joining J.B. Prizker if he wins the gubernatorial race or getting involved in a leadership training nonprofit.
“I've got options," Munoz told Marin. “And all these options are organic, I haven't been looking.”
Follow Evan Garcia on Twitter: @EvanRGarcia
Related stories:
Ald. Pawar Drives Initiative to Test Universal Basic Income in Chicago
Aldermen on Obama Center, Police Academy and FOP Contract
Commercial Property Tax Assessments Spark City Council Fight