LISA HAMPTON
Chair
Los Alamos County Health Council
I disagree with James Wernicke that the proposed amendments to the County Charter related to boards and commissions requirements would not help. (https://losalamosreporter.com/2026/08/18/lte-why-is-los-alamos-struggling-to-fill-boards/)
Having served on several county boards including the County Health Council and Board of Registration and several non-profit boards, as well as leading a 9-month long County board working group, I believe that the vote to eliminate party affiliations on non-quasi-judicial boards and extend the term limits will help these boards be more effective. As Mr. Wernicke says, it is difficult to get volunteers to commit to serving. Putting these additional restrictions on applicants only exacerbates the situation. For example, the Health Council, a 15-member board that advises the County Council on community health, is mandated by the State under New Mexico House Bill 137 (2019) the County and Tribal Health Councils Act. The Health Council is responsible for developing recommendations related to needs, services, and programs that can affect community health; comprehensive health planning; and coordination of health resources. In a county where one political party has a strong presence, in the past many seats have been left vacant. Qualified people that have applied have been turned down time and time again because they had the wrong party affiliation. Caring about the wellbeing of the community really has nothing to do with one’s political party. Eliminating the party affiliation requirement would allow the most qualified and dedicated applicants to be appointed.
NM HB137 (2019) and the Department of Health have certain deliverables that must be met annually, to receive funding from the State. Health Councilors need a general understanding of what these are, and how they are measured. They also need to understand requirements of the Los Alamos County Comprehensive Health Plan and Action Plan, that was approved by County Council in December 2024. Additionally, they are required to understand issues far beyond the county, including New Mexico Senate Bill 3 (2025) Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act and our Region’s (Region 1) role in this and approved plans. The Los Alamos County Health Council is also a member of the Alliance of Health Councils (along with 32 other counties and 10 tribes). It requires time to gain an understanding of the roles and structure of various health councils and the role that the Alliance plays within the state. In addition, there are at least 34 non-profits whose contracts are managed by Social Services Division. Social Services, and subsequently the Health Council, partner with practically all these organizations in one way or another to help improve community health. This is a highly complex dynamic and requires time to develop relationships with all parties involved. Hence a third term is highly beneficial to council members and therefore the County.
In closing I do have to say that the two working groups where I have served have resulted in very tangible actions by the County. One was the Community Health Action Center Working Group, which is now in the hands of the Public Works Department and has been identified as the number one Capital Improvement Project. The second one was the Economic Equity Working Group as part of the Inclusivity Task Force, which Mr. Wernicke himself led. This Task Force is now being turned into a permanent county board. So yes, I personally have seen great results from county board efforts!
I encourage all members of the public to Vote YES to the proposed County Charter amendments related to boards and commissions in November’s election if they are added to the ballot and to apply to a board or commission that aligns with their interests and concerns.