Urgent Call to Action for Alamogordo District 5 Residents: Speak Out and Apply for the Open Commissioner Position at January 13 City Commission Meeting

With the recent election of Sharon McDonald as Mayor, her previous seat as District 5 Commissioner on the Alamogordo City Commission has become vacant, creating a critical opportunity for residents in District 5 to influence who will represent them moving forward.

The City Commission is set to hold its regular meeting on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Donald E. Carroll Commission Chambers at 1376 E Ninth Street. This meeting is expected to include discussions or announcements regarding the District 5 vacancy and the process for appointing a replacement, with the formal application timeline potentially being outlined at this session.

Reports indicate that behind-the-scenes maneuvering by certain commissioners, including Josh Rardin (District 4) and Steve Burnett (District 2), has already begun promoting a preferred candidate—former commissioner Al Hernandez—despite the vacancy not yet being formally posted or applications solicited. This has raised concerns about potential insider influence and efforts by “old guard” interests to reclaim control following the November 2025 election outcomes.

Why Your Voice Matters Now

The appointment to fill this vacancy will shape City policy on key issues affecting District 5 residents, including community development, transparency, ethical governance, and local priorities. Allowing special interests or a narrow group of political insiders to dictate the selection risks sidelining the will of the people who live and vote in the district.

District 5 residents are strongly encouraged to:

• Attend the January 13 meeting and participate in public comment. Residents must sign up with the City Clerk to address the Commission. Each speaker is typically allotted 3 minutes, and public comment provides a key platform to express support for a fair, open process, urge consideration of qualified local candidates, and voice opposition to any pre-selected or insider-driven choices. No action is taken during public comment, but it is a vital opportunity to make your position heard.

• Apply for the District 5 Commissioner position once the formal process is announced (likely at or following the January 13 meeting). Applicants must reside in District 5. Interested individuals should prepare to submit required documents to the City Clerk and monitor the official City website for updates on the application deadline and requirements.

Here are scenes from past Alamogordo City Commission meetings, where public participation has made a difference:

The City of Alamogordo operates under a Commission-Manager form of government, with commissioners elected by district to set policy. Vacancies are filled by appointment until the next election, making community input essential to ensure the appointee truly represents District 5 values.

Don’t let special interests decide your representation—speak up, rally your neighbors, participate, and apply if you’re qualified and committed to serving. Attend the meeting, sign up for public comment, and stay informed via the City’s official portal at ci.alamogordo.nm.us or the agendas and minutes section at alamogordonm.portal.civicclerk.com.

For the latest agenda details (posted by January 7 or shortly before the meeting), check the CivicClerk portal. Auxiliary aids for the hearing impaired are available upon 24-hour request to the City Clerk.

Your participation ensures accountability, transparency, and true local representation. District 5—your voice counts more than ever right now. See you at the Commission Chambers on January 13!