BY JODY BENSON
Los Alamos

I’m pleased with our County Council. For the most part, they share the community’s values and make decisions based on the science and budget that supports those values.  In this election, we have two new guys who would continue to support a community-centric Council: David Hampton and Steven Lynne.  

Actually, “new guy” doesn’t describe either one. Both are ready to serve Los Alamos because each has been serving for years.  Neither will be surprised at the hours of work involved, not only in Council meetings, but as liaisons to Boards and Committees both local and statewide.   

They each know the responsibility and the limits to their position:  Approve the budget, set policies, oversee the County Manager who is responsible for implementing council policies and managing daily operations, appoint members of the community to serve on Boards, act as liaisons to the Boards, and act as the direct link for residents to voice concerns, request improvements in local infrastructure, and advocate for community needs.*

Steve Lynne worked for us in the County government as Budget Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Administrative Services, Acting County Manager, and finally County Manager.  He knows how the County runs because he has been the one responsible for ensuring it runs.  Budget is both the basic operational tool and a moral document that needs to fund our values.  He will suffer zero confusion about policy, nor shock about costs, when he is presented with requests.  In addition, Steve has negotiated with LANL for years, so no shock there, either, in interacting with the $5-billion gorilla that controls the economy of N.NM.  Yes, this is a much different LANL with its mandate to move fast and break things to get its 30 to 80 pits per year ready to incinerate the planet, but Steve is experienced in dealing with LANL management. 

For David Hampton, the joke is that when he wins, just about every Board in town will have a vacancy—T-Board, UNM-LA, Personnel Board, Arts Council, ESB, previously P&Z and a bunch of other Boards I can’t remember.  It’ll be hard to replace the experience and intelligence that David brings to each of his commitments.  As did Steve, David goes to every Council meeting, usually in person, not Zoom.  He knows the issues.  He has a proven record of stepping up to take on responsibility and will be a superior Council Liaison to any Board (local, state, or as a representative to the Feds) that he is assigned to.  As far as commitment goes, he’s knocking on doors all over the County, and when he’s not walking the neighborhoods, he’s working on trails and is our hero out anonymously chopping flesh-ripping New Mexico locust off the pathways. 

And one last thing.  I had a friend who, when her husband sought a position, secretly tried to undermine his efforts, whispering about how he promised to travel when he retired and how if he can’t keep a promise to his wife….  He lost. They moved.  But not Suzanne Lynne and Lisa Hampton.  Both support their husband’s plunge into endless meetings, all the prep it takes to make good decisions, the travel required to liaise with the State and even the Federal Government in DC. But then, both wives are also active volunteers in Los Alamos.  Lisa and Suzanne will enable their husbands to become the leaders Los Alamos expects.

Early voting is from 0800 to 1800 at the Los Alamos County Building on Central Ave, and the White Rock Town Hall at 139 Longview Drive in White Rock.  Vote now.  Get your I Voted Early sticker to wear proudly as a citizen participating in our Democracy.  And proudly and confidently Vote for David Hampton and Steven Lynne for County Council.