VOTE411 Voter Guide

A three-decade Los Alamos resident, I served as a County Councilor from 2011 to 2022. This service gave me insight into the Sheriff's minimal duties compared to those of our Police. As a Councilor, I participated in many discussions about the Sheriff’s Office and the reality that its sole remaining legal duty is managing the local Sex Offender Registry. We would be best served by formally consolidating all public safety duties, including sex offender registration, under our Police.

Due to training and other requirements, our Police already handle all aspects of reviewing and updating the state and National sex offender registries in Los Alamos, resulting in the Sheriff's role as essentially nil. If elected, I will thus donate any salary and lead a transition plan, building on the previous Nov. 2016 effort, to place the abolition of this position on the Nov. 2028 ballot, ensuring sufficient time for an orderly transfer of policies and duties.

Los Alamos residents can get up-to-date and accurate information on registered sex offenders via Offender Watch, an online database available through our Sheriff’s Office webpage, also available as a smartphone app. Our Police regularly access and update all Los Alamos data available there. As Sheriff, I will include all subscription, training, outreach, and related costs in the County budget so the public will continue timely and accurate access to this resource.

I am a gardener, a bartender, a former County Councilor, and a lifelong resident of Los Alamos. In my opinion, the biggest qualification for any public office is a willingness and desire to learn and serve the community. As a former County Councilor, I understand and respect the unique role of the Sheriff in Los Alamos. In short, I am running for Sheriff simply to serve and strengthen our community.

I would work with the Police Department to be an advocate for both the Police and for the citizens of the community. I understand and respect the boundaries between the roles of the Sheriff's office and the Police Department, and I believe the Sheriff should work to serve and be responsive to the community and support the Police department as needed.

I would continue to use the Offender Watch program that is currently used by our Sheriff's Department and work to raise awareness of the associated app that concerned citizens can download to stay immediately informed of any changes. I would continue to ensure the posters in the lobby of the police station are current and up to date. As well as staying informed on any state or federal changes to registry requirements and ensuring the department has the necessary resources to comply with the law.