By LISA SHIN
Chair
Republican Party of Los Alamos

Dear Friends:

It is hard to believe that 2023 is almost over! As I reflect upon my first year as RPLA Chair, I am incredibly grateful for our supporters, donors, and volunteers who have been generous and steadfast throughout the year. RPLA hosted two successful fundraising events, supported local candidates, and had a presence at every summer concert!

A special thanks to our Executive Committee members: Heather Muck, Charlene Hutchison, Gary Stradling, Ken Shelley, Dianne Coane, Bill McKerley, David Reagor, Joshua Muck, Tim Bullock, as well as our Central Committee members.

Congratulations to Sondra Wyman, who was elected to serve on our school board, District 5. I am proud of our school board candidate, Sean Stanfield, for his willingness to serve and for running a positive campaign focused on the issues.

Please mark your calendars for our upcoming RPLA Central Committee meeting and County Convention at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18, at Open Door Bible Church (2101 Trinity Dr. Ste A-2). We will elect local delegates to the Republican Party of NM State Pre-primary Convention, which is March 2, 2024. All registered Republicans are invited to join us!

Our annual Christmas potluck will be 6-8 p.m. this coming Thursday, Dec. 14, at Open Door Bible Church. Bring a friend and your favorite dish to share!

Are you worried about more small business closures? Unfortunately, our local government continues to foster a hostile and intrusive regulatory climate and create more barriers for small business growth. On Dec. 5, our County Council introduced an ordinance to increase minimum wage to $15/hour. The public hearing and vote are tentatively scheduled for the Jan. 30 Council meeting. With the vast majority of our local workforce far above minimum wage, this ordinance will negatively impact those small business owners who cannot afford additional payroll expenses and hurt those it is designed to help. People with less education, skills, and experience may not be able to find a job or have their hours reduced. Forcing a wage mandate increases the cost of living in Los Alamos.

I hear regularly from locals who cannot afford the rising and unsustainable costs of housing, food, utilities, and medications. Please make your voices heard at the Jan. 30 meeting and email our County Council at CountyCouncil@lacnm.us.

I wish you a blessed and joyful Christmas season.

Sincerely,

Lisa Shin

Please contact me at leadership@losalamosgop.com and visit our website at www.losalamosgop.com and our Facebook page at RepublicanPartyofLosAlamos