URGENT CALL TO ACTION: Pack Alamogordo City Hall Tonight – Demand Full Public Debate on Robert Stockwell Hiring

A large turnout of concerned residents is needed tonight at City Hall. Arrive early — ideally by 6:15 p.m. or sooner — to sign up for public comment at the 6:30 p.m. regular City Commission meeting in the Donald E. Carroll Commission Chambers (1376 E. Ninth Street).

This is one of the most consequential decisions facing Alamogordo in years: the hiring of Robert Stockwell as City Manager. The public deserves — and the law requires — far more transparency than was provided on June 15 and being placed on the consent calendar.

While we are not opposing the hiring of Mr Stockwell if he is the most qualified out of a pool of candidates we do opposed the lack of transparency to include placement on the “consent agenda.” That in itself if further proof of a commission not wanting true debate before the public and transparency. 

What Happened on June 15

In a special meeting, the Commission voted 5-2 to hire Stockwell as the new City Manager after a closed executive session.

• Yes votes: Commissioners Baxter Pattillo, Stephen Burnett, Joshua Rardin (presiding as Mayor Pro Tem), Al Hernandez, and Mark Tapley.

• No votes: Mayor Sharon McDonald (who called in remotely and objected to the process) and Commissioner Warren Robinson.

No candidates were publicly named in advance. There was no public comment period before the vote. No commissioner explained their reasoning on the dais. The decision came after a closed-door interview, with the contract reportedly already prepared days earlier (sitting at City Hall since June 12). It later appeared on the consent agenda — a section typically reserved for routine items — rather than as a standalone item for open debate.

Why This Matters — And Why Your Voice Is Needed Tonight

Stockwell previously served as Alamogordo’s City Manager from 1992 to 1997 before being terminated by a 5-1 Commission vote amid significant controversy and a reported $124,000 settlement during a time of fiscal strain. A 2016 attempt to bring him back also failed after public scrutiny.

The current process raises serious questions that have not been answered publicly:

• When was Robert Stockwell’s resume first brought forward for this round of recruitment?

• By whom and when was it first considered or advanced?

• Why was there no transparent national search with public vetting of finalists, as previously discussed and promised?

• Why was the approved salary and benefits package ($180,000 base salary, immediate 180 hours of PTO valued at roughly $15,500, vehicle allowance, and six months’ severance) approved when it exceeds the previously published salary range discussed for the position?

• Each commissioner who supported the hire should publicly explain their vote and the specific qualifications or rationale that justified moving forward without broader public input.

These are not personal attacks — they are legitimate questions about process, Open Meetings Act compliance, and accountability for a position that oversees an $80–95 million budget and directly impacts every resident in a community where over 32% live below the poverty line.

What You Should Say in Public Comment

Focus on process and transparency:

• Request that any contract or hiring-related item be pulled from the consent agenda for full public discussion and a separate recorded vote.

• Ask the specific questions above about timeline, who advanced the resume, and justification for compensation exceeding the prior range after a claimed national search.

• Emphasize that the City Manager role is too important for closed-door decisions — residents deserve to see deliberation, hear competing views, and understand the criteria used.

• Note the contrast with the earlier unanimous support for Acting City Manager Dr. Stephanie Hernandez and the subsequent reversal of that process.

• Reference the ongoing lawsuit (Chris Edwards et al. v. Alamogordo City Commission) and related OMA concerns, including allegations of predetermined outcomes and rolling quorums.

• Stress that strong public comment tonight can help ensure future major decisions follow open government principles.

A former 12th Judicial District member recently told the IPRA Task Force that transparency trumps staffing or convenience concerns. The same principle applies here.

How to Participate Effectively

• Arrive early to secure a spot on the public comment list (comments are usually taken early in the meeting).

• Keep comments respectful, factual, and focused on accountability and process.

• Bring written copies of your key points for the record if possible.

• Even if you don’t speak, your presence shows the Commission that the community is watching and demands better.

This is your government. The City Manager position is one of the most powerful in local government. Decisions of this magnitude should not be rushed through in closed sessions or slipped onto consent agendas without robust public debate.

Show up tonight. Speak up. Demand answers.

For the full agenda and to review related documents, check the City’s CivicClerk portal. Coverage and updates will be available at AlamogordoTownNews.org and on KALH Radio.

The people of Alamogordo deserve an open process worthy of the trust placed in their elected leaders. Let’s make sure that message is loud and clear at 6:30 p.m. tonight.

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