December 8th, Otero Arts 6 pm 8 pm. The public is invited for this free interactive event.

The inaugural salon/forum, scheduled for Monday, December 8th at 6:00 p.m., will feature Acting City Manager Dr. Stephanie Hernandez, outgoing Mayor Susan Payne alongside citizens for an educational forum and discussion.

 The theme, “How do we help our new mayor succeed—and what does shared leadership look like in Alamogordo?”, will invite participants to reflect on civic priorities and clarify how leadership functions in Alamogordo’s council–manager form of government.

Understanding the City Manager System

Alamogordo operates under a city commission–manager form of government, a model designed to balance democratic representation with professional administration. In this system:

The Mayor

Serves as the ceremonial head of the city and presides over city commission meetings.

Acts as a public ambassador, representing Alamogordo at events, in regional partnerships, and in state or national conversations.

Helps set the tone for civic priorities but does not directly manage day-to-day operations.

The City Manager

Is appointed by the city commission and functions as the chief executive officer of the city.

Oversees city staff, departments, and budgets, ensuring professional management of services ranging from public safety to infrastructure.

Implements policies adopted by the commission and ensures continuity in administration regardless of political changes.

This distinction is crucial: while the mayor embodies the community’s voice and vision, the city manager ensures that the machinery of government runs effectively and efficiently.

Salon Dialogue: Shared Leadership in Practice

The December forum will explore how citizens can support the incoming Mayor Elect -Sharon McDonald while respecting the professional role of the city manager, presently Dr. Stephanie Hernandez. Discussion prompts will include:

“What do we want the new administration to know about our hopes?”

“How can citizens be co-creators in civic success?”

“What civic rituals or practices could build trust and transparency?”

“How do we ensure diverse voices are heard in decision-making?”

Outcomes and Impact

Each salon/forum in the series is designed to better connect participants with city leadership and with organizations and influencers that make a positive impact on Alamogordo’s future. Beyond conversation, the salons serve as bridges—linking residents directly to the people, influencers and institutions shaping municipal decisions.

The concept is for AlamogordoTownNews.org to expand its role beyond print and radio by engaging face-to-face with community members. Through education and guided discussion, the salons aim to build a better informed and more engaged citizenry, empowering residents to understand and participate in the processes that most directly affect them at the municipal level.

By fostering these connections, the series seeks to cultivate civic courage, strengthen cultural renewal, and ensure that the voices of Alamogordo are not only heard but actively understand their role to shape the city’s and county's path forward.