District 5 Candidate Shelley Dowhanik-Baron Details Experience and Priorities in Exclusive Q&A

As part of our coverage leading up to the February 19th community meet and greet and forum at Dudley School from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, Alamogordo Town News reached out to the four applicants for the Alamogordo City Commission District 5 seat. This position will be appointed by the 6 seated commissioners vote on Feb 24th. Let your voice be heard.

Below is a comprehensive Q&A with candid Shelley Dowhanik-Baron, featuring her verbatim responses to our questions.

Citizens have a right to know the details on these candidates and are encouraged to attend the event, speak at public comments during the City Commission meeting on the 24th, and send letters or emails to champion who, in their opinion, best represents District 5. The position will be appointed by a vote of the 6 commissioners

Alamogordo Town News: How long have you lived in Alamogordo and specifically in District 5, and why do you want to serve on the City Commission at this time?

Shelley Dowhanik-Baron — I love this great little city. I came to Alamogordo about eight years ago, and for the past three years I’ve been proud to call District 5 home.

Our city is going through some challenges — aging infrastructure, changes in leadership, and concerns about trust in local government. I’ve spent my career as a city engineer working with elected officials on the nuts and bolts that keep a city running, and I understand how those issues affect everyday life.

Most of all, I care deeply about this community. I love my home, and I want to help it move forward with common sense and respect for the people who live here. I bring fresh ideas, new perspectives and an independent voice — free of local agendas or special interests.

Alamogordo Town News: What experience have you had with government in Alamogordo or elsewhere, and what other relevant professional, volunteer, educational, or life experiences help qualify you for this commissioner role?

Shelley Dowhanik-Baron — I’ve worked closely with city staff, elected officials, regulators, and everyday citizens throughout my career. I’ve managed projects, budgets, and teams, and I know how decisions made at City Hall show up in real life — in your water bill, your streets, and your neighborhoods.

I also spent nine years as a high school STEM teacher, which taught me the importance of listening and explaining things clearly. Through volunteering and being active in the community I’ve gotten to know what matters to Alamogordans.

Alamogordo Town News: The commissioner role offers modest pay and places you—and potentially your family—under public and media scrutiny, including on social media. How have you prepared yourself and your family for that level of visibility, and how will you handle criticism or negative feedback from the media, residents, or online?

Shelley Dowhanik-Baron - Public service comes with criticism and tough conversations. I’ve spent years speaking at public meetings and hearings — sometimes in pretty heated situations. I am comfortable with public accountability and disagreement. I believe the best way to handle disagreement is with honesty, professionalism, and staying focused on what’s best for Alamogordo.

Alamogordo Town News: How familiar are you with the City of Alamogordo’s budget process and the City Charter? In the last 60 days, what specific steps have you taken to deepen your understanding of the charter and the budget development, adoption, and oversight procedures?

Shelley Dowhanik-Baron - I’ve worked with municipal budgets and long-term planning for much of my career. I attend most Alamogordo City Commission meetings and understand the role of the Commission under the City Charter. In recent weeks, I’ve met with each individual commissioner, Acting City Manager Dr. Hernandez, Mayor McDonald, and Finance Director Evelyn Huff to better understand the city’s priorities and finances.

Alamogordo Town News: The city is presently engaged in ongoing contract negotiations with the police and fire unions concerning long-term contracts, benefits, and training. What are your thoughts on these negotiations, and how would you approach guiding city staff and the commission in reaching fair, sustainable collective bargaining agreements that balance employee needs with fiscal responsibility and public safety priorities?

Shelley Dowhanik-Baron - In 2025, violent crime dropped by more than 25% and property crime by over 41%, thanks to the hard work of our police officers and firefighters. They deserve fair pay and good working conditions. At the same time, agreements must be financially responsible so we don’t put strain on the city’s future. I support data-based negotiations that respect both our employees and our taxpayers.

Alamogordo Town News: Transparency and ethical governance have been major topics in recent commission meetings and public comments. What specific steps would you advocate for to increase openness in city operations, reduce reliance on executive sessions, and rebuild public trust?

Shelley Dowhanik-Baron- Rebuilding public trust is one of my top priorities. When executive sessions are necessary under New Mexico law, the public deserves to know clearly why they’re being held. I also believe residents should receive regular updates on major projects and decisions. People shouldn’t have to guess what’s going on at City Hall, and shouldn’t have surprises.

Alamogordo Town News: Alamogordo’s economy is heavily tied to Holloman Air Force Base. With ongoing military housing needs and projects like new family units breaking ground in 2026, what policies or partnerships would you prioritize to support base personnel, retention, and the local economy?

Shelley Dowhanik-Baron- Holloman Air Force Base is a cornerstone of our local economy. Our city does best when we work hand in hand with our military neighbors towards common goals: housing, community amenities, services. At the same time, we can’t rely on just one economic driver. We need to attract new businesses and good-paying jobs so families can build a future here. When Alamogordo is clean, safe, and welcoming, people want to stay — and others want to move here.

Alamogordo Town News: Affordable housing remains a challenge in Alamogordo, particularly for military families and residents facing rising costs. How would you approach solutions, such as LEDA funding allocations, zoning updates, or partnerships with developers, to address this issue?

Shelley Dowhanik-Baron- Affordable housing takes teamwork. We need real partnerships and a long-term plan. The city can help by cutting unnecessary red tape, improving customer service for builders, and revitalizing our core neighborhoods while upholding codes and standards. I support using LEDA funding the way it was meant to be used—to grow our economy and create long-term, living-wage jobs.

Alamogordo Town News: The city has faced a decade of turnover in the city manager position, contributing to delays in infrastructure projects (like water upgrades) and concerns about stability. What role should the commission play in ensuring a smooth, transparent search and long-term leadership continuity?

Shelley Dowhanik-Baron- The Commission’s job is to set clear expectations, hire strong leadership, and avoid micromanaging. We need a city manager committed to Alamogordo for the long haul. Clear goals, regular evaluations, and a professional working relationship will help projects move forward without unnecessary disruption.

Alamogordo Town News: Public safety, emergency preparedness (including extreme weather events like heat or cold), and community resilience have been raised by residents. What ideas do you have for improving preparedness plans, sheltering vulnerable populations, or collaborating with county and base partners?

Shelley Dowhanik-Baron- Keeping people safe requires coordination between the city, Otero County, the Mescalero Apache Tribe, Holloman, and our local nonprofits. Clear communication is important so residents know what’s happening during emergencies and what steps to take.

Alamogordo Town News: District 5 and Alamogordo overall benefit from strong community involvement. How would you engage residents—through town halls, social media, or other means—to ensure diverse voices are heard on issues like infrastructure, economic development, and quality of life?

Shelley Dowhanik-Baron- I believe in showing up: at neighborhood meetings, community events, one-on-one conversations and social media. Open houses for city projects are a great way to hear ideas early and make sure people feel included in decisions that affect their neighborhoods.

Alamogordo Town News: If appointed, what would be your top three priorities for the remainder of the term (through December 2027), and how would you measure success in those areas?

Shelley Dowhanik-Baron-

1. Getting the basics right:

Strong infrastructure, careful planning and budgeting, and steady leadership so projects don’t stall or fall through the cracks. Just as important is bringing people along and keeping taxpayers in the loop. Open, frequent communication with our residents is a top priority for me.

2. Growing our economy:

Bring in more good-paying jobs and new businesses so the city isn’t leaning so hard on the same taxpayers. That means working with partners, using grants and other funding opportunities, and putting that investment back into Alamogordo.

3. Taking pride in our city:

Build on the momentum of Alamogordo MainStreet: cleaning up neighborhoods, supporting small businesses, increasing tourism. Make Alamogordo a place people choose to stop, stay, and invest in — not just pass through.

Join us for the community meet and greet on Feb 19th at the Dudley School at 6 pm

More News from Alamogordo

• Azar Rangel Withdraws from Consideration for Alamogordo City Commission District 5 Appointment Part 4 in our series on candidates for appointment for Alamogordo City Commission District 5
• Q&A Interview: Al Hernandez for Alamogordo City Commission District 5 Part 3 in our series of candidates to be appointed to district 5 city commission