As Alamogordo’s City Commission prepares for one of its most consequential decisions in recent memory—the appointment of a new District 5 commissioner on February 24, 2026—the community stands at a crossroads. The vacancy created by Mayor Sharon McDonald’s election has opened not just a seat, but a defining moment for the city’s political identity. Will the commission honor the clear mandate voters have expressed over the past several election cycles, or will it revert to the patterns that once mired the city in controversy, turnover, and costly dysfunction?

District 5 voters have spoken—twice, decisively. In 2019 and again in 2023, they chose new leadership over returning to the past. Sharon McDonald defeated former commissioner Al Hernandez both times, the second by a commanding margin. Her elevation to mayor in 2025 only reinforced the district’s appetite for transparency, accessibility, and forward momentum.

Now, with the appointment power in the hands of six commissioners—including next-generation leader Baxter Pattillo—the question becomes whether they will respect that mandate.

The Rise of a New Generation of Leadership

The election of Commissioner Pattillo symbolized a shift in Alamogordo’s political culture. Coming from a respected family with no ties to past scandals, Pattillo represents a clean break from the era of backroom dealings, city manager interference, and the million-dollar settlements that drained resources from roads, water systems, and public safety.

Residents have embraced this new direction. Over the past year, the city has seen:

• Major project completions
• Increased citizen involvement in ordinances and standards
• A renewed commitment to transparency
• Stability under Acting City Manager Dr. Stephanie Hernandez

The District 5 appointment is the next test of whether the commission will continue this trajectory—or undermine it.

Two Candidates Who Embody the Future

The choice before the commission is clear. Two candidates—Shelley Dowhanik-Baron and Vesta Sherrie Edmonds—represent the passion, professionalism, and community-centered leadership that District 5 has repeatedly demanded.

Shelley Dowhanik-Baron: Technical Expertise Meets Community Heart

• Former city engineer with hands-on experience in budgeting, infrastructure, and project management
• STEM educator with a track record of mentorship
• Active volunteer in Downtown MainStreet and community cleanups
• Regular attendee of commission meetings, already engaged in city finances and priorities

Her engineering background gives her a rare ability to challenge assumptions, scrutinize development proposals, and bring data-driven clarity to infrastructure decisions—an invaluable counterbalance to commissioners with building-trade ties.

Vesta Sherrie Edmonds: A Lifelong Resident with Deep Administrative Roots

• Born and raised in Alamogordo
• 40+ years of administrative experience across corporate, legal, and ministry sectors
• Member of the 2023 Charter Review Committee
• Dedicated volunteer in cleanups, historical preservation, and youth mentorship
• Known for her steady, collaborative approach and heartfelt commitment to service

Edmonds brings a grounded, community-first perspective that aligns with the district’s desire for ethical governance and resident-focused decision-making.

Both women attended the February 19 public forum—an event watched by over 300 residents—and both demonstrated passion, preparedness, and a clear understanding of District 5’s needs. Their visions align with the city’s forward momentum: infrastructure improvements, fiscal responsibility, economic diversification, and transparent governance.

The Contrast: A Look Backward or a Step Forward

Al Hernandez is a proud and faithful servant to his community. His years of volunteerism and his love for Alamogordo are unquestioned. But he also had 12 years on the commission to make his mark. Voters then chose a different path—twice. His absence from the public forum created a public perception that only underscored the disconnect between his candidacy and the community’s expectations for accessibility and engagement.

This moment is not about diminishing his service. It is about recognizing that his time has passed, and the district has repeatedly expressed its desire for new leadership.

A Defining Moment for Commissioner Pattillo—and the City

For Commissioner Baxter Pattillo, this appointment is more than a vote. It is an opportunity to define his legacy and solidify his role as a leader of the city’s next generation. 

The choice before him mirrors the choice before the entire commission:

• Lean into fresh faces who reflect the district’s recent electoral decisions
• Or fall back into the patterns of insider influence, stalled progress, and costly missteps

The people of District 5 have already shown what they want. They want transparency. They want accountability. They want leaders who show up, listen, and build—not those tied to the controversies of the past.

Passing the Mantle

Alamogordo stands on the threshold of a new era. The city has momentum, energy, and a renewed sense of civic pride. To sustain that progress, the mantle must be passed to leaders who embody the future—not the past.

Shelley Dowhanik-Baron and Vesta Sherrie Edmonds represent that future. Their commitment, experience, and community engagement align with the mandate voters have delivered again and again.

The commission now has the chance to honor that mandate. Will the commission build on the next generation and create bench strength that could complement Commissioner Pattello for a vision forward? All eyes are on him and Mark Tapley to look forward and not backward. 

The time for fresh leadership is here. The people are ready. The city is ready. And District 5 deserves nothing less then a vision forward!

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