Elect Jason Chappel

08/07/2026

Built for the 2026 Los Alamos County Fair & Rodeo Parade. This playlist is a collection of songs that have shaped my life, with favorites from the road, songs that remind me of family, music tied to unforgettable memories, and feel-good classics that bring people together. Whether you’re listening from a parade route or your front porch, I hope these songs leave you smiling.

Here’s to building bridges, empowering citizens, and celebrating the community we call home.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/53bgaqBU4rfv4iwmx1okQQ?si=n3_hTIlhTtOlxeS69GFSPQ&utm_source=copy-link&pi=P1-S-4iTRuOx1

Playlist · jason.alan.chappel · 48 items

08/01/2026

Looking Beyond the Incentive

The recent discussion surrounding the proposed redevelopment of the former Hilltop House property raises a question that extends far beyond a single hotel project.

Like many residents, I want to see the Hilltop property redeveloped. It has sat vacant for far too long, and thoughtful economic development can strengthen Los Alamos for generations to come.

But supporting economic development doesn’t mean every private development should automatically receive public financial assistance.

When taxpayers are asked to invest nearly $4 million in grants and financing, we have a responsibility to ask one simple question:

What are taxpayers investing in and how will that investment improve life for the people of Los Alamos County?

If taxpayers are investing in a private development, the public benefit should be every bit as clear, measurable, and lasting as the private benefit.

Will the project create meaningful permanent jobs?

Will it generate enough long-term tax revenue to justify the investment?

Will it provide amenities such as meeting or event space that community organizations, nonprofits, educational groups, or County programs can use?

Will local businesses and contractors share in the economic opportunity?

And if the promised benefits don’t materialize, what safeguards exist to protect taxpayers?

These questions aren’t meant to oppose development. They are meant to ensure that public investments truly serve the public.

Economic development works best when it creates genuine partnerships between the public and private sectors; partnerships where both sides contribute, both sides benefit, and both sides are accountable. Some projects may absolutely justify public participation. Others may not. That’s why each proposal deserves careful evaluation based on measurable public benefit, not simply good intentions.

As someone seeking the privilege of serving on the County Council, that’s the standard I hope to bring to every decision: not whether an idea is politically popular or unpopular, but whether it is transparent, fiscally responsible, accountable, and ultimately in the best interests of the people who call Los Alamos County home.

We all want to see the Hilltop property become something our community can be proud of. The question isn’t whether we should pursue economic development. It’s how we pursue it.

Ultimately, my hope is that every major decision this County makes reflects the values that make Los Alamos strong: fiscal responsibility, transparency, and a commitment to empowering citizens through open and accountable government.

Those aren’t just campaign principles.

They’re principles of good government.

Call now to connect with business.

07/18/2026

Looking Beyond the Plastic Bag

This week, the Los Alamos Environmental Sustainability Board voted not to recommend the proposed single-use plastic bag ban to the County Council after hearing comments from members of our community. I appreciate the Board’s willingness to listen to a variety of perspectives before making its recommendation.

I was one of the community members who spoke during public comment. As Assistant Store Leader for Operations at Smith’s Marketplace, I shared my perspective based on my experience in grocery retail while speaking in my personal capacity.

I want to be clear about one thing: I believe everyone shares the same goal. We all want a cleaner community and we all want to reduce unnecessary waste. The question isn’t whether we should be good stewards of our environment, but how we accomplish that goal in a way that is effective, equitable, and practical.

From a business standpoint, I recognize that reducing plastic bag usage could lower costs for larger retailers like mine. My greater concern is for our locally owned grocery stores, restaurants, and small businesses that may not have the same purchasing power or flexibility to absorb higher packaging costs. Good public policy should consider those impacts alongside its intended environmental benefits.

More importantly, I believe we should ask ourselves a broader question: How do we define success?

Plastic grocery bags are only one piece of a much larger challenge. Every day, our community purchases products packaged in plastic; from produce containers and frozen food packaging to beverage bottles, household goods, and countless other items. If reducing plastic waste is truly our objective, then we should be willing to have a broader conversation about how we reduce waste throughout our community rather than focusing on a single product.

I also believe there should be greater clarity whenever costs are passed on to consumers. If alternative bag fees are part of future proposals, what purpose should those fees serve? Should they simply offset business costs, or should they be invested in local recycling, environmental education, or community sustainability initiatives? Those are conversations worth having.

I also believe education and personal responsibility remain powerful tools. Many residents already choose reusable bags, recycle, and make environmentally conscious decisions every day. Encouraging those behaviors through education and community engagement can complement thoughtful public policy in meaningful ways.

The Board’s vote doesn’t end this conversation and it shouldn’t. If anything, I hope it encourages us to pursue more comprehensive solutions that bring together residents, businesses, environmental advocates, and local government.

Environmental stewardship and economic vitality are not competing values. With thoughtful discussion and collaboration, I believe Los Alamos can achieve both.

I look forward to continuing that conversation with our community.

Jason Chappel
Candidate for Los Alamos County Council

“Building Bridges. Empowering Citizens.”

ElectJasonChappel.com

07/07/2026

☕ The best ideas don’t come from campaign speeches… they come from conversations.

Tomorrow, Eric Stromberg and I will be at Fiori E Sale for Coffee with the Candidates, and we’d love to meet you.

Whether you plan to vote for me, someone else, or you’re still deciding, you’re welcome.

Come ask questions.
Share your ideas.
Tell us what’s working.
Tell us what isn’t.

No pressure. No speeches. Just good coffee and real conversations about the future of Los Alamos.

📅 Tuesday, July 8
⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Fiori E Sale (next to the American Legion)

Even if you only have a few minutes, stop by and say hello.

And if you know someone who cares about the future of Los Alamos, I’d really appreciate you sharing this post.

I hope to see you tomorrow!

07/04/2026

Happy 250th Birthday, America! 🇺🇸

Two hundred and fifty years.

That’s an extraordinary milestone and one few nations in history have had the privilege to celebrate.

Today, we celebrate far more than our nation’s birthday. We celebrate 250 years of resilience, innovation, sacrifice, service, and the enduring belief that ordinary citizens can accomplish extraordinary things when they work together.

As I campaign for Los Alamos County Council, I’m especially honored to do so during this historic anniversary year.

One lesson these past 250 years have taught us is that the strength of our nation doesn’t begin in Washington, D.C. It begins in communities like Los Alamos. It begins with neighbors who listen to one another, volunteers who give their time, local businesses that invest in their community, and citizens who choose to get involved; not because they agree on everything, but because they care about where they live.

America’s story has never been written by people who all thought alike. It has been written by people who believed our differences were worth working through in pursuit of something bigger than ourselves.

That’s the kind of community and the kind of leadership I believe in.

Not politics for politics’ sake, but common sense.
Not division, but dialogue.
Not promises, but service.

As America begins its next 250 years, my hope is that each of us finds a way to be part of that story. Whether it’s voting, volunteering, attending a public meeting, supporting a local business, mentoring a young person, or simply lending a hand to a neighbor, our communities become stronger when more people choose to participate.

The next chapter of America won’t be written by politicians alone. It will be written by citizens who care enough to leave their communities better than they found them.

Here’s to America’s next 250 years and to continuing to build a Los Alamos where every voice matters, every citizen is empowered, and every generation has the opportunity to thrive.

Happy Independence Day, and Happy 250th Birthday, America! 🇺🇸

Jason Chappel
Candidate for Los Alamos County Council

06/02/2026

Today's the day.

Over the past several months, I've had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people throughout Los Alamos and White Rock. I've listened to your concerns, your ideas, and your hopes for our community, and I'm grateful for every conversation along the way.

If you haven't voted yet, I would be honored to earn your vote in today's primary elect.

No matter the outcome, I'm proud of the campaign we've built together; one centered on responsible spending, transparency, supporting local businesses, and listening to the people we serve.

Thank you for your support, your encouragement, and most importantly, your participation in the process.

Now let's vote.

Jason Chappel
Candidate for Los Alamos County Council

05/19/2026

Stopped by early voting today for the Los Alamos County primary election and had the full VIP experience:

✅ Dedicated voter parking
✅ Free candy
✅ A genuinely awesome “I Voted” sticker that looks like it was designed by one of our local kids (which honestly makes it even better)

And yes… somewhere in the stack of ballots is one with a filled-in bubble next to “Jason Alan Chappel.” That was a mildly surreal moment, not gonna lie. 😅

If you haven’t voted yet:

🗳 Early voting is underway at the Los Alamos Municipal Building and White Rock Town Hall🕗 Hours are 8 AM–6 PM, Monday through Saturday📅 Last day of early voting: Saturday, May 30🇺🇸 Election Day: Tuesday, June 2

No matter who you support, please get out and vote. Local elections directly shape the community we live in every day.

Plus… there might be candy. 🍬

05/19/2026

Just a quick reminder, today is the LAST day to apply for an absentee ballot for the June 2nd Primary Election! 🇺🇸

Make your voice heard and make a plan to vote!

Don't miss out! Today, May 19, is your FINAL chance to apply for an absentee ballot!

Learn more & apply: https://ayrs.io/AF87gw

Early voting & absentee ballot drop-off: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. at either voting location:
White Rock Town Hall (139 Longview, White Rock)
Council Chambers (1000 Central Ave., Los Alamos)

Absentee ballot only (24 hrs):
Mesa Public Library Drop-Box (2400 Central Ave., Los Alamos)
White Rock Branch Library Drop-Box (10 Sherwood Blvd., White Rock)

05/19/2026

I appreciate both the Los Alamos Reporter and the Los Alamos Daily Post for publishing my recent community editorial regarding transparency and the ongoing discussions surrounding utility and GRT increases in Los Alamos County.

One of the biggest reasons I decided to run for County Council was to help encourage thoughtful conversations about the issues effecting everyday residents across Los Alamos and White Rock. Whether people agree or disagree, I believe respectful discussion and community engagement matter.

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read, comment, and share their perspectives.