BY JOE GRANVILLE
Democratic Candidate for
Los Alamos County Council
I’m Joe Granville, Democrat, announcing my candidacy for one of the four contested spots on the Los Alamos County Council. Early voting begins May 5 The Primary election day is Tuesday June 2.
Los Alamos is well served in this primary – every Democratic candidate in this race is qualified and capable. What I’d like to share is where I think my experience and perspective differentiate me from my fellow candidates.
My early working career was in construction: roofing, framing, drywall, painting and flooring. I know what it is to work hard physical labor, for low pay, and no benefits. I wouldn’t have been able to afford to live in a place like Los Alamos today with comparable wages. I support housing, and the economic benefits that come with it, that makes it possible for those who work here to live here.
I worked for more than 20 years in the transportation industry first as a driver logging over 1.5 million miles. Then as an operations manager for a Dallas area delivery company, managing both company and independent drivers. I finished my transportation career as founder and CEO of High Desert Delivery in Santa Fe. Two things I learned over those years: First, the cause of most accidents is either a lack of experience or a lack of attention. The second thing I learned is that having driven 1.5 million miles I can’t wait for autonomous vehicles!
I returned to design and construction in my 50s receiving an associate’s degree in interior design at the tender age of 51. Bright eyed and full of middle-aged optimism I was thrilled to be offered a position right out of college as a design associate for a Santa Fe remodeling company. I have had the honor of designing several kitchens and bathrooms for customers in Los Alamos. Most recently I worked in commercial and residential solar as a technical sales advisor at Positive Energy Solar. My experience working with architects, project managers and builders is the skill set we need to efficiently build the housing we need.
Another thing that differentiates me as a candidate is my perspective. I’m of an age where many of my contemporaries are planning for retirement. But my home is a place where my son’s middle school friends play Dungeons and Dragons, and their parents are our closest friends. Regularly interacting with folks across a range of ages has given me insight into what is important to people at different stages of life.
I have found great purpose in serving our community. I have been a member of the Boards of Little Forest and the Family Council. I served as Los Alamos County Sheriff from 2019 through 2022. I am currently volunteering in Ms. Montoya’s kindergarten class at McCurdy Charter School. It brings me great joy to be regularly asked if I will be staying for snack time.
Issues:
Our County is facing a documented housing shortfall of over 2000 units. As a County Councilor, I will work to expedite the building of new homes – homes that people actually want to live in. Prefab modular housing supports the counties Climate Action Plan by offering energy efficient homes that require minimal skilled labor, lower onsite waste, lower maintenance and utility costs.
Our transit system is free to ride! So why do buses often run empty? Summer students flood Los Alamos in the summertime. Some rely on public transit to get to work Monday through Friday, but what transportation is available on Saturdays when students need to buy groceries? These are the types of logistical questions my background in transportation makes me uniquely qualified to address.
As County Councilor, every proposal I consider should match a real demonstrated need in our community, should be designed in a way that respects Los Alamos’s character, and should move us measurably toward our Climate Action Plan targets of 30% GHG reduction by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050.
If this resonates with you, I would like to ask the favor of your vote.
Thank you,
Joe Granville
joegranville@outlook.com