Alamogordo Poll Exposes Leadership Rift: Robust Backing for Mayor McDonald and Commissioner Robinson, While Rardin Leads in Distrust Followed by Burnett, Pattillo, Hernandez, and Tapley

Alamogordo, NM – March 7, 2026 – An independent poll released by Citizens for Transparency paints a picture of sharp contrasts in public perception of Alamogordo’s city officials, with Mayor Sharon McDonald and Commissioner Warren Robinson enjoying substantial support and trust, in stark opposition to Commissioner Josh Rardin, who registers the highest levels of distrust in two decades. Following Rardin are Commissioners Stephen Burnett, Jason Pattillo, Alfonso “Al” Hernandez, and Mark Tapley, all facing significant unfavorability and skepticism from voters.

The survey also indicates majority support for recalling Rardin and Burnett, underscoring mounting calls for accountability.

Conducted by a Berkeley, California-based polling firm under contract with Citizens for Transparency, the poll reached out to 500 registered voters who participated in the most recent election. The sample reflects local voter registrations, with 60% Republican, 20% Decline to State (DTS), and 20% Democratic respondents, ensuring a representative cross-section of the community’s political makeup.

Mayor McDonald received strong endorsement, with 72% of respondents viewing her favorably and 75% expressing trust in her leadership, praised for her emphasis on transparency, community involvement, and consistent decision-making. Commissioner Robinson similarly shone, garnering 68% favorability and 70% trust levels, attributed to his strong stance on public safety, infrastructure, and resident-focused policies. “These figures highlight a clear preference for principled, accessible leadership,” commented a Citizens for Transparency representative.

On the other end of the spectrum, Commissioner Josh Rardin faced the most severe backlash, with 78% unfavorability and 82% lacking trust—the highest such metrics for any seated commissioner in 20 years. Respondents frequently cited concerns over perceived favoritism, detachment from community needs, and involvement in internal commission disputes. Close behind was Commissioner Stephen Burnett, posting 72% unfavorability and 76% lack of trust, amid criticisms of opaque dealings favoring family over constituents and policy missteps.

Newcomer Commissioner Jason Pattillo followed with 67% unfavorability and 71% distrust tied directly to his approach to the city manager search, while Alfonso “Al” Hernandez registered 63% unfavorability and 68% lack of trust.

Commissioner Tapley rounded out the group with 59% unfavorability and 64% distrust, reflecting broader dissatisfaction with what many see as factional politics overshadowing public service.

The poll further revealed strong sentiment for change in approach in the city manager search, with 58% of respondents supporting a recall of Rardin and 52% backing a recall for Burnett with a majority of respondents suggesting they no longer trust their decision making in the city manager search as fair and unbiased. These numbers transcend party affiliations, though they are especially pronounced among the Republican majority who historically has shown strong support for these individual commission members, signaling potential for citizen-led initiatives to include charter revisions to address perceived governance failures.

Citizens for Transparency stressed the poll’s impartiality and rigorous methodology, stating, “Our goal was to amplify voter voices, and these results demand attention to restore faith in local government.” The findings arrive just before the March 10 City Commission meeting, where key votes on the city manager and other issues could either alleviate or exacerbate these tensions.

Residents are urged to participate in civic processes, including attending meetings and engaging in public comments, to advocate for transparency and alignment with community priorities. For full poll details or to join Citizens for Transparency efforts, contact the organization directly.

Alamogordo Town News will continue monitoring developments in city hall and community sentiment.

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