About

---

My name is Denise Derkacs. I’m running for re-election to County Council to continue to help Los Alamos County plan for growth and embrace the future while preserving the past and the amenities that make Los Alamos County a great place to live.

Los Alamos County has been my home for 42 years. I was born and raised in New Jersey and have lived in 10 states, but together with my husband Dennis, I chose to live here in White Rock, to raise our three sons here, and to stay here in retirement. 

As a long-term resident of Los Alamos County and a retiree from Los Alamos National Laboratory after 20 years of employment, I hope to continue to apply my personal experience raising a family in the County and my professional experience as a chief of staff to senior-level management at the Laboratory to my service on County Council.

I am serving in my second year as Council Chair and my fourth year on Council. During my service on Council, I have gained a full understanding of Council procedures and authorities and in-depth knowledge of County operations and challenges. I have learned the complexities of the County budget and recognize the importance of fiscal responsibility. I have worked diligently with my fellow Councilors on strategic planning to establish County priorities and develop tools to track County performance. I am conscious of my role as a public servant and am accountable to my constituents for my decisions. 

I look forward to continuing to serve on County Council and to representing you, the people of Los Alamos County. I humbly ask for your vote in the upcoming election. 

I fully support Council’s five strategic goals of quality governance, operational excellence, economic vitality, quality of life, and environmental stewardship. I continue to recognize three critical focus areas for Los Alamos County in the immediate future — housing development, downtown revitalization, and community services — to support growth and preserve quality of life. 

The County's Housing Market Needs Analysis identified the need for some 2000 additional housing units, particularly low- and middle-income housing, for rent and for ownership. Multiple housing projects are currently in various stages of planning and development. I support the revised Development Code, the updated Affordable Housing Plan, and ongoing County efforts to explore all housing options and all possible building sites to meet community needs.

Downtown revitalization,  in Los Alamos and in White Rock,  is essential  for a thriving community. I support establishment of Metropolitan Redevelopment Areas and County policies and processes that facilitate small business development and sustainability to expand employment, shopping, and social activities necessary for a growing population and a well-rounded community.  

Diverse and accessible  community services contribute to the quality of life that County residents value and want to preserve as the County grows. I support enhanced maintenance and upgrades to infrastructure, utilities, broadband, roads, public transportation, parks and recreational facilities, trails and open spaces, and state-funded school facilities. 

I welcome input from you, the people of Los Alamos County, on how to best address these priorities to embrace the future while preserving the past.

• Born in New Jersey; lived in 10 states; settled in New Mexico
• Married to Dennis Derkacs; three sons; seven grandchildren

• M.A., Organizational Communication; University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
• B.A., Journalism; Rutgers University; New Brunswick, NJ

• Chief of Staff, Program Manager, Technical Writer: Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM
• Editor: Ka Nupepa o Mililani, Mililani, HI
• Reporter: Quad-City Times, Davenport, IA
• Reporter: Texarkana Gazette & Daily News, Texarkana, TX