9-02-2023 3:16pm

Democratic Party of Otero County Now Homeless

Chris Edwards Editor

Things have looked bleak for Democrat Party of Otero County. Optics of a party are the optics of a local party in crises, with the recent order to cease all operations, meetings and gatherings and committee meetings on August 29th by the Democratic Party of New Mexico. But NOW another blow comes to DPOC and more bad optics with an announcement that they are homeless.

The headquarters for DPOC has been ordered to be emptied and vacated by September 15th, 2023.

An internal DPOC email provided to AlamogordoTownNews.com and KALHRadio.org written by acting DPOC treasurer Jeff Swanson under the Supervision of the state leadership explained that the office located at 1019A North Madison, Alamogordo is permanently closed. No explanation is provided, just guidance to remove any items or they will be donated to a thrift store or trashed.

Rumors circulated that DPOC had some financial improprieties in book keeping when Mathew Crecelius was treasurer. Matthew Crecelius was appointed to the role of party treasurer by chairwoman Brianna Martinez upon her election. Several Ward chairpersons reached out to AlamogordoTownNews.com upon that appointment with concerns but at the time we did not followup with a story, as it seemed at the time a normal act of internal party business.

Then last month we were alerted by party insiders that Matt Crecelius was removed as treasurer and there were questions of improprieties on how accounts were being handled. It was alleged that money raised for a scholarship fund was just funneled into the general account and not into a dedicated account which would be the standard under generally recognized GAAP accounting standards. Allegations were made that scholarship funds were used for DPOC social hours at the headquarters and to pay headquarters rent and overhead. We asked DPOC officials to comment on the allegations but received no response.

However, an action was taken in that Matt Crecelius was removed from the role of treasurer and former party chairman Jeff Swanson is now acting treasurer. Mr Swanson however is not acting alone but under DPNM supervision.

Rather the closure of the DPOC headquarters is tied to the allegations or not has not been determined by KALHRadio.org nor AlamogordoTownNew.com at this time.

What is confirmed is the headquarters is closed. What’s further confirmed is DPNM is investigating multiple allegations and complaints filed within the party and took over complete control in shutting down the local party August 29th, 2023.

In a letter from the Executive Director of the Democratic Party of New Mexico Sean Ward explained all DPOC activities are to cease pending investigations:

August 29, 2023

Dear Otero County Democrats,

It brings us no joy to write this letter. As of Tuesday, August 29, 2023, the Democratic Party of New Mexico will be suspending all Democratic Party related activities in Otero County. We are canceling tonight's Executive Committee meeting. This suspension of DPNM sanctioned activities such as regular Democratic Party of Otero County general meetings, executive committee meetings, ward meetings, DPOC committee meetings, etc., will continue until the open investigation concludes. After the investigation concludes, DPNM will determine next steps.

It is unfortunately clear that the DPOC organization at this time is unable to function productively. In recent months, interpersonal conflicts have superseded our shared primary objective of voter outreach and electing Democrats in Otero County. As Democrats, we encourage respectful disagreement and dialogue while building community. Conflicts between members have reached boiling points multiple times and we will not put people's health and safety at risk.

We will not take new complaints lodged at members during this suspension, since all DPOC party activities sanctioned by DPNM are to cease immediately. We will work directly with Otero County Democrats who wish to contact voters and help elect Democrats and we can help put those Democrats directly in touch with campaigns.

As Democrats, we support our local elected party leadership and validate their positions. This should not be interpreted as a message directed to the DPOC Chair, Vice Chair, ward chairs, etc. I myself am unable to navigate the multiple conflicts and can only imagine what it is like for DPOC leadership at all levels. At the conclusion of the suspension, I will work with all elected members on holding meetings and navigating disagreements within the organization in a productive way.

Otero County faces many challenges that we will only be able to take on with party unity. While DPNM can provide the tools and training to take on those challenges, commitment to party unity is in the hands of each and every member.

Thanks,

Sean Ward
Executive Director
Democratic Party of New Mexico ”

Local candidates have distanced themselves from the party. One claimed “the internal chaos is no reflection on my candidacy, I’ve always steered clear of party and operate on a nonpartisan platform of service to the community”

Another candidate spoke off the record and said, “the local party, the last several years has been more of a burden to elect-ability than an asset for help. That's why there is little comment from those in office at the state level nor those seeking office locally, of the party dynamics and misfortune.”

Whatever the outcome of the multiple investigations, the closure of party headquarters and the inability to bridge the hostilities between the warring factions within the local party; one thing is perfectly clear. The leadership of the Democratic Party of Otero County (DPOC) by former Chairman Jeff Swanson and transitioned to his candidate of choice; Chairwoman Brianna Martinez, is steeped in controversy, scandal and is now at its weakest point since its founding in Otero County.

Alamogordo and Otero County has been viewed as a Republican stronghold; that fact cannot be contested since Alamogordo and Otero County now effectively has only one party; organized, working, with a home and focused on the upcoming local municipal elections.