By LISA SHIN
Chair, Republican Party of Los Alamos

July 30, 2025

Dear Friends:

RPLA will have a table at the County Fair on Friday, Aug. 1, and Saturday, Aug. 2. Please come by and say hello!

Mark your calendars for our next Central Committee meeting at 6 p.m., Aug. 21, at Open Door. All registered Republicans are invited to attend.

Two local issues:

1. As a small business owner, I am aghast that our County blew $13 million on “economic development” with very little to show for it. We still have many empty storefronts and local businesses struggling to keep their doors open. Building a canyon rim trail, more expensive retail space and new housing are touted as solutions for a “vibrant downtown.” This ignores the fact that we actually had many more options for dining and shopping just a decade ago. What happened and why? Practical, low-cost, and effective proposals have been dismissed.

   On July 1, 2025, Los Alamos County’s Elias Isaacson wrote a letter of strong support to Columbus Capital. He warned of the “chilling” impact of the Construction Defect Law. What if every small business owner were to receive such a letter from our County?

   “Dear Small Business Owner, the County is committed to the success of our local entrepreneurs. Here are the issues and legislation that could negatively impact your business. We would like to meet with you to find solutions to these barriers….” I have never received such a letter!

   Yesterday, our County promised to give 20th Street Developers $3.6M for “public improvements.” Both definitively prove what James Wernicke said recently: “Los Alamos County remains more interested in courting large, out-of-town developers than in supporting the businesses that are already here.”

2. Every parent, student, and taxpayer in Los Alamos County should be concerned about the dismal 58% math proficiency scores for LAPS. For 11th grade, math proficiency dropped from 45% to 38% in 2025. This reflects a national and statewide trend and is unacceptable.

   The question is, “What are we going to do about it?”

I am thrilled to announce that Senator Anthony Thornton will be the honored guest speaker for our silent auction fundraiser on Oct. 18!

This will be a special evening to remember at Fiori E Sale. We need items, new and in good condition, for our silent auction. Tickets are $20/person and will be available soon.

See you soon,

Lisa Shin, RPLA Chair
chair@losalamosgop.com
www.losalamosgop.com
505.310.3254
Facebook: @RepublicanPartyofLosAlamos