Voters failed to pass the UNM-LA Mil Levy by a 52.21 – 47.79 percent margin. The unofficial results from the Los Alamos County Clerk’s Office show 2,662 ballots in favor of the Mil Levy and 2,908 against it. UNM-LA Business Director Lisa Wismer said, “I can’t tell you how hard we all worked … we all have a passion for education and had hoped the community would support this … we will have to take a look at our options… .”  The crowd assembled in the lobby of the Municipal Building to hear the election results applauded Wismer for her efforts in coordinating community education about the mil levy. The last mil levy election took place in February of 2010 and also failed to pass. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

Reaction was subdued in the lobby of the Municipal Building after just hearing the news that the UNM-LA Mil Levy did not pass. At center, UNM-LA Advisory Board Chair Stephen Boerigter said, “I’m really rather surprised, I expected stronger support for education in Los Alamos.” Advisory Board member Linda Hull said, “I’m very disappointed that the community doesn’t fully recognize the inherent value that higher education brings to our quality of life.” Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com