BY TONI TAYLOR
Los Alamos

I enthusiastically support Melanee Hand to serve a second term on the Los Alamos County Council. I encourage Los Alamos citizens to vote for her in the upcoming election.

Melanee has been a positive force on the County Council, advocating for environmental sustainability and conservation, wildlife and animal welfare, recreational opportunities, and small businesses. She has facilitated communication between residents and the County and fostered collaboration with neighboring communities.

However, I want to focus on my personal interactions with Melanee that justify her re-election. I have interacted Melanee over the past fifteen years, mostly through the Los Alamos Mountaineers where we have have enjoyed many outdoor activities together. She has demonstrated superb skill at motivating and planning our adventures, often for technical canyoneering trips, with an attention to detail and exceptional problem solving skills that result in a safe, fun and satisfying adventure for all. She works well within a team to create an enjoyable experience. She cares deeply about the wilderness and understands the value of outdoor recreation in Los Alamos County and beyond.

I also worked closely with Melanee on the Los Alamos Mountaineers Board. During the COVID pandemic she served as President for two consecutive terms, while I was serving as Vice-President. These were trying times for the Mountaineers. Melanee rose to the challenge, demonstrating outstanding leadership. She focused on enhanced communication with members and, in collaboration with the Board, developed nontraditional trip formats and training and online resources and programs that enabled members to remain active during the pandemic.

Melanee Hand demonstrates the qualities of leadership essential for members for the County Council: integrity, honesty, work ethic, and a deep respect for the community, as well as skill in creative problem solving and communication. I urge you to vote for Melanee Hand for County County on or before June 2.