Alamogordo City Commission Holds Special Meeting, Adjourns to Executive Session for City Manager Interview Amid Open Meetings Act Concerns

Alamogordo, NM (June 15, 2026) – The Alamogordo City Commission convened a special meeting this morning at 10:00 a.m. in the Donald E. Carroll Commission Chambers. After a brief open session, the commission adjourned into a closed-door executive session, reportedly to conduct an interview with former City Manager Robert Stockwell for the vacant city manager position.

Public notice for the meeting referenced a Notice of Special Meeting for Executive Closed Session dated for today. Robert Stockwell, who previously served as Alamogordo’s city manager from 1992 to 1997 before being terminated by a 5-1 commission vote, was present and prepared for the behind-closed-doors discussion. Stockwell has been a subject of local speculation as a potential candidate amid the prolonged search for a permanent replacement following the departure of Acting City Manager Dr. Stephanie Hernandez.

The executive session was held under provisions of the New Mexico Open Meetings Act (NMSA 1978, § 10-15-1(H)), likely citing exceptions for limited personnel matters related to hiring and potential attorney-client privileged discussions on threatened or pending litigation. No formal action was expected to be taken in open session following the closed portion.

Broader Context: Pending Litigation Over Alleged OMA Violations

This special meeting occurs against a backdrop of significant public scrutiny and pending legal action regarding the City Commission’s compliance with the New Mexico Open Meetings Act (OMA). Local media outlet Alamogordo Town News recently filed emergency court actions in the Twelfth Judicial District Court, alleging multiple violations by the commission, including a pattern of closed-door decision-making on the city manager search.

Key concerns raised include:

• Rolling quorum violations: Allegations that commissioners engaged in serial communications (such as phone calls outside of properly noticed public meetings) to coordinate the scheduling and substance of this special meeting, potentially circumventing OMA requirements for open deliberation. Under New Mexico law, a “rolling” or “walking” quorum—where members discuss public business through a series of less-than-quorum conversations that collectively involve a majority—constitutes a prohibited meeting outside of public view.

• A scheduled June 23 court hearing to address claims of at least 13 documented OMA incidents.

• Calls for transparency in the city manager hiring process, including public disclosure of candidates and reasons for decisions, consistent with the commission’s charter and state law.

The OMA emphasizes that discussions of public business by a quorum must occur in open, properly noticed meetings to ensure public participation and accountability. Violations can lead to nullification of actions and other remedies.

Background on Robert Stockwell

Stockwell’s potential return has drawn mixed reactions due to his prior tenure ending in controversy and subsequent roles in other municipalities. Supporters cite his extensive municipal government experience, while critics point to historical issues and question the process amid ongoing leadership instability in Alamogordo.

Community members and transparency advocates, including those monitoring via groups like CivicWatch, continue to push for greater openness in personnel decisions that impact city operations, budgeting, and services.

This article will be updated as more details from the meeting or related court proceedings become available. For official notices and agendas, visit the City of Alamogordo’s CivicClerk portal. Residents are encouraged to attend future public meetings and submit public comments as permitted under city rules.

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