Thank you, Los Alamos County, for using your voice and your vote to choose me for continued service as a County Councilor.

It is an honor to be elected to serve alongside new Councilors Suzie Havemann and Theresa Cull and continue serving with Randall Ryti and the current seated Councilors Derkacs, Lepsch, and Reagor. This is a responsibility that I do not take lightly, and I will work to represent you with transparency and boldness as we tackle new challenges and continue to proceed with improvements that make this County such a special place.  I hope to improve communications and gain public trust to accomplish great things including smart town growth, support of our businesses, health care, environmental conservation and protection, recreation, and other attractions for citizens and visitors alike.

I would like to thank my opponents for opening my eyes to so many perspectives regarding Los Alamos County needs and issues. I would also like to thank my volunteers, endorsers, campaign strategists, and those willing to post signs or carry campaign materials. Lastly, I would like to thank my family and friends for their unending support, including my Treasurer Shawn Gooding-Schlafly, my husband David Hand, and Emerge NM who helped me gain more perspective about broader citizen inclusion and representation.

Please continue to reach out to me at my County Council email address melanee.hand@lacnm.us and phone 505-663-1750 or 505-709-8589 with your concerns, comments, and other County business. Let’s move forward, hand-in-hand together, building consensus and finding common ground for our better future.