Alamogordo NM
6-11-2026 5:25am

Alamogordo Insiders Accelerate Push for Controversial Ex-City Manager Robert Stockwell as Court Hearing Loom

Alamogordo, NM – As a pivotal court hearing approaches on June 23, 2026, in the lawsuit filed by Concerned Citizens of Alamogordo challenging the reversal of a unanimous 7-0 vote to negotiate a permanent contract with Acting City Manager Dr. Stephanie J. Hernandez, fresh reports indicate that a faction of commissioners—led by figures including Commissioner Robert Baxter Pattillo—is maneuvering to install former City Manager Robert Stockwell in a rushed, non-transparent process.

The lawsuit (Case No. D-1215-CV-2026-00514), which references the nearly $485,000 in taxpayer funds approved after the vote reversal, underscores ongoing concerns about transparency, open meetings violations, and insider influence in the prolonged city manager search. It validates earlier reporting by Alamogordo Town News on January 23, 2026, detailing insider efforts to champion Stockwell despite his turbulent history.

https://2ndlifemediaalamogordo.town.news/g/alamogordo-nm/n/361636/alamo…

According to multiple business and construction community sources, Pattillo—the 36 year old child on the commission is described as assuming a leadership role within the so-called “faction of four” (including Commissioners Pattillo, Josh Rardin, Stephen Burnett, and references to related dynamics)—is actively working to advance Stockwell’s appointment. This push reportedly intensified following Dr. Hernandez’s recent speech at city commission chambers as she transitions out. Patillo seems to have usurped authority over senior Commissioners Rardin and experienced commissioners Burnett and Hernandez in faction leadership. 

No Formal Vetting or Public Process

Via IPRA (Inspection of Public Records Act) requests, Alamogordo Town News has confirmed that, as of this reporting, neither the City’s HR Department nor any designated department has been notified of Stockwell’s potential appointment. No background checks, vetting procedures, or standard candidate evaluations appear to have been initiated—steps routinely expected for such a critical public position. This raises serious questions about circumventing public scrutiny and due process and public participation in the process and if true further supports the pending litigation against the City Commission of closed door deals and backroom hand shake agreements without public scrutiny. 

Business insiders report expectations of a special meeting called in the coming days, potentially while Mayor Sharon McDonald is out of town. The alleged strategy: Use the absence to secure a quick 4-vote approval for Stockwell without broad public participation, other applicant consideration, or full transparency—effectively presenting a fait accompli before the June 23 court hearing. Sources believe this move aims to further demonstrate that the earlier 7-0 vote supporting Dr. Hernandez was undermined by coordinated insider actions.

Susan Payne former Mayor Speaks out on this process..

https://youtu.be/xVSwPrUEqdw

Stockwell’s Controversial Record

Robert Stockwell served as Alamogordo’s City Manager from 1992 to 1997 before a 5-1 commission vote terminated him amid conflicts, including disputes over public safety leadership and fiscal pressures. The city reportedly paid approximately $124,000 in a settlement during a time of budget strains. A 2016 attempt to rehire him failed on a 4-3 vote, with concerns over his history and budget management cited. He later faced a paid administrative leave and resignation in California City, CA, in 2019.

In contrast, Dr. Stephanie J. Hernandez earned praise for stabilizing city operations, implementing performance-based budgeting, addressing underfunded liabilities, securing grants, and delivering strong financials amid $80–95 million budgets. Multiple external finalists withdrew during the national search, leaving her as the standout internal candidate before the reversal.

Calls for Accountability Grow Faction of 4 Ignore

This latest development comes amid years of turnover— with at least seven city manager changes or resignations in the past decade—fueling public distrust, morale issues, and questions about political motivations over professional governance. The faction’s reported alignment with past allies and the push for Stockwell, despite no open application process, has drawn sharp criticism from transparency advocates.

Alamogordo Town News has reached out to City leadership for comment on these allegations of which we have received No Response, the allegations of special meeting plans, and the status of any Stockwell discussions have not been confirmed within the City. We have also invited them to call into our KALH Radio studio. No responses have been received as of publication. We will update this story promptly upon any replies.

The June 23, 2026, court hearing in the Twelfth Judicial District Court represents a key moment for public engagement on these issues. Residents are encouraged to stay informed, attend commission meetings, submit public comments, and support transparency reforms

Alamogordo Town News has not objected to a Stockwell appointment if vetted with the public in a transparent manner, it has objected and signed on to the court hearing to the lack of honesty and transparency by Patillo and the 3 commissioners related to this process. 

Sign up for our free daily newsletter at https://2ndlifemediaalamogordo.town.news/ for ongoing coverage of city government, the search process, and accountability efforts. Sources include prior Alamogordo Town News reporting (2024–2026), court filings, IPRA documents, historical archives (Alamogordo Daily News, 1997 and 2016), and confidential business/community sources.

This is an ongoing investigative story. Tips can be submitted confidentially to our hotline.

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