Alamogordo Town News / KALH Radio Exclusive New Alamogordo City Manager Robert Stockwell Speaks Out in First Public Interview

Alamogordo Town News via Chris Edwards and KALH Radio (kalhradio.org) with Anthony Lucero hosted the first exclusive public interviews with Robert Stockwell, who was appointed in a 5-2 vote as the new City Manager of Alamogordo, effective July 1, 2026. 

Below are key highlights from the transcript of his interview with Anthony Lucero. Citizens are encouraged to listen to the full interview in his own words:

Link to the KALH Radio interview with Anthony Lucero:

Key Insights from the Interview

Controversies and Public Trust:

Mr. Stockwell acknowledges controversies surrounding his appointment but maintains that many issues are manufactured rather than based on actual wrongdoing. He emphasizes the need to move past controversy and focus on effective city governance.

Reason for Previous Departure:

He describes his departure from his prior role as a “simple process” free of misconduct, aiming to clarify any related rumors or misunderstandings.

Vision for Alamogordo:

His primary goal is delivering dependable city services. He stresses clear communication, collaboration with city employees and commissioners, and providing clearer direction in a complex environment.

Optimistic Message to Citizens: “Things are gonna look up.”

On Predecessor Dr. Stephanie Hernandez:

Stockwell states he has no involvement or special understanding of her situation and sees himself simply as following in her footsteps. He wishes her well in her future endeavors.

Overall Theme:

Focus on solutions, hard work toward the city’s core mission, and building a dependable community residents can be proud of.

Statement provided to AlamogordoTownNews.org to Chris Edwards from Robert Stockwell verbatim…
“I appreciate your candor. Assuming the current lawsuit doesn’t undo the Commission’s decision, I am committed to finding ways to take the dedicated employees of the city and the financial resources entrusted to us to assist the Commission in moving the city forward. I will make myself available for positive interactions with the citizens and the media, but I will not be engaging in the negative back and forth that, unfortunately, has taken the place of civil dialogue in the public square. I look forward to responding to balanced reporting and a mutual desire to see improvement in articulating the direction the city is actually headed and gathering the truly well-intentioned input from those who want progress, not dissension.”

Alamogordo Town News and KALHRadio.org is committed to transparency and fairness in reporting. Hearing directly from the newly appointed city manager allows the public to hear his words in the public debate. 

More News from Alamogordo

• Commission Votes 5-2 to Hire New City Manager Robert Stockwell — Without Public Debate, Without Naming Candidates in Advance, and With the Mayor Absent, Calling in and Objecting for Transparency Reasons As predicted Jan 23rd, 2026 Robert Stockwell voted in by 5-2 vote and no other applications requested with an no end date contract...
• Alamogordo City Commission Holds Special Meeting, Adjourns to Executive Session for City Manager Interview Amid Open Meetings Act Concerns Meeting occurring absent the mayor 10:15 am