Letters to the Editor

By JENNIFER LEFFLER
Los Alamos

In the vibrant tapestry of our community, few threads shine as brightly as that of Mrs. Beverly Neal-Clinton. As she seeks the esteemed position of county councilwoman, it is with great enthusiasm that I offer this character reference. From the moment I met her, she embodied grace and determination—qualities that resonate deeply in her vision for our county. The first to welcome me to Los Alamos, Mrs. Neal-Clinton and her husband, Vaughn, offered not just lunch, but a genuine sense of belonging that spoke volumes of her character and commitment to others.

This Read More

By RICHARD MAH
Los Alamos

My name is Richard Mah. I retired from Los Alamos National Laboratory as an Associate Laboratory Director under University of California management. I also served as the Acquisition Manager for the successful bid by Los Alamos National Security, LLC, which included UC, to assume management of the Laboratory contract in 2006.

Denise Derkacs was my Chief of Staff at the Laboratory during my time as Associate Laboratory Director, and before that as Division Leader and as Group Leader. She also worked with me on the successful LANS proposal. She was always knowledgeable, Read More

By Chuck McCullough
Los Alamos

I am excited about the future of UNM-LA. The college, which has been in the community in one form or another since the 1940s, is at a pivotal moment. Already an excellent option for high school graduates and returning students who are looking for a solid post-secondary educational experience, UNM-LA is poised to undertake substantial upgrades to infrastructure which will make it an even more attractive academic presence in our community.

UNM-LA is a perfect fit for our community. Whether students are looking for a way to enter the workforce as soon as possible or Read More

By MORRIS B PONGRATZ
Former County Councilor

In September of 2020 I wrote a letter urging folks to vote for Denise Derkacs for County Council. I wrote that Denise would focus on three concerns:

• • • • • Additional housing, especially for low- and middle-income households;
        • Commercial sustainability that enables small businesses to thrive; and
        • Community services that support growth and preserve our quality of life.

Let’s look at the record:

• A drive down DP road will demonstrate that we now have additional housing for low- and middle-income households.
• In January 2021, the county had $63.4 million

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By Dr. James Foley
White Rock

I am very Happy to endorse Beverly Neal-Clinton for Los Alamos County Councilor. I have known Beverly professionally and personally for over a decade. I believe she is an excellent candidate for the position, because she has impeccable judgement, character and ability to effectively listen. Moreover, she has a variety of real-world work experience that is applicable to issues that the Council is likely to face.

Knowing Beverly as I do, I believe she will do what is right for the people of Los Alamos County no matter what the situation is. I say that as a life-long independent Read More

By NANCY BOUDRIE
Los Alamos

I would like to introduce you to Beverly Neal-Clinton if you have not heard of her. I hope you will take time to meet her. Beverly is running for Los Alamos County Council. I worked with Beverly when I was X Division Director’s Executive Administrator. Beverly was X Division Deputy Director’s Executive Administrator.

I was impressed by Beverly’s ability to honestly communicate with various personnel, skills as a bulleted problem solver, intelligence, ability to deal with difficult situations without it affecting her focus. We worked long hours under difficult Read More

By DEBRA OLIVER
Common Ground Mediation

To Whom It May Concern,

How fortunate are the voters of Los Alamos to have the opportunity to cast their vote to elect Beverly Neal-Clinton for county councilwoman.

Beverly embodies a rare fusion of genius, creative problem-solving, tireless vigor, big-hardheartedness, good humor and grace. She has excelled at everything she has put her hand to, as wife, mother, small business owner, entrepreneur and cheerleader to the success of everyone around her.

And as a former US Marine, Beverly Neal-Clinton is a strong and most capable defender of our community’s Read More

By Scott Baird and Kate Kudynska
Wolf and Mermaid

When Kate and I heard that Ryn Herrmann was retiring from the Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce, you cannot believe our despair. As anyone who knows Ryn knows, she is a canister of energy, a spark plug that creates opportunity, and an experienced mind that envisions unique solutions to multidimensional problems. So, when we heard that she was running for a seat on the Los Alamos County Council, we were thrilled!

Ryn is a brilliant candidate for a County Council seat. She is not a person that watches things happen, she makes things happen. She is not content Read More

By PETR JANDACEK
Retired LAPS Art Teacher
White Rock

For over a half century I have admired the acoustic marvels of the cliffs north of Highway 4 in White Rock.

It probably had not escaped the notice of the residents of “The Happiest Little Town in America” that when the fire crews of the White Rock Fire Station test their horns and sirens —the “echo amphitheaters” project the sounds to the far reaches of Pajarito Acres and Tewa Lands to the east. Merchants at Pig + Fig Café, Hampton Inn, Smith’s, Metzger’s and the Tewa  Market and everybody else should benefit from the wonderful “Joyful Noise” gifted Read More

By DONNA MACDONALD
Los Alamos

In a wealthy and highly educated town like ours, it is gravely disappointing that we don’t have a robust small business community essential for the quality of life. People would spend money here if they had choices for shopping and dining. Instead, we have a record number of business closures, empty storefronts, and fewer choices than we had 4 years ago. Look at all the businesses we have lost! Many entrepreneurs would not take the risk of opening a business here and go through the nightmare of dealing with Los Alamos County.

With Columbus Capital’s purchase of Read More