Editor,

Under normal circumstances I would be giving a speech at the beginning of our Los Alamos County Community Development Advisory Board meeting recognizing any outgoing board members and wishing them well. This year, our meeting fell a little too close to Christmas and the decision was made to cancel the meeting to allow board members some extra time to enjoy the holidays without obligation. In lieu of that speech, I am writing this to ensure that Denise Derkacs gets the send-off she deserves.

Denise has been on CDAB since it’s inception in 2018, and has been deeply involved with the entire process that we have been working through. She always accepted research tasks that were quite complicated and involved, and delivered results every time. She was never afraid to speak her mind, and always contributed to the discussions in a meaningful way. Denise is departing CDAB for the County Council, where I’m certain she will bring that same approach to the council. We wish you well, and we look forward to bringing the revised Chapter 18 to you and the rest of council next year.

Aaron Walker
Chair
Community Development Advisory Board