As deep and solid as the old railroad bed that runs in front of city hall are the political divisions in Lipscomb, a tiny town.
The incumbent, her main political opponent on the council, and a frustrated police officer who accuses the mayor of corruption are the three candidates vying for control of the small town of roughly 2,000 people just outside of Bessemer.
The incumbentTanja Baldwin, a former police officer and mayorSims and Councilwoman Robin (Rob) Poellnitz, Lakendria
are applying for the job.
Tuesday, August 26, is election day in Lipscomb and the surrounding Birmingham region.
Over the years, Lipscomb has seen both political and economic hardship as it has struggled to draw in businesses and a steady stream of revenue to sustain the town.
In Alabama, bingo is a quick-revenue-generating but legally dubious enterprise. Previous attempts to operate there have resulted in state raids, forced closures, and the freezing and forfeiture of city tax funds.
The long-running conflict between the mayor and council members over a range of matters, from who has control over the police chief and who has the ability to hire the city attorney, to how the city handles bingo permits and the state of city coffers, adds to the load. Lawsuits, insulting remarks, and a standoff at city hall have resulted from the division.
Baldwin, who is running for a second term as mayor, notes the progress accomplished during her tenure while acknowledging the difficulties. According to her, one of them is increasing city reserves from $10,000 to $1 million. With more funding, the city was able to reduce overgrown areas, clear out abandoned structures, and increase the size of its police force.
Baldwin stated, “I’m standing on my record and the work I’ve done, and I’m putting in the work.” The city is improving, but I still have some work to do.
Baldwin warned voters on her social media page not to support campaigns that emphasized the city’s problems over its recent achievements.
Campaigns for mayors are more than just a reflection of the individual running. In a post on her campaign Facebook site, Baldwin stated, “The way the campaign is run gives you a glimpse into how the candidate will govern if they win.”We should be discussing vision, hope, a plan, uniting people, and receipts—a list of the good things you have done for the public.
Candidates for leadership positions hold wildly different opinions on their town’s current situation and what is required for its future.
When it comes to highlighting the severe issues in her community and the lack of leadership in the mayor’s office, Poellnitz has stated that she will not remain silent.
I will not be silent. “I refuse to let corruption dictate our city’s future,” she stated on her campaign blog and Facebook site. We are entitled to leaders who uphold the law, honor their oath, and prioritize the needs of the populace.
Poellnitz was one of the council members that requested that Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall step in and settle the conflict around the expansion of bingo facilities in the community.
In her role as mayor, Poellnitz promised to provide open and honest communication, endeavor to provide trustworthy ambulatory services, and restructure the police force to guarantee impartiality and honesty.
Sims and Poellnitz both criticize the leadership of the police department during Baldwin’s administration and under the interim chief.
According to a recent article by Poellnitz, corruption, retribution, and the willful abuse of authority have been taking place within City Hall instead of politics as usual.
She claimed that by dismissing Police Chief Lanita Neal, the mayor had gone too far, something that no leader should ever do.Neal is still fighting to get back to where she was.
Poellnitz stated that this is not a misinterpretation but rather a habit of lawlessness that endangers all citizens. What’s stopping the mayor from doing this to anyone else in Lipscomb if she can do it to our police chief?
Sims shares Poellnitz’s disapproval of the police department.Sims claims that he was fired by Baldwin and Jatavius Merritt, the acting police chief, as payback for his campaign for government.
I maintained my faith while standing with bravery and a noble fearlessness. This week, Sims stated in a campaign Facebook post that integrity will always prevail. The right side will always prevail. It’s time to wrap things up strongly now that this has been resolved.
Baldwin and Merritt both deny any misconduct, and they have not yet been sued.
In his capacity as mayor, Sims promised to mend the council-mayor relationship. He added that the city’s leader needs to be emotionally stable and guided by consistency, reason, and critical thinking.
“I am dedicated to working with our City Council by listening, working together, and building together as Mayor of Lipscomb, Alabama,” he stated.
Being mayor does not imply that I lead by myself; rather, it indicates that I collaborate with other leaders to better our community.
Voters in Lipscomb will choose a new council in addition to the mayoral candidate.
The candidates are:
District 1: Monique Wilkerson and Allision R. Early
Christine Burrell, District 2 incumbent without opposition
District 3: Vanessa Reed incumbent without opposition
District 4: Michelle S. Proctor (incumbent) and Erskine R. Davis
District 5: Barbara Moore (incumbent) and Sonya Coleman
Stories by
Joseph D. Bryant
-
This Alabama town is famous for its political chaos – election day could change everything
-
Allegations of corruption shake town s mayoral race days before election
-
Alabama town mayor and clerk clash over absentee ballots days before election
-
Water board cuts Birmingham lobbyist, keeps Montgomery firm at same $15,000 monthly rate
-
Controversial $14 billion data center proposal delayed again by Bessemer council
