OPINION: Alamogordo Can’t Afford to Gamble, the Stakes Are Too High—We Must Elect Sharon McDonald By Paul Peterson

Alamogordo stands at a crossroads and it cannot afford on the job training of a mayor and also potentially a new city manager.

With the Alamogordo city commission preparing to hire an executive search firm to select a new city manager, and with the mayoral seat up for election, we face the very real possibility of entering 2026 with two new leaders—both unfamiliar with the inner workings of city government. That scenario isn’t just risky. It’s dangerous.

The city manager is the chief executive of Alamogordo.

They oversee every department, manage the budget, enforce ordinances, and ensure compliance with state and federal law. 

Together, these roles form the backbone of our municipal government.

If both positions are filled by individuals without recent experience in Alamogordo city governance, Alamogordo risks a huge leadership vacuum due to on the job learning

Projects like the Snake Pipeline and desalination plant, our water stabilization strategy, new business recruitment strategies, new roads and sidewalks, and continued revitalization and blight removal efforts could stall or unravel

Budget cycles, interagency relationships with the county, state and federal representatives would have to be learned and trust established. These relationships take time.

Charter,  State and federal compliance protocols and mandates require seasoned oversight—not on-the-job training.

This is why electing Sharon McDonald as mayor is not just a smart choice—it’s a necessary one.

McDonald is the only candidate with current commission experience, deep institutional knowledge, and a proven record of advocacy for small business and working neighborhoods

McDonald has fought for infrastructure improvements in Chihuahuita, championed the Dudley School rehabilitation project, and helped guide the city through complex water policy decisions and guidance to champion downtown development and investment

Her leadership has been steady, principled, and rooted in service—not ambition.

If the commission chooses not to appoint Stephanie Hernandez as permanent city manager—a decision still pending—then McDonald’s presence as mayor becomes even more critical. She knows the budget. She knows the staff. She knows the stakes, she knows the stakeholders. She has established relationships with county, state and federal officials. Most importantly she has served as the recent Mayor Pro Tempore and thus knows how to lead.

Alamogordo cannot afford to gamble on dual transitions

We cannot afford to lose momentum on the projects that define our future- water, roads and business growth.

We cannot afford to entrust our city to leaders who will need months—if not years—to learn the ropes.

The risks are too high. The moment is too urgent. And the choice is clear.

Elect Sharon McDonald. She’s ready. She’s proven. She’s experienced and she wilk hit the ground running on say one for us.

Guest Commentary: Paul Peterson is a half time resident, former civil engineer, multi-property owner in the city of Alamogordo. The opinions expressed represent his years of experience in civic operations and complex civil engineering projects. 

Learn more by reading the: 

Alamogordo City Manager Overview

CitizenPortal – City Manager Selection Process

Alamogordo 40-Year Water Supply Plan