Letters to the Editor

By JOYCE ANDERSON
Los Alamos

Recently it has been reported that New Mexico ranks 49^th in childhood well being in the nation and 50th in educational outcomes. Things are not good in the Land of Enchantment.

Even Los Alamos Public Schools has struggled over the last 19 months of COVID shutdowns, crisis schooling, and in trying to return to normal. My own children have slipped significantly since March 2020 and struggle every day to re-learn, learn and remember their lessons. We have so much work to do to in our families and our schools to get our kids caught up and recovered from the COVID disruption. Read More

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By ZHEN HUANG
Los Alamos

Presumably, LANL Management launched the mandatory vaccination policy for a better health LANL workforce via increasing “vaccination rate”.

As we can see, LANL Director Mason felt it an “encouraging” accomplishment, because the policy has forced about 1,000 LANLers to get vaccinated.

Unfortunately, such goodwill could not, would not lead to positive outcomes, simply because the LANL Management has overlooked a basic scientific issue, that is, “vaccination rate” does not equal to “vaccination efficacy”.

Director Mason also recognized that it was “difficult” Read More

By JOYCE BARKER
Los Alamos

How is it possible to approve religious exemptions to the vaccine mandate, that are almost unprovable, and continue their employment but without pay … and yet, if you have sincere medical concerns about the vaccine and don’t get the exemption because the gods that be at the Lab rule against you, you are terminated.

Are we really putting religious belief exemptions to the test by telling the employees they can keep their job but not get paid? And, if you have medical concerns, you are not following the science, therefore, you lose your job completely if you are not Read More

By LISABETH LUENINGHOENER
Los Alamos

I want Los Alamos Public Schools to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all of its students. That means allowing our students to thrive in in-person school without the fear of being exposed to COVID and bringing that home to vulnerable family members.

It also means fostering an environment where they are allowed to thrive because they are safe, both physically and emotionally. Melanie Colgan is the candidate in my district that I know will work towards these goals.

As a nurse (RN, MSN) Melanie has worked hard to use her knowledge to keep our schools Read More

By DON LEPSCH
(80 years young with wisdom)
Los Alamos

I think it is wonderful what the LANL Director did by mandating COVID vaccines for all employees. (link)

You need 5 vaccines to go to kindergarten.

This will protect his workforce. I only hope our school board and our county council will follow his lead.

My 6-year-old grandson is in grave danger, and we cannot yet protect him. This is a community problem and can only be solved by community response.

Please get vaccinated. Read More

By AARON WALKER
White Rock

Last night (9/22) was a travesty of a County Council meeting with so many subjects to tackle. I want to start off with the “Regional Capital Funds Project” discussion. I like to call it the “mattress fund” since council has been squirreling this money away for three years now with no official plan for it.

The plan as presented last night by Councilors Scott and Izraelevitz can only be described as arrogant, self-serving (to the county), and an attempt at legacy building. The council is attempting to set up a fund for regional communities that are being shortchanged on GRT. Read More

By HEATHER WHITNEY
Los Alamos

Is it ever ok to vandalize someone’s property? Is it ever ok to bully or name call? Is this how you create a safe space?

Los Alamos the answer is NO.

I am ashamed of people in this town over what is going on. I understand politics are a hot button issue for most but please act like adults and set a good example for the next generation.

If you do not agree with everything someone says, then scroll past it and move on with your life. Don’t vote for them. If you feel so strongly about issues run for office yourself. It takes a lot of courage to stand up and speak out for what you believe, Read More

By L. NELSON
Los Alamos

Citizen’s petitions have been circulating, or have been filed, in 23 of New Mexico’s 33 counties (including Los Alamos County) to convene a grand jury to investigate Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham for the crimes of Malfeasance in Office, Violation of Oath of Office and Maladministration associated with the manner in which she has handled the pandemic and health orders.

Malfeasance is when the Governor, in this case, intentionally commits crimes. Misfeasance is when she’s just not doing her job. Violation of oath of office is related to doing things that the Governor is not Read More

By MEGAN ELIZABETH LEE
Educator and Parent 
Los Alamos

 Antonio Jaurigue gets my vote for Chamisa District 2 for LAPS School Board for so many reasons!

As someone who has been in education for over 27 years working as a principal, central office administrator, and teacher, and as a parent in LAPS, I have interacted with many people. Antonio, is superior. Antonio Jaurigue has the enthusiasm, energy, qualifications, a collaborative spirit, and the commitment needed in order to be a highly competent board member.

Antonio is a “doer”. He rolls up his sleeves and helps any chance he can. He is genuine, Read More