County Council candidate Ryn Herrmann
Staff Report:
Democrat Ryn Herrmann is running for a seat on the 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?
Herrmann: My family and I have lived in Los Alamos for 27 years.
Post: Where do you work?
Herrmann:I am the Director of the Chamber of Commerce in Los Alamos but will be retiring from that position in August after spending 10 years with Los Alamos Commerce and Development Corporation (LACDC).
Post: Why are you running for County Council?
Herrmann: I will be retiring from the Chamber this summer and would like to continue to serve Los Alamos as a County Council member. My experience working with our small business community makes me uniquely qualified to understand the challenges our small businesses face. My 27 years as a resident here make me want to improve the community and make it a better place to live for all residents.
Post: County Council requires a significant time commitment, usually 4 council meetings a month, committee meetings and other events as well as reading preparation prior to those meetings. How will this fit in with your other commitments?
Herrmann: Once retired, my commitments will consist of my family, friends and to the Bradbury Science Museum Association, which I have been engaged with for 8 years. I will have time to dedicate to serving as a member of the County Council.
Post: What do you believe is the role of the Council in our community?
Herrmann: The role of the County Council is to govern by making responsible decisions for the community. The role of a Council Member is to engage with the residents of Los Alamos, listen, and then represent them when making educated decisions to make Los Alamos a stronger community and better place to live.
Post: Do you think you have any personal or professional relationships that could become a conflict of interest while serving as a Council member?
Herrmann: No. As the Director of the Chamber of Commerce, I have developed personal and professional relationships throughout the county. Once retired, I see this network as an advantage I would bring to the role of Council member.
Post: What is your approach to handling controversial and complicated issues?
Herrmann: My approach is to gather information, speak to involved parties, conduct collaborative analysis and make the best decision in the interest of the community.
Post: What skills and experience do you have that you believe would be beneficial to the position?
Herrmann: As Director of the Chamber of Commerce, my job keeps me very engaged in the community. As part of LACDC, I also previously served as the Communications Director, the Creative District Curator and have assisted with planning and executing countless community events. I earned a BA in Business from Gonzaga University. I have extensive experience engaging with the County, LANL and partners throughout the community.
Post: What previous community involvement have you had in Los Alamos or another community?
Herrmann: I served on the Los Alamos County Lodger’s Tax Advisory Board for 6 years. I have been part of the Bradbury Science Museum Association (BSMA) Board for 8 years, having served as a Past President and currently serving as the Secretary. I started the Gadgets Museum Gift Shop inside the Bradbury as my project for the Leadership Los Alamos program in 2016. Since then, proceeds from the shop have allowed thousands of students from around northern New Mexico to visit the science museum on field trips funded by the BSMA. I was a Girl Scout Leader for 13 years. I have volunteered as a host of the Friday Night Summer Concerts for 4 years. I have led the Los Alamos Business Accelerator program for 3 years, helping many entrepreneurs launch successful local businesses. Last year I received the 2023 Leadership Los Alamos Distinguished Leader Award. I have also been a finalist for a New Mexico Hospitality Association Top Hat Award, for my contributions to local tourism. Most importantly, my husband Hans & I raised our 3 children here, engaging in the Los Alamos Public Schools, as well as countless activities, sports, and programs that our children were a part of.
Post: Based on what you know about County government, what do you see as the top priorities?
Herrmann: According to the 2023 Strategic Leadership Plan of Los Alamos County, our top priorities are quality governance, operational excellence, economic vitality, quality of life, and environmental stewardship. I am particularly interested in the economic vitality of Los Alamos. I will focus on our small business community and revitalizing the downtowns in both Los Alamos and White Rock. Los Alamos County should be a leader in sustainability in New Mexico and I will support the work our County is doing to move towards this. My other priority is the quality of life in Los Alamos. There are many topics to focus on here: our housing shortage, the well-being and education of our children, diversity, equity and inclusivity of all residents, our educational, historical, and cultural amenities, our open spaces and recreation, and the mobility and public safety of our residents are all top of the list for me.
