Lipscomb Faces a Runoff Election: What’s Next for the Small Alabama Town?
On Tuesday, voters effectively closed the chapter on Mayor Tanja Baldwin’s administration, setting the stage for a runoff election that will decide between two very different candidates: Councilwoman Lakendria Poellnitz and former police officer Robin “Rob” Sims.
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The numbers tell the story of a community ready for change. Baldwin drew only about 30 votes, while Poellnitz secured 136 and Sims collected 88. The results remain unofficial, but the outcome makes one thing clear
Lipscomb is eager for new leadership.
A Town Wrestling With Its Future
For years, Lipscomb has been caught in a cycle of economic and political struggles. Once optimistic that businesses like bingo halls could bring in quick cash, the city ended up in hot water.State raids, forced closures, and frozen tax revenues left scars that continue to weigh on the town’s finances.
But money woes are only part of the story. City hall itself has been a battleground. Bitter feuds between Baldwin and council members dragged on over issues such as the city’s handling of bingo permits, access to municipal accounts, and even who had authority to hire the police chief and city attorney. The disputes grew so heated they sparked lawsuits, personal accusations, and a near-constant stalemate in governance.
“It’s been stagnant because of corruption,” Poellnitz said after the election. “I’m just glad that next term, the city will be able to move forward.”
The Candidates Heading Into the Runoff
Both Poellnitz and Sims have positioned themselves as critics of the police department’s current leadership, and neither has been shy about pointing fingers at the Baldwin administration.
Sims, who previously served on the force, has publicly accused Baldwin of conspiring to fire him once he announced his candidacy. While Baldwin denies the claim and no lawsuit has materialized, the episode highlights just how tense local politics have become.
By vowing to stabilize municipal administration and put an end to the feudal cycle that has left Lipscomb stuck in a rut, Poellnitz, on the other hand, is positioning herself as the candidate of rebirth.
The Significance of This Runoff
Although Lipscomb may appear to be simply another little Alabama town on paper, many rural communities in the South face similar difficulties. Residents are left wondering, "Who can actually bring our town back on track?" as a result of a declining tax base, political infighting, and mistrust in the leadership.
The runoff election will answer that question, but for many voters, the decision feels bigger than just choosing a mayor. It’s about whether Lipscomb can finally find steady ground—or whether old battles will keep the city standing still.
