Letter to the Editor: County Clerk Must be Neutral and Independent
Richard DunnThe Los Alamos County Clerk race has drawn very little attention. But it should.
In addition to keeping and providing records, the County Clerk is responsible for ensuring fair elections and fair initiative, referendum and recall petition processes.
The County Clerk, an elected position, is responsible to the New Mexico Secretary of State, not to the County Council.
As such, the County Clerk must be fair and independent of the Council.
Sharon Stover, currently Chair of the County Council, showed a strong Council bias in leading a 2009 ruling (that took a judicial Read More
Letter to the Editor: Local Jobs, Businesses Must Come First
By Stephanie Garcia RichardJobs, jobs, jobs. They are the first words out of every candidate’s mouth this election season, and I am no different.
But how to grow them and keep them for the residents of the many rural communities surrounding high tech centers like Los Alamos is the key question.
Even the residents of Los Alamos wait anxiously for word on whether lab jobs will be cut in a flood of partisan bickering in Washington.
We must diversify our economy so there are alternatives for everyone.
There is no quick, easy answer to the challenge Read More
‘Bless Me Ultima’ Tests Family Bond
Courtesy photo
Movie Review By Kirsten Laskey
“Bless Me Ultima,” which is based on Rudolfo Anaya’s novel, can not simply be viewed and then carelessly forgotten once the credits start rolling down the movie screen.
To truly appreciate and understand this film by Carl Franklin, you have to really sink your teeth into it, chew on its themes and digest its meanings.
The movie focuses on a young boy, Antonio, and his coming-of-age story in 1940s New Mexico.
This story has many, many layers to it. Morality, religion, cultural beliefs and customs, family and nature are some of the topics Antonio’s story Read More
Letter to the Editor: Reject Los Alamos Charter Amendments
By Robert A. PelakLike Albuquerque and Santa Fe, the structure of the government of Los Alamos is defined by a charter that was adopted by its citizens.
Also, like Albuquerque and Santa Fe, this charter allows its citizen to directly participate in their government by means of petitions for initiatives (proposing new ordinances), referenda (rejection of newly passed ordinances) and recall (removing elected officials) as well as amendment of the charter.
If a petition gathers enough signatures within the allotted time period, then the subject of the petition is put to a vote of all Read More
Letter to the Editor: I Voted to Pass Torch to New Generation
By Carl NewtonHow sad that elections for New Mexico House seats have been tarnished by fictionalizing candidate positions and funded by donors that have no cultural connections with our residents.
I am further saddened when my chosen candidate, Stephanie Garcia Richard, is belittled by her opponent.
Don’t be misled into believing that Stephanie lacks the relevant accomplishments.
As a bilingual third grade teacher, subject to externally applied accountability rules, she is focused on developing “the living messengers to a time we will not see.”
Stephanie is able to be a bridge Read More
Letter to the Editor: Rhetoric Makes Charter Changes Sound Draconian
By Fran BertingThe rhetoric regarding the Charter ballot questions on initiative, referendum and recall is making the changes sound positively draconian!
Let’s look at what the most widely challenged changes actually do.
For Initiatives
1) No change in the percentage of voters needed (so not noted in the ballot question) but a change in the basis for the number of signatures required for initiatives from 15 percent of voters in the last general election to 15 percent of the number of voters in the arithmetic mean of the past two general elections. (Election Read More
Letter to the Editor: Crossing the Aisle for Kristin Henderson
By Dr. Michelle and David Carr We are conservative Republicans but we are crossing the aisle next Tuesday to vote for Kristin Henderson for County Council.
Her effort on the Trinity Site Committee and a well-run campaign demonstrate her work ethic.
She understands the needs of families with children and is committed to improving the already great quality of life in Los Alamos.
Because she is a realtor, Kristin has a good understanding of the local housing and real estate market, which is the main limiting factor to business expansion in our town.
Kristin is also an attorney, and understands Read More
