Mayoral and District 2 Forum Monday Revealed Candidate Stances on Issues

The Alamogordo Daily News candidate forum held Monday at the Flickinger Center spotlighted leading contenders and raised concerns about transparency, ethics, and community priorities.

Held on October 27, 2025, the forum was hosted by Alamogordo Daily News at the Flickinger Center for Performing Arts, and streamed by both the Daily News and the Town News. It drew residents eager to hear directly from mayoral candidates and those of Commission district 2 ahead of the upcoming municipal election. Moderated by the Alamogordo Daily News staff, the event featured a structured Q&A format with questions submitted by the public and local media.

Key Highlights from the Forum

Front-runners Sharon McDonald and Jason Baldwin emerged through confident articulation of platforms focused on economic development, infrastructure, and ethical governance. Their responses reflected deep familiarity with local concerns and a commitment to actionable solutions and their experience shined through.

Sharon McDonald focused on her Block by Block success as a District Commissioner for District 5, expressing a keen knowledge of budget details, emphasis on community engagement and partnerships and experience in getting results with hands on leadership.

Baldwin emphasized his 10 prior years previously on the commission and that his break from service did him good but now he wants the citiy’s top position.

The forum experience solidified that McDonald and Baldwin were the polished and prepared front runners per public comments after the forum.

Candidates with concerns were noted for either vague responses, limited engagement with pressing issues like LEDA funding and nepotism, or lack of clarity on their proposed policies. Some struggled to connect with audience questions or appeared unprepared for the depth of civic scrutiny.

Boyce emphasized her religious convictions suggesting God first, discussed bibles in the schools and received boos when emphasizing a God first approach to leadership turning off some audience members.

Morgan demonstrated being a one trick pony revolving every question back to the desalination plant and the Charter.

Cota emphasized being an outsider, was late to the forum due to working two jobs but also leaned heavily into God and less so on direct policy proposals. Some suggested he showed a lack of understanding of how the budget dollars are allocated.

Hot Topic LEDA, Conflicts of Interest Service

Community priorities such as transparency in local government, public safety, and institutional renewal dominated the discussion. The forum underscored the public’s desire for leadership that is both visionary and accountable.

The opening question began with the two candidates for District 2 with Mr Burnett on the defensive concerning LEDA funding and his request for the city to provide the remaining $1.9 Million from the city budget to his sister in law for a project the city leadership recommended $460,000 for. Burnett responded that he will recuse himself from that vote but dug in that he has a right to advocate for his sister in law and did not perceive that is nepotism nor a conflict of interest with the public. The proposed apartments which would benefit military housing located near his district he failed to address.

Whereas his opponent Evan Ross emphasized he has no conflicts of interest, affordable housing is a priority and that stagnet wages and low paying jobs should be a “kitchen table issue” addressed by community round tables in the neighborhoods. Ross took offense with the homeless conversation when the Daily News called out vagrants in the park calling for compassion and care for thy neighbor.

From the mayoral candidates McDonald emphasized no conflict of interest and transparency was paramount to her administration.

Baldwin admitted being the Golf Pro at the city owned golf course was a conflict of interest but that he previously recused himself from discussions around its operations.

Boyce emphasized she was a former judge and has no conflicts.

Morgan suggested no conflicts.

Cota suggested he had no conflicts but after the forum a heated conversation occurred afterwards when the seated mayor Payne suggested he was disingenuous in his answer, as his wife works in the Alamogordo City Clerks Office. 

Audience engagement was strong, with residents submitting pointed questions and expressing interest in candidates’ positions on public safety, the homeless and business.

Venue and Atmosphere

The Flickinger Center, located at 1110 New York Avenue, provided a civic stage rich in history and symbolism. Doors opened at 4:45 p.m., with the forum beginning at 5:15 p.m. The event was free and open to the public, reinforcing its role as a democratic space for dialogue and decision-making.

Why This Matters

This forum arrives at a pivotal moment for Alamogordo, as voters weigh leadership choices that will shape the city’s future. With issues like LEDA funding controversies, ethical governance, and community renewal at the forefront, the forum offered a vital space for reflection, accountability, and civic stewardship.

The forum can be seen online on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1KnTi2JgZ8/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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