Alamogordo NM
1-23-2026 7:43pm

Alamogordo Insiders, Reportedly Champion Former City Manager Robert Stockwell—Despite Questionable History—for Open Position

Alamogordo, NM – Tips have come into our hotline that local political insiders are further puppeteering, Mayor Pro Tem Josh Rardin and Commissioner Stephen Burnett in the search for city manager. Both are often described as key figures pushing the agenda of the “Alamogordo insiders.” Allegedly they are now quietly championing and have committed favorable votes for Robert Stockwell, the former city manager with a highly controversial record, to apply for the still-vacant city manager position amid the prolonged and contentious national search.

AlamogordoTownNews.org reached out to each via email for comment and have extended the opportunity to each of them to call into Anthony Lucero at our broadcasting studio for streaming KALHRadio.org to comment on this assertion and on the search for the City Manager. No response as of publication time. If either responds we will happily publish their response to our multiple requests for comments.

These reports come as the search drags on into 2026, with multiple external finalists (including Dana Schoening and Jerry Flannery) having withdrawn with one taking other employment. The sole remaining viable candidate appears to be Acting City Manager Dr. Stephanie J. Hernandez, who has earned high marks for stabilizing operations, implementing performance-based budgeting, correcting underfunded liabilities, securing grants, and delivering strong financials in budgets ranging from $80–95 million (all funds). Despite her superior performance ratings—even when scored lower by commissioners like Rardin and Burnett—insider factions have pushed to extend the national search rather than move toward appointment.

Stockwell, who served as Alamogordo’s City Manager from 1992 to 1997, left under a cloud when the City Commission voted 5-1 to terminate him in July 1997 (Alamogordo Daily News, July 11, 1997). The ouster followed conflicts, including his push to force the resignation of the Alamogordo Department of Public Safety Director Steve Lee over alleged favoritism in ticket handling. Stockwell negotiated a 90-day post-resignation grace period in exchange for not firing Lee, but the commission rejected it and removed him decisively.

His tenure coincided with a period of municipal fiscal pressures, including reports of tight budgets and resource strains amid growth demands. While direct contemporary records of a specific $2.2 million shortfall are not explicitly tied to Stockwell in archived coverage, his era preceded later fiscal corrections. In contrast, the city’s finances have markedly improved under recent leadership, particularly Dr. Stephanie J. Hernandez, who has reversed prior dysfunction through transparency, liability fixes, and disciplined budgeting—achievements that underscore the risks of returning to past leadership models.

Stockwell’s 1997 departure included a reported settlement payout of approximately $124,000 from the city during a time of fiscal strain. The pattern repeated in 2016 when Alamogordo entered preliminary contract negotiations with him. Closed-session talks suggested he was all but hired; Stockwell allegedly notified City Hall staff of his return and incurred expenses (travel, preparation). Yet, at the September 13, 2016, public meeting, a motion by then-Commissioner Al Hernandez (seconded by Commissioner Baldwin) failed 4-3, with opponents citing lingering controversies, public rumors, and budget management concerns during constrained periods (Alamogordo Daily News, Sept. 14, 2016, via azcentral.com archive). A smaller settlement—under $10,000—was allegedly provided to address his costs.

Beyond Alamogordo, Stockwell faced a paid administrative leave in April 2019 as California City, CA’s city manager following a performance evaluation, leading to his resignation in May 2019 amid unspecified issues (23ABC News/KERO, April 2019).

With Alamogordo enduring at least seven city manager resignations in the past decade—fueling delays, morale issues, and distrust—reintroducing Stockwell could exacerbate divisions. His past backers, including past allies like Al Hernandez and previously Jason Baldwin (a recent mayoral candidate and former commissioner), align with the rumored insider push by Rardin and Burnett. Yet his history of turbulent exits, settlements during fiscal pressures, and failed rehiring bid signals instability at a time when the city needs proven, unifying leadership to sustain recent gains.

Opinion: If a change is desired by insiders, then it needs to be a clean change not a change backwards to when the city had a $2.2 Million dollar budget deficit ans faced staff cutbacks and The ongoing search remains mired in politics, with calls for transparency and accountability growing louder amid voter apathy and unopposed commissioner races in 2025. Stay tuned and sign up for our free newsletter published daily at https://2ndlifemediaalamogordo.town.news/

Sources:

• 2nd Life Media Alamogordo Town News (various reports, 2024–2026) – Coverage of current search, finalist withdrawals, commissioner dynamics (Rardin/Burnett), and fiscal improvements under Dr. Stephanie J. Hernandez.

• Alamogordo Daily News (July 11, 1997) – 1997 termination vote and conflicts.

• Alamogordo Daily News Archives (Sept. 14, 2016) – 4-3 vote against hiring Stockwell, including budget concerns (via azcentral.com archive).

• Des Moines Register (Nov. 29, 2016) – Suspension of search post-Stockwell vote.

• Reporter notes and interviews.

• 23ABC News/KERO (April 2019) – California City paid leave and resignation.

Newspaper.com archives.

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