Council Candidate Beverly Neal-Clinton
Staff Report:
Beverly Neal-Clinton, a Democrat, is running for a seat on Los Alamos County Council. She recently answered questions from the Los Alamos Daily Post (Post) about the local election.
This is the first in a series of Q&As with political candidates that the Post will publish ahead of the June 4, 2024 Primary Election.
Post: How long have you lived in Los Alamos?
Neal-Clinton: 23 years
Post: Where do you work?
Neal-Clinton: I previously worked at LANL for 15 years. I am self-employed as the Director of New Mexico Mobile Notary and Fingerprinting as well as African American Trust.
Post: Why are you running for County Council?
Neal-Clinton: I would like to impact our community through the three items below:
- Direct Impact on Community: Serving on the county council allows me to directly influence policies and decisions that affect their community’s well-being. Local government has a tangible impact on issues such as infrastructure, public safety, education, and environmental regulations. By running for county council, I can be at the forefront of addressing local needs and concerns, working to improve the quality of life for residents in our area.
- Representation and Advocacy: County councils often serve as a platform for representing the interests of constituents at higher levels of government. As a council member, I will have the opportunity to advocate for the community’s needs and priorities, whether it’s securing funding for important projects, lobbying for legislative changes, or voicing concerns to state or federal officials. Running for office provides a platform to amplify the voices of those who may otherwise be overlooked or marginalized.
- Fostering Positive Change: Local government is where meaningful change can often begin. By running for county council, I will have the chance to implement policies and initiatives that address local challenges and promote positive development. Whether it’s supporting economic growth, enhancing public services, or championing social justice initiatives, serving on the county council allows you to be an active participant in shaping the future of your community and leaving a lasting legacy of progress and improvement.
Post: County Council requires a significant time commitment, usually 4 council meetings a month, committee meetings and other events as well as reading preparation prior to those meetings. How will this fit in with your other commitments?
Neal-Clinton: Scheduling and prioritizing. As long as I have enough lead time, I will fit it in my schedule. Those who know me know that I love to say, you have to get in where you fit in.
Post: What do you believe is the role of the Council in our community?
Neal-Clinton: I believe my role is to be representative of the community. There are several voices and perspectives in this community, and I believe I bring a voice that may not have been represented previously.
Post: Do you think you have any personal or professional relationships that could become a conflict of interest while serving as a Council member?
Neal-Clinton: Neal-Clinton: No. As a small business owner, I am always out and about in the community.
Post: What is your approach to handling controversial and complicated issues?
Neal-Clinton: Talking about the issues. I am a trained facilitator, mediator and believe in the power of words and how they can transform all of us.
Post: What skills and experience do you have that you believe would be beneficial to the position?
Neal-Clinton: I am a humorist, engaging, contributing writer, author, transformational and pragmatic speaker. I am best known for using my intuitive, common sense and creative imagery to peel away the layers by tapping into what creates the most dynamic change when problems arise. My heart has always embraced the importance of community and making a contribution to those with whom I share my enthusiasm for life.
My 20 plus years of experience span across time as a United States Marine, an internationally certified court reporter, an alumni to serving as a member of the Federal Bureau of Investigations Citizens Academy Alumni Association, located in Albuquerque.
Academically, I hold an MBA in Information Technology Management as well as my BS in Information Technology with an emphasis in Security. I hold numerous awards and certifications which incorporate all areas of human performance from mediation, facilitation, restorative justice, to the Society of International Affairs and Export Control as well as Security+ and Networks+ and Microsoft Certified Professional. I serve my community through organizations such as Leadership Los Alamos and have been a sitting Commissioner of the Planning and Zoning Commission for Los Alamos.
My love of language, words, culture, and humanity contribute to embodying a way of being that I eagerly share through my own life experiences.
Post: What previous community involvement have you had in Los Alamos or another community?
Neal-Clinton: Leadership Los Alamos Alumni, a member of the Unitarian Church’s new membership committee, Planning and Zoning Commission, Women’s Tennis Club, Owned Smoothieville Juice within R-Books, Small Business Owner from 2000 to present.