By STEVE PRISAMENT
Staff Writer

GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP – Dennis Munoz issued a challenge Sunday, May 4 for Sheriff Jim McGettigan to debate him.
Munoz of Egg Harbor City, a 28-year veteran of the Atlantic City Police Department, is challenging McGettigan in the June 3 primary to be the Democratic candidate for sheriff in November.

He called on the sheriff to debate “anytime or anyplace in Atlantic County allowing the voters to hear both candidates, and discuss the campaign issues.”

McGettigan, who lives in Somers Point, said Tuesday, May 6 that such a debate is already scheduled, for Thursday, May 15 at the Pleasantville Middle School.

Contacted later Tuesday, Munoz said he was aware of the May 15 debate and he planned to attend.

“That is part of a candidates’ night sponsored by the NAACP,” Munoz said. “I’m not happy with that forum for our debate.”

As an alternative, he offered to debate McGettigan during a scheduled appearance on Harry Hurley’s radio show from 7:30 to 8 a.m. this Thursday, May 8. Hurley has been a vocal critic of the sheriff.

“It has been over a week since I sent the sheriff a letter, by registered mail and by regular mail, requesting a series of debates and I have not heard back from him,” Munoz said. “I can't emphasize enough the importance to offer the voters every opportunity to hear us openly discuss the issues that are so vital to all residents and taxpayers of Atlantic County.”

He called the sheriff elusive, a charge McGettigan denied.

“I saw him yesterday at Hope Project VI in Pleasantville,” McGettigan said. “He can call my office. And he probably has my home number from the PBA list – I spent 15 years on the Atlantic City Police Department.”