BY JAMES WERNICKE
Libertarian Candidate For County Council

It’s Election Day—an opportunity for you to make Los Alamos a better place simply by showing up and filling in some bubbles. This year, we saw major changes in County leadership. We saw national attention on our housing and traffic safety issues. While it may not seem like it, people within our community, local government, and lab are actually working on solutions to these problems. All we need is the political will to pursue them. 

If you desire more than strategic plans, feasibility studies, and the anti-donation clause from your elected leaders—and would rather hear about housing projects underway, businesses staying in business, and safe commutes—then vote for it. Some believe our County Council has no real power—entrenched interests can just stall until the next Council takes office—but with circumstances as they are, a bold, community-minded Council might finally be able to overcome the protectionist stagnation that plagues Los Alamos and replace it with an agenda of cooperation, innovation, and opportunity.

Two years ago, I ran for Council with that vision. As a third-party candidate with limited political connections, I didn’t stand a chance, yet I received 3500 votes, only 1500 short of winning. Though I didn’t win, I didn’t give up. I joined some County boards, and proved I could foster public engagement and transparency in that arena. I learned the importance of coalitions in achieving progress, cultivating trust, coordinating efforts, and taking into account the concerns of all stakeholders.

We vote the same way—for the same parties—and wonder why nothing changes. These past two years prepared me to hit the ground running as a Councilor in 2025 and contend with the status quo. I hope you’ll consider that when you vote today and encourage a friend to do the same. Visit jameswernicke.wordpress.com for more info.