Category: Regulation

Concerns over Governor’s Decree on Firearms in Public

Sign our petition at https://chng.it/ZDngpGDVNH.

There are no words that can capture the depth of sorrow and pain that comes with the loss of a loved one, especially from violence. Thoughts and prayers mean little without action, and we have no greater responsibility than to protect the life and liberty of those we cherish. To that end, the Libertarian Party of Los Alamos expresses concerns about the recent Public Health Order by the Governor suspending the rights of our fellow citizens to carry firearms in public. This decision, while perhaps rooted in a desire to ensure public safety, runs counter to the principles of personal freedom and responsibility, to the Constitution itself, the rule of law, and puts the life and liberty of our loved ones at greater risk.

The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution explicitly states that “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” This fundamental right was instituted as a safeguard against potential tyranny and to ensure that citizens can defend themselves and their loved ones. The Governor’s decree nullifies this basic right and sets an alarming precedent for future encroachments on other rights. Fundamental rights are not subject to nullification or suspension, period.

Counterintuitively, suspending the rights of law-abiding citizens to carry firearms in public could lead to an increase, rather than a decrease, in gun violence. Criminals, by definition, do not adhere to the law and will continue to carry firearms illegally. A fact that the Governor herself acknowledged during her press conference. Disarming responsible citizens makes them more vulnerable targets, as potential offenders are deterred by the knowledge that their would-be victims may be armed, leading to a potential rise in crime rates. Furthermore, FBI and Census Bureau data show that gun ownership is not correlated to gun violence crime. Holders of Concealed Handgun License (CHL) have violent crime rates 7 times less than even police officers.

Any governmental decision that curtails fundamental rights, even temporarily, poses a serious risk. Today, it’s the right to bear arms; tomorrow, it could be freedom of speech, assembly, or any of our other cherished liberties. Each incremental limitation chips away at the foundation of our democracy, and we should vigorously resist any attempt to suspend the Constitution by decree. 

The intent behind ensuring safety and security for the public is commendable, but issuing illegal orders stripping citizens of their constitutional and natural rights is the approach of tin-pot dictators, not statesmen. We urge the Governor and other stakeholders to rescind this decree and engage in a constructive dialogue with all affected parties. Let us work together to find solutions that honor our constitutional rights while addressing the legitimate concerns of public safety.

Sign our petition at https://chng.it/ZDngpGDVNH.

Sincerely,

Laura Burrows, Chair
James Wernicke, Vice Chair
Lee Weinland, Secretary
Libertarian Party of Los Alamos

10 Reason Lifting Building Height And Parking Restrictions Benefits Us All

As you may have heard, County Council has an opportunity to live up to those strategic priorities tonight by lifting building height and parking restrictions. As a reminder, here are some of those priorities:

  • Increase the capacity for new housing development and the amount and variety of housing types to meet the needs of a growing population, particularly middle- and lower-income households.
  • Encourage the retention of existing businesses, facilitate the startup of new businesses, and assist in their opportunities for growth.
  • Revitalize the downtown areas of Los Alamos and White Rock by facilitating development opportunities in accordance with the downtown master plans.
  • Improve access to behavioral, mental, and physical health and social services and amenities to address identified issues and to sustain Los Alamos County’s rating as the healthiest county in New Mexico.
  • Improve and expand access to alternative modes of travel including public transit, cycling, and walking amenities and services.
  • Protect existing open space and maintain and improve parks and recreation facilities and amenities as defined by adopted plans and approved projects.
  • Take actions to protect open space, protect the wildlife and wildland interface, safeguard water, and mitigate tree loss in the community.
  • Establish targets for and promote the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, integrate sustainability and resiliency practices into County operations, and encourage energy-reduction enhancements for new and remodel building projects in the community.

1. Allowing taller buildings lets developers maximize the use of limited land, creating more living spaces within the same area. This means that more people can live closer to where they work, reducing commute times and carbon emissions.

2. Increased housing density can also make housing more affordable, as the cost of land is spread across more units. With less spent on land, developers can invest in things like solar panels and high-efficiency appliances while keeping units affordable.

3. Taller buildings provide unobstructed views, improving mental health and well-being, as studies have shown that exposure to natural light and not looking at the blight of empty storefronts can improve mood and productivity.

4. Developers are more likely to incorporate green spaces and public amenities in their buildings if they are allowed to build up. This can include rooftop gardens, outdoor terraces, and communal spaces. These features not only improve the quality of life for residents, but they can also provide a sense of community and belonging.

5. Developers can create more space for businesses to operate, leading to more job opportunities and economic growth.

6. It leads to more cultural and entertainment options for residents, making the community more vibrant and diverse.

7. Removing building height restrictions can help us prepare for future growth. As we continue to expand, there will be a growing need for more housing, amenities, and commercial spaces. By removing height restrictions, we can ensure that we meet the needs of those future residents.

8. Removing parking space requirements can reduce traffic congestion. When developers are required to build a certain number of parking spaces, it encourages people to drive rather than use public transportation or alternative modes of transportation. This leads to more cars on the road, increasing traffic congestion and air pollution. By removing parking space requirements, we encourage people to use public transportation, walk, or bike instead, reducing traffic and improving air quality and health.

9. Removing parking space requirements frees up space for more housing units, public amenities, or green spaces. This makes the community more livable and enjoyable for residents.

10. When developers are required to build parking spaces, it adds to the cost of construction. This cost is then passed on to residents in the form of higher rent or purchase prices. By removing parking space requirements, developers can reduce the cost of construction, making housing more affordable for residents.

Aug 30: Council Update On Nuisance Code

Good Guy Gato guards our weed-infested yard from intrusive Code Compliance Officers.

The nuisance code update purports to ”promote the public’s health, safety, and welfare”. It reads like a laundry list of ways Los Alamos County can punish you for not keeping your yard looking a certain way. I can’t see how this promotes safety, but I can see how this keeps property values high and the working class from living here. Working people are too busy in the evening making dinner for their families to fight the monsoon-fueled jungle encroaching on their yard and too broke paying for their housing and groceries to hire a gardener to do it. If Los Alamos County really wants to make it better to live here, then they should be eliminating nuisance codes and other regulatory barriers that make it extraordinarily difficult, expensive, and slow to build and renovate housing.

Article I tells us how we have to keep our property looking under threat of lien. That means the county can fine you ”the reasonable cost of abatement + 12% APR” (Sec 18-75) for things like leaving a basketball in your driveway (Sec 18-30), working on your car in your driveway (Sec 18-38), having building materials (Sec 18-34), furniture (Sec 18-33), or even puddles (Sec 18-35) in your yard. It also gives Code Compliance Officers broad authority to enter our property. (Sec 18-74) I have a better proposition: If you don’t like the way somebody’s property looks, you don’t have to look at it.

Article II specifically prohibits noise over 65 dBa during the day and 53 dBa at night, but it doesn’t require code compliance officers to actually measure noise levels to issue a violation. (Sec 18-92) I’d rather hear kids playing in the backyard than for them to be on screens. I’d rather hear dogs barking while people are at work than bears raiding trash cans. (Sec 18-93) If this code update passes, that’ll be up to a $50 fine. (Sec 18-97)

Article III tells us where we can smoke. Why is Los Alamos County wasting our time and money on something that was already done?

If this code doesn’t represent your interests, then show up to the Council Chambers (1000 Central Ave) at 6pm on August 30 to tell the Council to oppose it. If you can’t show up in person, email them instead.