THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
OF LOS ALAMOS, NEW MEXICO

CANDIDATES FOR LOS ALAMOS COUNTY OFFICES

Los Alamos County Council

The Council of the Incorporated County of Los Alamos is the governing body of Los Alamos County, created by the Los Alamos County Charter. The Council consists of seven members elected at large for four-year staggered terms. Three seats will be filled in the 2008 election by three candidates receiving the most votes. The County Council holds two regular sessions per month, plus one work session. Its members also serve as liaisons with the County's Boards and Commissions and other governmental entities.

Three seats will be filled in the 2008 election by the three candidates receiving the most votes. Voters may vote for up to three candidates.

Candidates were allowed 65 words to answer each question below.

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Vincent P. Chiravalle (Republican)

1. The county is planning many capital improvement projects. Will the county's economic situation support all of these projects? Explain.
   
   It is not certain that the financial projections of today which rely on GRT revenue from the laboratory will hold true in the future. Many people have already lost their jobs and further downsizing of the laboratory by more than 25% over than next 20 years is being discussed. It would be prudent to adopt a more fiscally conservative approach in our long term plan.


2. Which capital improvement projects do you consider most important for the county's sustainability?
   
   We should expand retail options at the Trinity Site so that in these difficult economic times our citizens do not have to travel great distances outside the County to purchase the goods they need. We should fund the White Rock Downtown Master plan, because the need is greatest there and White Rock homeowners deserve their fair share of County resources for development.


3. What role can the county play to help Los Alamos schools meet their financial challenges? What initiatives would you support?
   
   I would like the county to lower its property tax to offset an increase in the tax from the school district, so that more tax revenue would go to the school district enabling the district to finance general obligation bonds to repair aged facilities and classrooms. In such an approach homeowners would not see an increase in their overall property tax.


4. How would you ensure that the County Council makes policy and the staff implements it?
   
   We must hold the line on the budgets of our capital projects and strictly limit discretionary spending by our staff. I would not give the staff authority to make large purchases without first seeking Council's approval. I would insist that the new CIP process be followed for our capital projects and that a contract manager at risk (CMAR) is selected early in the process.

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Kenneth H. Milder (Democrat)

1. The county is planning many capital improvement projects. Will the county's economic situation support all of these projects? Explain.
   
   At council direction, a long range financial plan through year 2020 was prepared using conservative revenue projections; reduced GRT revenue for example. Additionally, several revenue streams, such as G.O. bonds, were excluded, adding more conservatism to financial projections. Based on the plan's analysis, the county can support the current projects while, at the same time, retain adequate funding for future county needs.


2. Which capital improvement projects do you consider most important for the county's sustainability?
   
   I have strongly advocated for a new approach to address county sustainability and we're starting to see exciting results. I pushed for an implementable economic development plan for White Rock. That plan is ready to put into action. The Trinity Place and Municipal Building projects will bring new life and activity to downtown Los Alamos and encourage growth and sustainability of new private retail ventures.


3. What role can the county play to help Los Alamos schools meet their financial challenges? What initiatives would you support?
   
   L.A. Schools receives no direct benefit from LANL GRT revenue. I committed to share some of the county's increased revenue but state law imposes complex challenges. Nonetheless, the council and school board are exploring available options. Initiatives are yet to be identified but I'll support any that truly help the schools while not diminishing the county's ability to meet its own governmental responsibilities.


4. How would you ensure that the County Council makes policy and the staff implements it?
   
   The beauty of our council-manager form of government is its professionally trained management for daily government operations. The council must police itself to ensure adherence to both its policy and oversight roles, keeping out of daily operations. When council has failed adhering to those roles, the community has not hesitated to vote in change on the council as it did four years ago.

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Sharon Stover (Republican)

1. The county is planning many capital improvement projects. Will the county's economic situation support all of these projects? Explain.
   
   Yes, if the County's current economic condition does not change significantly. The County's long-range plan includes reasonable assumptions and its financial structure provides alternatives and flexibility. For example, pledged revenues for the 529 Bonds are greater than five times the debt service and general fund balance reserves are over $10M. Council must continue to plan in a long-range manner while ensuring plans remain adaptable.


2. Which capital improvement projects do you consider most important for the county's sustainability?
   
   I believe the top three out of the over 30 projects are: Trinity Site, Municipal Building, and the White Rock Downtown Plan. I like what the Vision 2020 group in October 2004 defined as sustainability: Picture a three-legged stool, and the legs are the environment, the economy, and societal well-being. The whole is sustained by all the legs, and falters when one falters.


3. What role can the county play to help Los Alamos schools meet their financial challenges? What initiatives would you support?
   
   Council leadership has worked to understand the value of a cooperative partnership with the Schools. I serve on the School Foundation Board and recognize their needs. I favor County/School partnerships that assist the Schools to generate revenue such as the Trinity project. Within the requirements of State law, I will explore creative ways to leverage County facilities and resources to support the Schools.


4. How would you ensure that the County Council makes policy and the staff implements it?
   
   The job of a Councilor is to make policy decisions based on options reviewed and vetted by citizens, boards, and staff. Council should ensure citizens have had a voice in the process of a project. Council must expect decision implementation and accountability from staff. The Council relies on and requires progress reports from the County Administrator, and should question staff and seek alternatives as necessary.

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Michael E. Wismer (Independent)

1. The county is planning many capital improvement projects. Will the county's economic situation support all of these projects? Explain.
   
   This is and will remain an issue of concern that is centered on fiscal responsibility and stewardship of our community's resources. The total expenditures for the FY09 adopted budget are $184.3M while the total revenues are projected to be $176.5M. This delta clearly indicates future Councils must prioritize and scrutinize projects. I suggest critical infrastructure related projects take priority followed by economic development.


2. Which capital improvement projects do you consider most important for the county's sustainability?
   
   The Diamond Drive Project, the Pueblo Canyon Interceptor, the San I Water Line Upgrades and Water and Electric Upgrades on 20th & Deacon are the most critical. In terms of economic development, The Trinity Site Revitalization and the Airport Basin Projects and The White Rock Master Plan and Investment Strategy are vital to the sustainability of both the County and the Schools.


3. What role can the county play to help Los Alamos schools meet their financial challenges? What initiatives would you support?
   
   The financial challenges are centered on the facilities as the current Recapitalization Program is insufficient because it provides little funding for site improvements, major building refurbishment or replacements and is falling behind in facilities maintenance. The Trinity Site Project will help the Schools avoid $35M in replacement costs for maintenance facilities. The County should finance select refurbishments based on the LAPS Strategic Capital Renewal Plan.


4. How would you ensure that the County Council makes policy and the staff implements it?
   
   In my view, each person elected to the County Council must understand the roles and responsibilities of Council and of the staff. As tempting as it may be to interfere in day to day operations especially when constituents express concern with county services, Councilors need to focus on policy, hold the staff accountable for implementation and refer service complaints to the County Administrator for resolution.

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Los Alamos County Clerk

The Los Alamos County Clerk's office handles voter registration and runs elections. It is also responsible for recording and filing public documents, maintaining official documents for the County Council such as Ordinances, Resolutions, and Council Minutes, issuing marriage licenses and selling cemetery lots. The County Clerk serves as Clerk to the Probate Court.

Mary Pat Kraemer (Democrat)

Unopposed.

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