Council Incumbent Denise Derkacs
Staff Report:
Democrat Denise Derkacs is running for re-election for her seat on Los Alamos County Council. She recently answered questions from the Los Alamos Daily Post about the local election.
This is part of a series of Q&As with political candidates that the Post will publish ahead of the June 4 Primary Election.
Post: How long have you lived in Los Alamos?
Derkacs: 42 years. Born and raised in New Jersey, my husband Dennis and I have lived in 10 states and settled in New Mexico in June 1982. We raised our three sons in Los Alamos County and chose to stay here in retirement.
Post: Where do you work?
Derkacs: I am retired from Los Alamos National Laboratory, after 20 years of employment, where I served as chief of staff to senior-level management. I previously worked as a technical writer and as a journalist at newspapers in Texas, Iowa and Hawaii. I have an M.A. in Organizational Communication from the University of New Mexico and a B.A. in Journalism from Rutgers University.
Post: Why are you running for a second term on County Council?
Derkacs: During my term on Council, the County has made progress in housing development, downtown revitalization, and community services, but there is more work to be done in these critical areas. I hope to be able to continue to work on behalf of constituents to plan for growth and embrace the future while preserving the past and the amenities that make Los Alamos County a great place to live.
Post: County Council requires a significant time commitment, usually three council meetings a month, committee meetings and other events as well as reading preparation prior to those meetings. How do you feel you have successfully fit this in with your other commitments?
Derkacs: Councilors receive the weekly tickler with topics for the next two months of meetings, and we can begin gathering information on the upcoming topics. Councilors receive the full agenda packet the Friday before the Tuesday meeting, like the general public, and then our preparation really begins – reading all the attachments, contacting staff with questions, and reaching out for public input. Serving as liaison to boards and commissions, and as Chair, advocating on behalf of the County with state and federal officials adds to our workload. Serving on Council does require a significant time commitment, but I’ve been able to manage my calendar to allow adequate time for Council matters. I’ve even been able to log in remotely to Council meetings when on travel out of state and out of county.
Post: Based on your experience serving on council, what do you believe is the role of the Council in our community?
Derkacs: County Councilors are public servants. Councilors serve dual roles as policy-makers and as representatives of our constituents. Council responsibilities and authorities derive from the New Mexico State Constitution and the Los Alamos County Charter. The Council has appointive, administrative, and regulatory authorities, including adopting an annual budget, approving tax levies, and enacting ordinances to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of the community. As public servants, Councilors are expected to understand and represent the best interests of our constituents and to engage the public in all policy decisions.
Post: Do you think you have any personal or professional relationships that could become a conflict of interest while serving a second term as a Council member?
Derkacs: None
Post: Based on your experience serving on council, what is your approach to handling controversial and complicated issues?
Derkacs: As public servants, Councilors are expected to follow a principle-based approach to informed decision-making. For me, this involves gathering as much information about an issue as possible, proactively engaging with constituents with differing opinions, considering all the facts and anticipating possible consequences of a decision, being open to all options and solutions, and working collegially with fellow Councilors even when we disagree on issues.
Post: What skills and experience have you gained on council to benefit you in a second term?
Derkacs: I am serving in my fourth year on Council and my second year as Council Chair. I have gained a full understanding of Council procedures and authorities and in-depth knowledge of County operations and challenges. I have learned the complexities of the County budget and recognize the importance of fiscal responsibility. I have worked diligently with my fellow Councilors on strategic planning to establish County priorities and develop tools to track County performance. I am conscious of my role as a public servant and am accountable to my constituents for my decisions.
Post: What previous community involvement have you had in Los Alamos or another community?
Derkacs: Prior to my election to Council, I served as a volunteer on the Community Development Advisory Board for almost two years. I previously volunteered as team parent and coordinator when my sons participated in youth athletic activities – soccer, track, cross country. I also volunteered in the public schools when my sons were in elementary grades.
Post: Based on your time in County government, what do you see as the top priorities?
Derkacs: I fully support Council’s five strategic goals of quality governance, operational excellence, economic vitality, quality of life, and environmental stewardship. I continue to recognize three critical focus areas for the county in the immediate future — housing development, downtown revitalization, and community services — to support growth and preserve quality of life.
The 2019 Housing Market Needs Analysis identified the need for some 1700 additional housing units, particularly low- and middle-income housing, for rent and/or for ownership. Ten housing projects are currently in various stages of planning and development. I support the revised Development Code, updates to the Affordable Housing Plan, and ongoing county efforts to explore all housing options and all possible building sites to meet community needs.
I believe that downtown revitalization, in Los Alamos and in White Rock, is essential for a thriving community. I support the establishment of Metropolitan Redevelopment Areas and county policies and processes that facilitate small business development and sustainability to attract and expand employment, shopping, and social activities necessary for a growing population and a well-rounded community.
I also support enhanced community services that contribute to the quality of life in the county that residents value and want to preserve. These services include maintenance and upgrades to county infrastructure, utilities, broadband, public transportation, parks and recreational facilities, trails and open spaces, and state-funded school facilities.
I welcome input from the community on how to best address these priorities to embrace the future, while preserving the past. I can be reached at denise4countycouncil@gmail.com.
