Alamogordo NM
9-15-2026 4:31am

Recall Organizer Vows to Press On After Judge Rejects Petition Against Commissioner Burnett

ALAMOGORDO, N.M. — A district judge has rejected a petition to recall Alamogordo City Commissioner Stephen Burnett, finding a lack of probable cause, but the resident leading the effort says the case was only the beginning.

Kim White Owl Murillo, who organized the recall, told KALH Radio host Anthony Lucero in a phone interview that the group will not appeal the ruling. Instead, she said, the evidence brought to light during the proceedings will be used to support possible cases against other members of the commission.

"It was disappointing news, but a lot of good things have come out of it," Murillo said. "This was our first case, but it brought out a lot of things that the commissioners have been doing."

Murillo described Burnett, who represents District 2, as "the low fruit on the tree."

Ruling on accountability draws criticism

Murillo said she accepts the outcome and believes the judge took care with the case despite carrying a heavy criminal docket after the hearing. She declined to detail why the group chose not to appeal, citing "various reasons."

What troubled her most, she said, was the court's finding that Burnett has no obligation to explain his decisions to constituents.

"So now they're gonna think, oh, we can just do what we want," Murillo said. But she argued that commissioners often reveal their reasoning when residents question them directly. "When they respond, they don't know to cover up. They just talk."

She urged residents to "start being detectives" by watching commission decisions closely and pressing officials for explanations.

City manager change remains a flashpoint

Murillo tied the recall effort to the commission's decision to hire Robert Stockwell as city manager and part ways with former Acting City Manager Dr. Stephanie Hernandez, a move she said has left a "huge void" at City Hall.

"We're not gonna get things done, because they're going way back," she said, adding that some are now trying to discredit Hernandez. Of Stockwell, a former Alamogordo city manager who returned to the post this summer, she said, "He's not living in 2026. He's living in the nineties."

Bonita Lake vote seen as a test

Murillo pointed to the future of Bonita Lake as an early measure of whether public pressure is working. She said Burnett attended a Sept. 1 community forum on the lake hosted by 2nd Life Media, where residents made clear they oppose closing it.

If Burnett supports fencing off the lake when the issue comes before the commission Sept. 22, Murillo said, he will be "going against the voters' will" and should be called out. If he instead works to keep it open, she said, "then we're influencing him."

Other commissioners under scrutiny

Murillo said the group has gathered more evidence concerning two other commissioners, whom she declined to name, and is looking for residents willing to step forward and take a case to court. She said the group is planning its strategy and may hold public meetings.

She encouraged residents to share their thoughts and suggest potential petitioners through the group's Facebook page, Alamogordo Voters for Accountability.

"You've got a whole team now who's willing to step in and help you out," she said.

Murillo closed by praising residents who have spoken out, particularly about Bonita Lake. "I'm just so proud of Alamogordo citizens," she said.

Hear her interview on streaming KALHRadio.org or via the podcast with Anthony Lucero…

https://youtu.be/GOhjcliDb7Q?is=x3b9LcE5aqQBnzDD

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