Muñoz dies at 79

By Bill Donovan
Staff writer

Edward Muñoz Sr.

GALLUP — Edward Muñoz Sr., one of the most controversial mayors in Gallup history, died Wednesday night. He was 79.

Muñoz served as mayor for 16 years in a career that started in 1958 and ended in 1991. He also served one term on the McKinley County Commission from 1960 to 1962.

At a press conference on Thursday morning, Mayor Bob Rosebrough talked about the legacy that Muñoz left Gallup during his years in office.

This includes the "March to Santa Fe" in 1989 that made state politicians aware of the alcohol problem in Gallup and convinced them to provide seed money to start addressing the problem.

It was during Muñoz's term that drive-up liquor windows in Gallup were closed, the liquor excise tax was established and the Nanizhoozhi Center became a reality.

Before Muñoz, said Rosebrough, those who were picked up for being drunk were put in the city's drunk tank, often on top of each other. There was no attempt at providing treatment.

No everyone liked Muñoz. During his years in office, he had to fight a recall effort and was successful in keeping his job.

But even that didn't stop him as he continued to pursue his programs to address the alcohol abuse problems the way he thought they needed to be handled.

He was active up until the day he died.

Rosebrough said Muñoz came by city hall on Wednesday to see him and talk to other city officials.

Although he didn't support Rosebrough when he ran three years ago, he and Rosebrough had begun meeting in recent months just to talk politics.

On Tuesday, Rosebrough said, "Muñoz visited briefly with several city employees, shook their hands, asked about their families, their work, etc."

He also came by the mayor's office and was told Rosebrough wasn't in. When he was asked if someone else could help him, he replied "No, it was nothing important, just wanted to stop by and say hello."

Funeral sevices are pending. Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.