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Vote John Bliss for Los Alamos County Council 2018
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Development Code: Permits and Inspections

10/22/2018

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I've experienced much of what others have: changing requirements, applying questionable standards to simple changes or additions, and delays.

The issue has existed for years despite claims that it is being worked on and that improvements have been made. However, anecdotal stories continue to appear that cause unacceptable stress, expense and delay for residents. I will find out if the appropriate guidance had been given by the Council, if it has been accepted by managers and implemented properly by staff.

Not everyone will be happy with standards that exist for good reason, but there is no excuse for making it harder than necessary to succeed. Standards that are not reasonable or that can be applied in unreasonable ways must be modified or eliminated.

I think that two provisions have been overlooked in the effort to enforce regulations. 1. Regulations ought to be flexible which encourage compatible, creative and efficient use of land, and 2. Provide service to applicants and property owners in understanding and working within the stated provisions. Chapter 16 of the Development Code; 16-4 (17 and 19)

We need to make it easy to do the right thing.
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Solutions: Barriers to Business in Los Alamos

10/22/2018

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Work to reduce commercial rental rate- surplus of empty commercial real estate is not an issue unique to Los Alamos- I’ve been studying how other towns incentivize owners to keep their properties rented. We are not alone grappling with this, for example see "How Manhattan Became a Rich Ghost Town" recently in the Atlantic.

I will advocate for an apprenticeship program for high school students. Again, there are some other similar programs we can look to for inspiration. I’d like to teach high school students job skills and expand their options post high school beyond a traditional 4-year degree college program.

I’d propose coordination between the offices/agencies working to improve the business environment. It's not clear to me if they are in competition or working together. (i.e. Los Alamos MainStreet, The Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce, Los Alamos County Economic Development, UNMLA Small Business Development Center).

For years, I’ve advocated for better business infrastructure- that’s something the county needs to invest in in order to attract and retain businesses. High speed Internet is a good example, that’s a basic need for modern businesses.

I support making it easy to do the right thing- so we need to define our goals and reevaluate the county’s regulations, permitting and inspection process, as they relate to businesses certainly, but also all residents.
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LWV-Forum on Early Childhood Education

9/7/2018

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Yesterday I attended the Forum on Early Childhood Education sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Los Alamos, the American Association of University Women and Searchlight New Mexico.

The featured speaker was Charles Sallee, Deputy Director of the New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee. Mr. Sallee spoke of the complicated, duplicative, expensive and ineffective approach to early childhood education in our state and some of the associated social issues.

While there is much to regret about the state of educational achievement in New Mexico there was some good news. Focusing effort on effective evidence based programs, targeting resources on a limited number of poor performing communities, and insisting on coordination of effort between public programs and private providers may result in greatly improved performance at little or no increased cost. The goal is obtaining results.

It was clear from forum participant comments that improved early childhood education and child care is needed in Los Alamos County. Coordination between Los Alamos County, Los Alamos Public Schools, private providers, local non-profits, University of New Mexico Los Alamos, and Los Alamos National Laboratory (operated by Triad as of November) should be the place to start.
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Welcome, I will earn your vote.

8/26/2018

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Welcome.

This is the place to find information about my campaign for Los Alamos County Council. 

I chose to move here with my family following retirement from the U.S. Army. Following a 22-year military career, during which we moved 14 times, it has been great to settle down in this great community for the past 20 years. I now feel it is my turn give back to Los Alamos; home to Nancy and I, and home for our children and grandchildren.
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This website will be updated regularly with more information, including a calendar of upcoming events where I will attend.  I look forward to meeting you. Of course you can contact me by email (preferred) any time at BlissforLAcouncil@gmail.com. You may also complete the survey on this website.

My goal for this website is that as you learn about me, my experience, my approach to problems, and my aspirations for Los Alamos, I will earn your vote.  


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    John Bliss

    GOP Candidate for Los Alamos County Council. 

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