“Tito the Builder” Wants to Run for Office, But Where?

By Kristina Schnack Kotlus

A Dumfries area man describes himself as the “American Dream” political candidate.

Tito the Builder, as he’s known, now hosts his own talk radio program, “America Eres Tu,” and is an active member of the Prince William Republican Committee, according to his website.

Two weeks ago, Munoz launched a political action committee, Tito PAC, to raise money for a possible run for state office.

Munoz, a contractor, became something of a local celebrity after he was recognized during a campaign rally for 2008 Republican hopeful John McCain, at the Prince William County Government Center.

“2011 is crucial for Virginia”, said Munoz,” I’ll concentrate on Virginia: jobs, regulations of small business, and opportunities for more Americans to develop the economy.”

Munoz also wants to address the number one hot-button issue for Northern Virginia residents: traffic.

“I have firsthand knowledge of what it takes to build a road…how to make it work smoothly” Munoz explained, saying his skills as a contractor gives him advantage over other politicians when it comes to deciding what types and where transportation infrastructure should be built.

Munoz is also concerned with the prices Virginians are paying at the pump, especially the pain felt at the pump for small business owners, and has suggested drilling for oil off of Virginia’s coastline.

On the slumped economy, Munoz small businesses should be empowered and suggests eliminating superfluous paperwork necessary to establish a small business.

Governor Robert F. McDonnell seemed to agree when last year he enhanced the Virginia Business One Stop program, launched in 2009.

In the realm of education, Munoz looks to his Colombian roots for inspiration.  “I come from a family of teachers. In Columbia the system is different.  I could choose any public school I wanted to attend as long as my grades and conduct were acceptable,” said Munoz.

As political districts lie now, Munoz would have the option of vying for the Republican nomination for the Virginia House of Delegates 52nd District seat, now currently held by Democrat Luke Torian.

Munoz, like other republican’s, has expressed interest in what would be a newly shifted House district that would encompass portions of North Stafford, Quantico and Woodbridge. That district, known as the 2nd District, would be shifted from Southwest Virginia to the Potomac Communities after population declined there over the past 10 years.

Virginia’s redistricting plans are still being finalized in the Senate and House of Delegates, and Gov. McDonnell will have the final approval.