DOROTHY CRAWFORDI am supporting Sharon Stover for State Representative. I have known and worked with Sharon for years, and she has always been kind, dependable and inclusive. Sharon is a leader with knowledge of Los Alamos and New Mexico, competent and professional.
I am speaking to one issue that has surfaced. Many people have tried to suggest her actions regarding issuing same-sex marriage licenses in Los Alamos County were motivated by bias. Rather than acting from bias, however, Sharon was part of a professional and unified effort by all 33 county clerks in New Mexico to get the courts to decide on one standard for the whole state. I believe their actions were courageous and necessary since the Legislature at the time refused to resolve the issue through the appropriate method — legislation. As soon as the New Mexico judge affirmed a ruling for same sex marriage and the New Mexico Supreme also affirmed it, the Los Alamos County Clerk’s Office has issued marriage licenses to same sex couples since September 2013.
My son and his partner went to the Los Alamos County Clerk’s Office to apply for a marriage license in July of 2014. The office staff provided the service with professionalism and respect, a tone that was set by the leader of the office, County Clerk Sharon Stover. They received their marriage license having confidence it would be valid in their home state of New Hampshire, allowing them to continue the process of adopting their two foster sons.
The ugliness of this election season has been disheartening. The current political climate is driving people away from participating in all levels of government. Sharon Stover has been a selfless public servant for decades. We must support the people who are willing to serve and support our community and New Mexico. Sharon Stover has been there for us time after time.
Please join me in voting for Sharon Stover for State Representative District 43.
