BY MORRIS B. PONGRATZ
Former County Councilor
Los Alamos

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 in taxable retail sales. In May 2024, we had $116.7 million in taxable retail sales, nearly doubling the 2021 numbers!

 The Social Services Department of Community Services provides contractual support to a number of my favorite agencies – the Senior Center, DWI Prevention, Family Strengths Network, the Youth Activity Centers, Los Alamos JJAB, and the Teen Center. Contractual services for these agencies grew from $4.9 million in 2021 to $8.625 million in the FY 2025 budget!

Clearly, the record shows that Denise can and will keep her promises!

Again, please join me in voting for Denise Derkacs for County Council.