By SHARON STOVERRepublican Candidate
Dist. 43 House of Representatives
After much thought and reflection and with the encouragement of family and friends, I have decided to run for election to the New Mexico House of Representatives from District 43. I do so knowing my family and I have been blessed to live in this culturally rich and diverse state, and have appreciated the opportunities and experiences we’ve had in Northern New Mexico.
I would be truly honored to have the privilege of working on behalf of the people of District 43 and our region in the New Mexico State Legislature.
As the presiding President of the New Mexico Association of Counties, I’ve had a chance to travel around New Mexico and talk to citizens about their concerns. By mid-May, I will have personally met with each of New Mexico’s 33 county commissions. It’s been an empowering experience, and I have learned a lot about the issues and challenges facing local communities throughout New Mexico.
New Mexico is at a crossroads with many challenges ahead. Economic growth is occurring in neighboring states like Colorado and Texas but not in New Mexico. Our state’s road infrastructure is aging and needs attention. Health care costs are rising and straining New Mexico’s scarce resources. Parents are concerned as to whether their children will receive a first-class education to prepare them for future success.
These issues are complex and will require collaborative solutions. I believe my demonstrated record of experience and results can help the state move forward and confront these challenges.
My roots in Northern New Mexico run deep. I was born and raised in the Pojoaque Valley and have lived in Los Alamos for the past 33 years. I have been very active in the community having served almost nine years on the Los Alamos County Council and the past three years as Los Alamos County Clerk.
Tackling problems is my strength and history. Whether it’s starting a crossing guard program at Piñon Elementary School, helping the YMCA set up a teen center in Española, or developing local juvenile justice programs, people across the region know they can count on me to get things done.
As a Los Alamos County Councilor, I worked to bring the communities surrounding Los Alamos National Laboratory together in establishing the Regional Coalition of LANL Communities, ensuring that local governments have a powerful voice to communicate concerns to federal policy makers.
I was the Council Vice Chair during the Cerro Grande Fire and Council Chair during the Las Conchas Fire. I worked with officials in many different branches of government to help coordinate the emergency responses to those fires as well as the complex post-fire recovery efforts. I’ve been tested in times of crisis, and I’m ready to bring that experience to the New Mexico State Legislature.
I treasure the relationships I have developed in Northern New Mexico, and I will build on those relationships to identify and develop solutions. I am committed to improving the opportunities available to all New Mexicans. By working together, I know we can overcome our current challenges and make our state an even better place to live for our families, for our kids and for generations to come.
Editor’s Note: Columns on each of the candidates running in the June Primary Election will be featured in the Los Alamos Daily Post print edition and online during the next few weeks.
