Alamogordo NM
2-06-2026 9:52pm

Alamogordo City Commission Tensions Escalate: Media Letter Traces Alleged Executive Session Leaks to Rardin and Burnett Networks, Raising Deflection Concerns

Alamogordo, New Mexico – Amid the City of Alamogordo’s extended search for a permanent city manager, a formal exchange between local media and the city attorney has highlighted allegations that information from confidential executive sessions originated from networks tied to Commissioners Josh Rardin (District 4, Mayor Pro Tem) and Stephen Burnett (District 2), rather than other officials nor the Mayor. The details, outlined in public correspondence, suggest Rardin’s public accusations of leaks by unnamed commissioners may serve to redirect attention from sources within his own circle, potentially conflicting with Mayor Sharon McDonald’s emphasis on transparency since her historic January 2026 swearing-in.

The issue surfaced publicly during the January 27, 2026, Alamogordo City Commission meeting at the Donald E. Carroll Commission Chambers. Rardin referenced articles from 2nd Life Media Alamogordo Town News detailing the withdrawal of external finalists Dana Schoening (Tuttle, Oklahoma) and Jerry Flannery (formerly Commerce City, Colorado) after a January 20, 2026, executive session on “limited personnel matters.” The reports also noted alleged insider advocacy for former City Manager Robert Stockwell—despite his 1997 termination from Alamogordo, a failed 2016 rehiring bid, and subsequent issues in California—and positioned Acting City Manager Dr. Stephanie J. Hernandez as the frontrunner.

At the meeting, Rardin accused an unnamed party—implying possible involvement by fellow commissioners or Mayor McDonald—of disclosing session details to the media. He requested the matter be added to the agenda for another closed session that evening. The city attorney reminded commissioners of the New Mexico Open Meetings Act (OMA) requirements, stating that executive sessions must remain strictly limited to the noticed topic, with any unrelated discussions necessitating a return to open session.

In response, 2nd Life Media Editor-in-Chief Chris Edwards sent a January 29, 2026, letter to City Attorney Darrell Mori, asserting that the reported information came from public records requests, applicant connections, open-source notes, and multiple independent sources linked to Rardin and Burnett. The letter specifically stated: “the purported ‘leak’ of executive session details was confirmed by multiple independent sources, including discussions with members of a local business association. Each of these sources indicated that the conversations in question originated with individuals who have close ties to Commissioner Rardin and possibly Commissioner Burnett.” Edwards emphasized that no evidence supported leaks from Mayor McDonald or other commissioners, and the accusations appeared to deflect from the actual origins while potentially undermining efforts toward greater governmental openness.

The letter also cited reports from former officials of a recurring pattern where executive sessions, including those influenced by Rardin, exceeded the noticed scope—potentially violating OMA provisions (NMSA 1978, § 10-15-1(H)) that restrict closed sessions to specific purposes like personnel matters. Edwards requested an investigation into the confidentiality breaches actual origin, commission guidance on compliance, public release of findings, and prompt disclosure of any off-scope discussions in future sessions. Copies were sent to the city clerk, Mayor McDonald, the city manager’s office, and the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office.

Mori responded on February 6, 2026 at 4:02 pm, acknowledging the concerns and affirming the city’s adherence to OMA and Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) standards. He explained that legal advice from his office is protected by attorney-client privilege, formal Code of Conduct complaints require a sworn process, and general letters do not initiate it. Mori reiterated executive session rules and noted that OMA complaints can be filed with entities like the Attorney General or NM State Ethics Commission. The response did not address specifics about investigations, leaks, or the alleged business-network ties.

Local records and reporting have previously noted Rardin and Burnett’s business connections, including joint advocacy for Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) projects benefiting family or associates—such as a 2025 proposal where Burnett sought $1.9 million (exceeding staff recommendations) for an initiative linked to his sister-in-law and a Rardin associate. These ties have been referenced in community forums as part of networks potentially influencing city processes.

Alamogordo has faced over a decade of city manager instability, with at least seven holders since 2015, often due to commission dynamics and short tenures. The current search, relaunched in late 2025 after a pause over bias claims and a tainted process allegedly pointing toward Rardin, Burnett which could still potentially lead to litigation, proceeds with February 2026 interviews.

Public comments at the January 27 meeting supported Hernandez’s appointment, crediting her with operational stability, grant acquisition, and budgeting improvements.

New Mexico’s OMA mandates transparency, limiting executive sessions and allowing penalties for violations. Press shield laws (NMSA § 38-6-7 and Rule 11-514 NMRA) protect journalistic sources, while the Whistleblower Protection Act safeguards employees reporting improprieties.

Residents can access meeting materials via the CivicClerk portal (alamogordonm.portal.civicclerk.com). The next meeting is February 10th 2026

The public is encouraged to participate in public comments.

For OMA issues, contact the New Mexico Attorney General’s Open Government Division and or the State Ethics Commission.

This article is based on public meeting records requests, published correspondence, official agendas, and local reporting from January–February 2026.

Citations:

1. Alamogordo City Commission Meeting Agenda and Minutes, January 27, 2026 (CivicClerk portal: alamogordonm.portal.civicclerk.com).

2. Letter from Chris Edwards to City Attorney Darrell Mori, January 29, 2026 (published in 2nd Life Media Alamogordo Town News).

3. Response from City Attorney Darrell Mori to Chris Edwards (undated, post-January 29, 2026; published in 2nd Life Media Alamogordo Town News).

4. 2nd Life Media Alamogordo Town News articles on city manager search (e.g., “Alamogordo’s City Manager Search: A Decade of Turnover Leads to February 2026 Interviews – In-Depth Candidate Analysis,” February 4, 2026).

5. New Mexico Open Meetings Act (NMSA 1978, §§ 10-15-1 et seq.).

6. New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (NMSA 1978, §§ 14-2-1 et seq.).

7. Historical reporting on LEDA funding and commissioner ties

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