Alamogordo NM
5-21-2026 2:13am

Questionable Ethics: Commissioner Amy Barela’s Power Move Against Political Opponent Raises Fresh Concerns Over Leadership in County Commission Chambers

Alamogordo, NM — In yet another display of what critics are calling political gamesmanship, Otero County Commissioner Amy Barela used her position to pull a routine $12,720 budgeted Sheriff’s Office item from the Consent Agenda during the May 20, 2026 county commission meeting — an action many view as a clear power play aimed at her electoral opponent, Lt. Jonathan Emery.

The item, titled “CA18 Request approval for a Motorola Solutions II Senior Network Engineer for the Otero County Sheriff’s Office in the amount of $12,720.00,” was properly placed on the Consent Agenda. Consent agendas exist precisely for non-controversial, already-budgeted operational matters like this one, which supports critical public safety communications infrastructure including PSAP issues, the Sheriff’s Office rollover, and the County Admin/Annex rollover.

Despite that, Barela unilaterally pulled the item into New Business, where it encountered resistance. During the discussion, Lt. Emery was heard stating “it’s not going to get done,” further fueling perceptions that the outcome was predetermined.

Watch the relevant sections of the public meeting here:

• Full Meeting Video (Otero County Official YouTube Channel) → Watch Here (search May 20, 2026 meeting)

• Consent Agenda & Pull of CA18 Item → (Timestamp approximately during Consent Agenda portion)

This incident shows a consistent pattern of ethical concerns with Amy Barela’s tactics — not only in her role as New Mexico Republican Party Chair and on the campaign trail, but now yet again spilling over into the halls of county government. These actions raise even more ethical concerns and distrust among voters of a machine-driven policy apparatus designed to protect a certain power base that is infecting both city and county government, with Barela at the epicenter.

Critics point out the striking inconsistency: a modest $12,720 operational expense — already budgeted and routine — would almost never generate debate if removed from consent. This is particularly noteworthy coming from a commissioner whose own discretionary fund has a public record of questionable expenditures, and by the county’s own admission operates with few formal rules or budgetary guardrails.

By pulling an item that arguably never should have been removed in the first place, Barela has invited renewed questions about the ethical boundaries of her leadership and whether county procedures are being weaponized against political opposition.

When elected officials appear to use procedural tools selectively against rivals — especially amid an active lawsuit filed by Jonathan Emery and other Republican candidates against Barela in the 12th Judicial District Court challenging her continued role as Party Chair — it undermines public confidence in impartial governance. The optics are troubling: a sitting commissioner using her authority in a manner that directly impacts matters connected to her challenger.

The full meeting recording is available on YouTube for residents to review. As Otero County voters head into the June primary, many are asking whether these actions reflect standard county business or a pattern of questionable ethical leadership that prioritizes political advantage over transparent, effective service to the public.

For full context, read the detailed coverage at 2nd Life Media Alamogordo Town News.

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