By ALLAN SAENZ
Owner
Los Alamos Network (LAnet) and SALA Event Center
18 Year Resident
Dear County Councilors of Los Alamos,
I am writing to you today not just as a longtime resident and local business owner in Los Alamos but as a member of a community standing at the crossroads of change and potential.
Our town, known for its rich history and vibrant community, is on the brink of a transformational period, and the decision to appoint a new county manager is pivotal in steering the direction of this change.
Los Alamos is evolving, and with this comes the pressing need to adapt. Our town’s fabric is changing, and it’s of great importance that our leadership reflects this shift. The selection of the new county manager is not just about filling a position; it’s about choosing a visionary who understands the unique challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Los Alamos.
As a business owner, I have witnessed first-hand the difficulties of sustaining a business in our town. Our downtown, which should be a bustling hub of activity, is ruined by vacant spaces. This situation not only impacts the local economy but also the vibrancy of our community. A thriving downtown, bolstered by flourishing small businesses, is not just a dream but a necessity for the economic health and social fabric of Los Alamos.
Tourism, an often-overlooked aspect, plays a crucial role in our economic landscape. A renewed focus on this sector can open doors to new opportunities, bringing in much-needed revenue and diversifying our economic base. We must be proactive, not reactive, in leveraging our town’s potential as a tourist destination.
Moreover, the quality of life in Los Alamos is at a crossroads. We need to think strategically about the future – 2, 5, 10 years down the line – and make decisions today that will shape the Los Alamos we aspire to live in. Without immediate action, we risk facing more significant challenges that will be harder and costlier to address in the future.
Therefore, I urge you, our esteemed county councilors, to lead with foresight and determination. Your decisions, particularly in directing staff and prioritizing objectives, will set the tone for the future of our town. It’s not just about the selection of a county manager but about cultivating a culture of collaborative effort and community involvement.
In our advocacy for the Local Economic Development Act (LEDA), we see a tangible example of how tools and mechanisms can be harnessed to partner with local businesses effectively. Such initiatives can pave the way for a more business-friendly environment, fostering growth and innovation.
Our community has changed, and so must our approaches. We need to embrace new metrics, take calculated risks, and work together more closely than ever before. The selection of the new county manager should reflect this mentality, choosing someone who is not only competent but also deeply committed to the vision of a revitalized, prosperous Los Alamos.
In conclusion, as we stand at this juncture, let us choose a path that leads to a Los Alamos that is vibrant, thriving, and reflective of the aspirations of its people. It’s a collective effort, and it starts with the leadership you provide.
Sincerely,
Allan Saenz