11-25-2025 12:20pm

2nd Life Media AlamogordoTownNews.org Launches 6-Month Salon/Forum Series — Voices of Alamogordo Explores. The First, Dec. 8th, Explores Leadership and the Mayor’s Role

Chris Edwards Editor

Alamogordo, NM — 2nd Life Media’s AlamogordoTownNews.org is proud to announce the launch of a six-month series of monthly community salons designed to spark dialogue, deepen civic understanding, and connect residents directly with the leaders and organizations shaping Alamogordo’s future.

The forums will be hosted once a month at Otero Arts, 1118 Indiana Avenue at 12th Street, in a salon-style format that blends intimate conversation with expert insight. Each gathering will bring together community members, subject-matter experts, and civic influencers to explore issues ranging from municipal leadership, to transparency and the role of the press, to dialogue on health, wellness and community priorities.

First Forum: December 8th

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 council–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.

Looking Ahead

The 2nd Life Media Voices of Alamogordo series will continue monthly through spring 2026, with each session spotlighting a new theme, and connecting the public to influencers and expert voices. We are seeking community ideas for upcoming forums. Some ideas under consideration are:

Small Market Press Freedom and the Role of Independent Media
MainStreet Revitalization and Cultural Heritage Whats Next?
Youth Engagement and Civic Education
Public Safety and Community Trust
Economic Development and Small Business Innovation

A Civic Invitation

As we move forward, AlamogordoTownNews.org invites all residents to join us in this engaging exercise of kitchen-table-style dialogue—where neighbors become collaborators, and civic empowerment begins with conversation. These salons are not just events; they are spaces for listening, learning, and leading together.

Let’s build a stronger Alamogordo—one discussion at a time.

Join us December 8th at 6 pm at Otero Arts as we begin the next chapter of in person community building and kitchen table discussions.