“I grew up here; we made our home here after college,” Muns told Community Impact Newspaper early May 2. “As a family, we have been committed to serving the community.”
Muns has been part of the city’s planning and zoning board and a trustee for Plano ISD, where his children and grandchildren have been or are students. Muns has also served more than a dozen community groups and foundations. His wife, Joa, has served the community on several boards and committees. John’s father, James, served as the city’s mayor from 1992-96.
“We always call my dad the mayor of Plano,” Muns said. “We always will, but now there will be two of us in the family.”
As the city’s 37th mayor, Muns will replace Harry LaRosiliere, who has been mayor since 2013 and reached the position’s term limit after two consecutive election wins.
Muns defeated Lily Bao and Lydia Ortega in this election. Bao gave up her Place 7 Plano City Council seat to run for mayor, which was the second consecutive mayoral election in which she finished runner-up.
“Yesterday was amazing with just the turnout for a municipal election,” Muns said. “There were 30- to 40-minute waits, and we felt that was a good sign. Some ignore the local elections, but they are very important to us and impact us maybe more than state and federal elections.”
The city of Plano had higher numbers for this election than usual, with more than 20% of registered voters casting a ballot. The ballot featured the mayoral race, city council positions, Plano ISD board spots and a $364 million bond issue that will take on road projects and park improvements.
“I’m excited about the bonds that passed,” Muns said. “It gives us the flexibility to address roads that need updating. We are maturing, and we need to renovate and revitalize some areas of Plano. We want to maintain that quality we all know and love.”
Muns, a general partner with Muns Enterprises Inc., a venture capital and general investment company, said he will focus on bringing the right small, medium and large businesses to the city, along with enhancing parks and other city services.
He said the campaign trail helped him understand the diversity in Plano and vows “to make sure we listen to all the issues our community has and not just a small segment. Our diversity is our strength, and I’m not sure all of our residents feel that. It is important we make all of our community proud to live here.”
Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect the total bond amount approved.
