Highlights From Local 2018 Primary Election

Clockwise from the top, successful 2018 Primary Election candidates for Los Alamos County Council Sara Scott, David Izraelevitz, Randall Ryti and James Robinson, candidate for Land Commissioner Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard and candidate and candidate for Dist. 43 Christine Chandler. Photos by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
 
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com

Tuesday night’s primary election was described by one candidate as a “nail biter.” Indeed, there were several close results in Los Alamos for both local and state public offices. Still, the mood seemed hopeful and excited in the Municipal Building as candidates and members of the public waited for the final numbers to be announced.

Highlights from the election:
Democratic candidates David Izraelevitz, Sara Scott, Randall Ryti and James Robinson will continue into the general election for County Council. Republicans Brady Burke, Dawn Trujillo Voss and John Bliss as well as Libertarian Helen Milenski also will be on the November ballot for County Council.

For sheriff, voters will decide between Republican James Whitehead, Democrat Joseph Granville and Libertarian Christopher Luchini.

In state races, Democrat Christine Chandler and Republican Lisa Shin are vying for House Dist. 43. Additionally, Los Alamos resident and Democrat Stephanie Garcia Richard made history as the first woman nominee for Land Commissioner. She will face Republican Patrick Lyons in the general election.

Several candidates offered their thoughts regarding the election.

“Thank you Los Alamos and District 43. I’m looking forward to running a strong, issue-oriented campaign in the general election that is focused on improving people’s lives,” Chandler said.

In a written statement, Shin said, “I commend Pete Sheehey and Chris Chandler for their hard fought campaigns; they have invested a tremendous amount of time and energy while serving on our County Council. I congratulate Chris Chandler on her win, and also look forward to a strong, issues-driven campaign. Consider the recent DOE award to clean up our environment. It has brought more jobs to our District, our economy and our housing market are booming. People in D43 (District 43) are simply not interested in single payer health care and universal pre-K.  Instead of expanding the role of government, let’s engage the private sector and allow more choices for individuals and families. That is my message and core principle;  I believe it resonates with working class families everywhere. We both want to improve people’s lives, but we have vastly different ways of getting there,” she said.

Izraelevitz, who is County Council chair, said, “I was very appreciative of the support I received in the community and I want to thank everyone who voted for me.”

He added he also is thankful for all those who showed support by placing signs in their yards, offering endorsements and other efforts. Going into general election, Izraelevitz said he is looking forward to discussing issues significant to the community such as the lab contract, housing  and tourism.

Scott also thanked all those who supported her campaign as well as those who shared their insights about Los Alamos with her. “It really made a difference,” she said.
Going into the general election, Scott said, “I’m definitely looking ahead  and will continue to work hard to have the opportunity to serve our community.”

Robinson said, “I’m very excited I was able to make it through to the top four candidates.” He added he is eager to go out into the community and learn what people want from their councilors as well share  his vision for Los Alamos’ future.

Not only is Garcia Richard the first woman nominee for Land Commissioner but she said Los Alamos County had the largest margin for any county in the land commission race. “I’m so gratified by that response,” she said.

Garcia Richard said she was the underdog in the race. She was outspent and she lacked institutional support. Her biggest opponent, Garrett Vaneklasen, was endorsed by U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich. “It was truly the underdog upset,” Garcia Richard said.

Although all the Republican candidates for County Council will appear on the ballot for the general election, Burke said he feels the numbers show that voters want to see a change in local government and the way it is managed. He added he feels in the general election the community will “see voters crossing party lines and show that they want to see a change.”

Search
LOS ALAMOS

ladailypost.com website support locally by OviNuppi Systems