Q&A Interview: Al Hernandez for Alamogordo City Commission District 5

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 Al Hernandez who previously served as commissioner for 12 years before being defeated by Sharon , 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.

AlamogordoTownNews.org Question: 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?

Al Hernandez Response: I have been a resident of Alamogordo all of my life. I have lived in District 5 all of my life as well. I built my home on the same block I was raised on over 20 years ago. I would like to serve as the District 5 city Commissioner because I love my city and enjoy representing and helping the people of my city and District 5.

AlamogordoTownNews.org Question: 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?

Al Hernandez Response: I have previously served 3 terms, 12 years on the Alamogordo City Commission. I graduated from Alamogordo high school and went right to work. I have helped Habitat for Humanity on several of their projects removing old dilapidated homes so new ones could be built. I have helped a local church remove 3 old homes from their property for future projects. I have held my current job for 26 years, currently working as the Facility Manager. I have helped build several subdivisions including Desert Hills phase 1 the first subdivision I worked on. I have plumbed many homes in Alamogordo as well as worked on the construction of the current Hospital. I was also tasked with overseeing the demolition of the old hospital on the corner of 10th and Cuba. I am always willing to lend a hand to my neighbors. I volunteered for the ICC fiesta for over 14 years helping raise funds for the church.

AlamogordoTownNews.org Question: 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?

Al Hernandez Response: This is nothing new as I have been a public servant in the past. I am always available to have an open productive conversation.

AlamogordoTownNews.org Question: 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?

Al Hernandez Response: I am very familiar with the city budget and understand the different funds. I went through 11 budget cycles previously. The city charter must be adhered to as well as the Roberts Rules of Order for any city meetings.

AlamogordoTownNews.org Question: 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?

Al Hernandez Response: The city staff is responsible for all union negotiations. Prior to entering into negotiations I would give the city manager any ideas or suggestions from represented staff or the public. It is very important not to interfere during negotiations.

AlamogordoTownNews.org Question: 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?

Al Hernandez Response: I have always believed transparency is important. Although there are times when executive sessions are required to discuss threatening or pending litigation or certain personal matters. I have gone as far as removing items from the consent calendar because I felt it was important for the public to know about these items.

AlamogordoTownNews.org Question: 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?

Al Hernandez Response: Holloman has always been an important partner for Alamogordo and I support all groups that work to maintain that relationship. Growing up and living in Alamogordo all my life I understand how important the missions are at Holloman and support them completely. I would work with all agencies that have functions to help maintain the great relationship we have.

AlamogordoTownNews.org Question: 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?

Al Hernandez Response: So what is affordable housing? Some say $700-$800 rent or a mortgage payment under $2000 dollars. It is hard to say I would reduce housing cost because most are privately owned and the city has no control on those prices. I think the city needs to work closer with developers and builders to bring more housing to the area, and therefore making housing more available and possibly reducing cost. There is only about $950000 left in Leda money the fund has been allocated to the new pool and funds probably won’t be available for 8-10 years

AlamogordoTownNews.org Question: 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?

Al Hernandez Response: One of the most important items to me is accountability. It is also important to understand the roll of the manager and commission. It is important for the commission to hire a competent experienced manager and pay a fair wage. It is also important for the commission to give the manager the ability to do the job they were hired for without interference. There must be clear communication from both sides for this to succeed.

AlamogordoTownNews.org Question: 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?

Al Hernandez Response: Working for the hospital for the last 26 years this has always been at the top of our list. One of the biggest challenges is that the city doesn’t deal with extremes often so it is not always feasible to buy or have equipment that will just sit unused. It is important to have MOU’s with other government entities or contractors.

AlamogordoTownNews.org Question: 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?

Al Hernandez Response: First I would make sure people know that I am available to meet and speak with them anytime. I would also try having some type of meet and greet although those have not been very successful in the past. During my last time on the commission I made many house calls to visit with people in and out of the district. Being available is the most important.

AlamogordoTownNews.org Question: 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?

Al Hernandez Response: The first would be to work with the city manager or designee to staff city hall and other departments that affect the quality of life in Alamogordo. The second would be to work with the manager or their designee to cut the red tape for new businesses and land developers and contractors, this has been a problem way too long. The third would be to work on the city’s infrastructure including water supply. These are not really in any specific order as they are all equally important for Alamogordo to thrive.

The 6 commissioners will be making the appointment for the position on Feb 24th. Join the public comments and let your voice be heard. 

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
• District 5 Candidate Shelley Dowhanik-Baron Details Experience and Priorities in Exclusive Q&A 2nd in our 4 part series on district 5 candidates to be voted on by the commission for appointment.