Alamogordo NM
2-23-2026 5:27pm

Opinion: A Mandate for Fresh Leadership: Why Alamogordo’s District 5 Appointment Must Look Forward, Not Back

As Alamogordo’s City Commission prepares for one of its most consequential decisions in recent memory—the appointment of a new District 5 commissioner on February 24, 2026—the community stands at a crossroads. The vacancy created by Mayor Sharon McDonald’s election has opened not just a seat, but a defining moment for the city’s political identity. Will the commission honor the clear mandate voters have expressed over the past several election cycles, or will it revert to the patterns that once mired the city in controversy, turnover, and costly dysfunction?

District 5 voters have spoken—twice, decisively. In 2019 and again in 2023, they chose new leadership over returning to the past. Sharon McDonald defeated former commissioner Al Hernandez both times, the second by a commanding margin. Her elevation to mayor in 2025 only reinforced the district’s appetite for transparency, accessibility, and forward momentum.

Now, with the appointment power in the hands of six commissioners—including next-generation leader Baxter Pattillo—the question becomes whether they will respect that mandate.

The Rise of a New Generation of Leadership

The election of Commissioner Pattillo symbolized a shift in Alamogordo’s political culture. Coming from a respected family with no ties to past scandals, Pattillo represents a clean break from the era of backroom dealings, city manager interference, and the million-dollar settlements that drained resources from roads, water systems, and public safety.

Residents have embraced this new direction. Over the past year, the city has seen:

  • Major project completions
  • Increased citizen involvement in ordinances and standards
  • A renewed commitment to transparency
  • Stability under Acting City Manager Dr. Stephanie Hernandez

The District 5 appointment is the next test of whether the commission will continue this trajectory—or undermine it.

Two Candidates Who Embody the Future

The choice before the commission is clear. Two candidates—Shelley Dowhanik-Baron and Vesta Sherrie Edmonds—represent the passion, professionalism, and community-centered leadership that District 5 has repeatedly demanded.

Shelley Dowhanik-Baron: Technical Expertise Meets Community Heart

  • Former city engineer with hands-on experience in budgeting, infrastructure, and project management
  • STEM educator with a track record of mentorship
  • Active volunteer in Downtown MainStreet and community cleanups
  • Regular attendee of commission meetings, already engaged in city finances and priorities

Her engineering background gives her a rare ability to challenge assumptions, scrutinize development proposals, and bring data-driven clarity to infrastructure decisions—an invaluable counterbalance to commissioners with building-trade ties.

Vesta Sherrie Edmonds: A Lifelong Resident with Deep Administrative Roots

  • Born and raised in Alamogordo
  • 40+ years of administrative experience across corporate, legal, and ministry sectors
  • Member of the 2023 Charter Review Committee
  • Dedicated volunteer in cleanups, historical preservation, and youth mentorship
  • Known for her steady, collaborative approach and heartfelt commitment to service

Edmonds brings a grounded, community-first perspective that aligns with the district’s desire for ethical governance and resident-focused decision-making.

Both women attended the February 19 public forum—an event watched by over 300 residents—and both demonstrated passion, preparedness, and a clear understanding of District 5’s needs. Their visions align with the city’s forward momentum: infrastructure improvements, fiscal responsibility, economic diversification, and transparent governance.

The Contrast: A Look Backward or a Step Forward

Al Hernandez is a proud and faithful servant to his community. His years of volunteerism and his love for Alamogordo are unquestioned. But he also had 12 years on the commission to make his mark. Voters then chose a different path—twice. His absence from the public forum created a public perception that only underscored the disconnect between his candidacy and the community’s expectations for accessibility and engagement.

This moment is not about diminishing his service. It is about recognizing that his time has passed, and the district has repeatedly expressed its desire for new leadership.

A Defining Moment for Commissioner Pattillo—and the City

For Commissioner Baxter Pattillo, this appointment is more than a vote. It is an opportunity to define his legacy and solidify his role as a leader of the city’s next generation. 

The choice before him mirrors the choice before the entire commission:

  • Lean into fresh faces who reflect the district’s recent electoral decisions
  • Or fall back into the patterns of insider influence, stalled progress, and costly missteps

The people of District 5 have already shown what they want. They want transparency. They want accountability. They want leaders who show up, listen, and build—not those tied to the controversies of the past.

Aspect Shelley Dowhanik-Baron Vesta Sherrie Edmonds
Background & District Experience 8 years in Alamogordo (3 in District 5); former city engineer with hands-on budget and project management; 9 years as high school STEM teacher; active in Downtown MainStreet events (e.g., Christmas on MainStreet) and community cleanups; regular attendee at City Commission meetings; met with officials on finances and priorities. Her engineering expertise offers a unique lens to scrutinize and improve infrastructure decisions, potentially countering biases from building-trades-affiliated commissioners. Deep historic tied to Miami Street as an Alamogordo resident (born and raised); 40+ years in administrative roles (corporate, legal, ministry); served on 2023 Charter Review Committee; volunteer in community cleanups, historical preservation, and mentorship programs (e.g., Big Brothers Big Sisters); caregiver for elderly mother; remote worker for legal/CPA/ministry clients. Deep community roots emphasize grassroots involvement in District 5's MainStreet and cleanup efforts.
Passion & Commitment Demonstrated through volunteering in local events and advocating for transparency; positioned as a bridge between technical expertise and public needs; forum highlights included empathy and seasoned insights, earning praise for her dedication to rebuilding trust, technical skills in development and community pride. Inspired by military family background; heartfelt forum participation (despite nervousness) showcased passion for service,and courage, mentorship, and resident input; praised for genuine dedication to cleanups, history preservation, and fostering future leaders.
Vision for District 5 & New-Generation Leadership Fresh, independent ideas to address leadership turnover and aging infrastructure; create a clean, safe, welcoming environment to attract residents and businesses; emphasizes common sense, economic diversification, and limiting executive sessions for greater accountability. Complements next-gen leaders such as Pottello by focusing on grants, partnerships, and avoiding past pitfalls like overreach. Steady, collaborative representation building on strong foundations; responsive voice for residents with discipline and care; prioritizes ethical governance, data-driven decisions, and no micromanaging of city staff. Aligns with forward momentum by expanding citizen engagement and supporting stable management to prevent historical financial drains.
Top Priorities (through Dec 2027) 1. Infrastructure basics (stable leadership for projects like roads and water).
2. Economic growth (attract jobs via LEDA funding, reduce Holloman reliance).
3. City pride (support MainStreet for cleanups, tourism). Success measured by effective delivery and higher engagement, learning from past errors to ensure fiscal health.		 1. Infrastructure/road improvements (accelerate water upgrades, street repairs).
2. Fiscal responsibility (on-time budgets, strong city manager).
3. Quality of life (expand cleanups, preserve history, resident feedback). Success via measurable progress and safer districts, closing the door on costly investigations.
Views on Key Issues & Challenging the Past - Infrastructure/Public Safety: Data-driven negotiations; coordinate with partners for emergencies; leverages engineering background to push efficient, unbiased solutions.
- Economic Development: Diversify with incentives for housing/jobs; challenge "red tape" perceptions with transparent processes.
- Governance: Town halls, social media for engagement; reduce litigation risks by promoting trust and independence from insider influences.		 - Infrastructure/Public Safety: Accelerate repairs; fair union deals balancing safety and finances.
- Economic Development: Holloman partnerships for growth; affordable project incentives.
- Governance: Open meetings for transparency; ethical decisions to avoid overreach and settlements that diverted funds from essentials.
Forum Highlights (Feb 19) Participated in person; highlighted volunteering, accountability, and support for airport/zoo upgrades; noted for bridging technical and empathetic approaches, resonating with calls for fresh perspectives. Participated in person; emphasized mentorship, charter reforms, and passion for community; supported expansions while prioritizing District 5 needs; received acclaim for authentic commitment.

Passing the Mantle

Alamogordo stands on the threshold of a new era. The city has momentum, energy, and a renewed sense of civic pride. To sustain that progress, the mantle must be passed to leaders who embody the future—not the past.

Shelley Dowhanik-Baron and Vesta Sherrie Edmonds represent that future. Their commitment, experience, and community engagement align with the mandate voters have delivered again and again.

The commission now has the chance to honor that mandate. Will the commission build on the next generation and create bench strength that could complement Commissioner Pattello for a vision forward? All eyes are on him and Mark Tapley to look forward and not backward. 

The time for fresh leadership is here. The people are ready. The city is ready. And District 5 deserves nothing less then a vision forward!

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