Alamogordo NM
5-06-2026 6:00am

Voices of Alamogordo: Otero County Sheriff’s Candidate Forum Recap – May 5, 2026 Poise and Professionalism Were on Display

Alamogordo, NM – Journalist Chris Edwards of 2nd Life Media hosted a community forum for Otero County Sheriff candidates on Monday, May 5, 2026, as part of the Voices of Alamogordo series. More than 40 residents attended in person, with over 150 additional viewers tuning in via the live YouTube stream.

The forum stood out for its professionalism and organization, according to one Otero County Republican operative who attended.

“This was the most professional and highly organized forum we have seen to date. The two candidates that appeared were allowed to present themselves in a manner that was professional, with well thought out questions and honest discussion.”

Two of the three candidates participated: Mrs. Geraldine Martinez and Mr. Cesar Ramos. Candidate Mr. Robles did not attend and sent no representatives.

Both attending candidates delivered polished presentations focused on transparency, collaboration, and meaningful change at the Otero County Sheriff’s Office.

Martinez Highlights Collaboration, Faith, and Experience

Mrs. Martinez emphasized her commitment to rebuilding trust through transparency and a more collaborative workplace culture. She stressed the need for improved partnerships with the Alamogordo Police Department (APD), village police departments, and township law enforcement leaders. Martinez leaned into her faith, extensive experience, and dedication to teamwork as cornerstones of her vision for the department.

Ramos Calls for Training, Federal Partnerships, and an End to Hostility

Mr. Ramos, drawing on his extensive background in Border Patrol and federal law enforcement leadership, advocated strongly for enhanced training, certifications, and education for deputies. He called for a shift away from hostility toward greater collaboration with federal agencies. Ramos expressed frustration with the current administration and what he described as misinformation shared at previous forums. He pledged a renewed focus on professionalism and public service.

Mutual Respect and Key Issues

Throughout the event, Martinez and Ramos showed mutual respect and compassion toward one another, setting a tone of civility. Questions from the audience and moderator covered critical topics including:

• Transparency in operations

• Interaction with the public and the press (including independent media)

• Jail training and oversight

• Increasing skilled officers in the field

• Rebuilding broken relationships, including those with the Tularosa Basin Dispatch Authority

• Restoring public trust following incidents such as the Elijah Hadley case

Both candidates repeatedly emphasized care for the public good, a desire to champion significant improvements, and leadership delivered with humility and grace. They demonstrated genuine engagement and provided well-thought-out answers to nearly every question.

Following the forum, audience members mingled with the candidates for approximately 45 minutes. Attendees left upbeat and enthusiastic about what they had witnessed. Candidates were allowed to pass out campaign literature to participants for further information, contributing to a more informed electorate.

The two candidates demonstrated professionalism, competence, and a genuine approach throughout the evening. In a campaign season marked by controversy and deep emotions, Martinez and Ramos conducted themselves as adults—rising above the drama with true poise and the kind of professionalism sorely needed in local politics today.

The full forum is available to view here:

https://www.youtube.com/live/4_fJLULOtYg?si=CwCLi0VYICcq_inn

This event, organized by 2nd Life Media / AlamogordoTownNews.org, continues the Voices of Alamogordo commitment to providing residents with direct, unfiltered access to candidates ahead of the upcoming election.

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