Residents Launch Accountability Push as City Commission Prepares to Review City Manager

Almagordo — A growing group of residents is calling for greater accountability at City Hall, organizing around an upcoming performance review of City Manager Mr. Stockwell and voicing frustration with what they describe as an unresponsive majority on the city commission.

The effort, outlined in a recent community update delivered by local organizer Kim Great White Owl Murillo, centers on a newly created Facebook group, Almagordo Voters for Accountability, which aims to keep residents informed and encourage participation in local government.

Hear her own words at:

https://youtu.be/Mo7S2uTnU1w?is=T8zJJ0c9EM9jMQbK

Performance Review Set for September 8

The city commission scheduled and held an executive session closed door non-public on September 8 to evaluate Mr. Stockwell's performance. According to the update, the review was expected to examine his expertise, experience, and compensation and success to date. 

Organizers say the community's expectations are straightforward: strong leadership, transparent communication, measurable progress on funded projects, and respectful treatment of both city employees and residents. They argue the session should serve as a genuine assessment of leadership effectiveness rather than a procedural formality.

Bonita Lake at the Center of Criticism

Much of the group's criticism focuses on the handling of the Bonita Lake master plan. Members of the movement allege that the process suffered from inadequate public disclosure and claim that communications around the plan stoked unnecessary fear among residents. For many involved in the accountability effort, the lake has become a symbol of broader concerns about how major projects and natural resources are managed.

Beyond Bonita Lake, residents involved in the movement have raised a range of complaints, including delays on funded projects, unclear and incomplete public communication, restricted access to City Hall offices, and reports of low morale among city employees.

A Divided Commission

The update also points to a bloc of four commissioners whom organizers describe as unresponsive to public concerns. Supporters of the movement argue that this voting majority has marginalized community voices and contributed to a breakdown in trust between residents and their elected representatives.

Whether the criticism will translate into formal recall proceedings remains to be seen. Organizers have indicated that recall efforts are on the table if residents conclude that city leadership is failing to meet community needs.

"Not About Personal Attacks"

Movement leaders have been careful to frame the effort as one of stewardship rather than hostility. The goal, they say, is not to target individuals but to ensure responsible management of public resources — water, infrastructure, and tax dollars.

The call to action is simple: stay informed, show up, and speak out. With the September 8 executive session approaching, residents on both sides of the debate will be watching closely to see how the commission responds — and whether the accountability movement gains further momentum.

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