‘Take-Charge Lady’ Elected Chairman of Democratic Panel

Portraying herself as a “take-charge lady” with the “energy and commitment” needed to strengthen the local Democratic Party, Irma Munoz was elected chairman of the San Diego County Democratic Central Committee Monday night.

Munoz, 34 and chief of staff for Assemblyman Pete Chacon (D-San Diego), said that increasing Democratic voter registration throughout San Diego County will be the top priority during her two-year term. The local Republican Party recently surpassed the Democrats in registration within the City of San Diego for the first time.

“I am tired of hearing about who we are and what we don’t do,” Munoz told central committee members. “I’m not a miracle worker. I’m going to need your help.”

Munoz was elected over three rivals--computer consultant David Guthrie, party activist Kathleen Harmon and community activist and frequent candidate Mary Christian-Heising--at a central committee meeting at the San Diego County Courthouse. Munoz received a majority of the approximately 40 central committee members at the meeting on the first ballot. Specific vote totals were not announced.

Her other major immediate goals, Munoz explained, include improving the committee’s relationship with local Democratic elected officials, developing a strong countywide precinct organization and enhancing the party’s fund-raising capabilities. In an effort to put the party on firmer financial footing, Munoz has suggested hiring a full-time executive director whose primary responsibility would be fund-raising.

“My boss calls me his ‘take-charge lady,’ ” Munoz said. “When I decide what I want to do, I do it. . . . But nobody is going to give us a dime until we know who we are and what we’re about. Voter registration and electing candidates . . . are our major jobs.”

Munoz’s job as Chacon’s top aide, a position that has allowed her to establish good working relationships with other local elected officials, was an asset in her campaign for the chairmanship. Before Monday night’s balloting, several central committee members said they hoped that Munoz would be able to heal recent rifts between Democratic officeholders and the central committee.