Pulling Back the Curtain: Why does Lipscomb's current mayor continue to suspend Police Chief Neal.

"When Leadership Turns Lawless: The Truth About the current Mayor of Lipscomb's

Attack on Our Police Chief"

I love this city, and I serve here because I believe in the people of Lipscomb. When you elected me to the council, you trusted me to fight for you, to protect your tax dollars, keep you safe, and make sure your city government works for the people, not against them.

That’s why I cannot stay silent about what’s been happening inside City Hall. The truth is, our current leadership has crossed a line that no mayor, in any city, should ever cross. And it started when our police chief refused to break the law.

In Lipscomb, the law is not a suggestion but the foundation of fair and honest government. One of those laws is very clear: The Police Chief can only be removed by a majority vote of the City Council. The mayor cannot fire the chief alone.

But that’s exactly what the current mayor has tried to do, which is in direct violation of city law, council authority, and the principles of justice she swore to uphold.

This didn’t happen by accident. This wasn’t a misunderstanding. This was a deliberate abuse of power that began the moment Chief Lanita Neal refused to carry out an illegal request from the mayor.

The Trigger: A Refusal to Break the Law

Years ago, the mayor approached Chief Neal with a directive that was illegal and outside the bounds of the chief’s duties. Chief Neal, as any ethical law enforcement officer would, refused. That’s when the retaliation began. Chief was suspended and after every suspension (7), the city council reinstated her. The last reinstated was on October 28, 2024. But for what? And why? To date, the Chief has not been reinstated as she has made many requests for reinstatement after being told by the mayor that she is being investigated by both ALEA (Alabama Law Enforcement Agency) and APOSTC (Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission). Both agencies continue to deny those claims stating that they ARE NOT investigating Chief Neal.

A Pattern of Retaliation

From that moment forward, the mayor engaged in a calculated campaign to punish, discredit, and ultimately remove Chief Neal from her position without the council’s approval and without any legal grounds.

Here’s what happened:

1. Unlawful Suspensions – Chief Neal was suspended without cause, without due process hearings, and without council authority.

2. Repeated Harassment – Her work schedule was changed four times in less than three months, making it harder for her to manage her department effectively.

3. Public Humiliation – The mayor berated her in front of staff, issued orders that were unethical or illegal, and undermined her authority at every turn.

4. Verbal Threats – In one documented meeting, the mayor told Chief Neal: "Nothing good will happen for you. While you’re trying to bury me, you better dig two, one for me and one for you.”

5. Illegal Appointment of an “Interim Chief” – Despite the fact that Chief Neal still legally holds the position, the mayor publicly announced an interim chief — a move the council never approved, and the law does not allow.

6. Unlawful Termination Email – On January 2, 2025, the mayor sent an email to Chief Neal stating she was terminated, even though she has no authority to do so.

   
   

Council and Legal Pushback

The City Council, including members from multiple districts, formally told the mayor in writing that:

• Her actions are outside the scope of her authority.

• The appointment of an interim chief is unlawful.

• The suspension and attempted termination of Chief Neal are null and void without a council vote.

• The council has reinstated Chief Neal on several occasions, yet the mayor continues to suspend her with bogus claims.

  
  

The city attorney has been copied on these communications. The mayor cannot claim ignorance. She has been informed, repeatedly, and continues to defy the law.

The Timeline of Corruption

This is not an isolated incident but a pattern that has unfolded over months.

Date	Event
May 2023	Mayor allegedly requests Chief Neal to perform an illegal action. Chief refuses.
May 2023	Mayor begins retaliation/suspension: repeated schedule changes, undermining authority, and harassment.
Aug 8, 2024	Mayor claims to have started “reinstatement process” while awaiting ALEA response, despite no council vote to remove Chief Neal.
Aug 20, 2024	Council discusses due process violations; city attorney reiterates removal process requirements.
Oct 7, 2024	Public post names an “interim” chief despite Chief Neal still being in office.
Oct 19, 2024	Mayor verbally threatens Chief Neal during meeting.
Oct 29, 2024	Council records further unlawful mayoral actions in email correspondence.
Jan 2, 2025	Chief Neal informs council of unlawful termination email from mayor; council confirms she remains the lawful chief.

Why This Matters for Every Citizen

This fight is about much more than one position in City Hall. It’s about whether the mayor of Lipscomb can ignore the law whenever she feels like it.

If this can be done to the highest-ranking law enforcement officer in our city:

• What’s stopping her from targeting other city employees who refuse her personal or political demands?

• What’s stopping her from making backroom deals with taxpayer money?

• What’s stopping her from bypassing the law on issues that affect our neighborhoods, our safety, and our children’s future?

  
  

The Cost of This Corruption

While the mayor is consumed with this personal vendetta:

• Our streets remain in disrepair.

• Blight and abandoned properties grow worse.

• Emergency services, especially for seniors, continue to lag.

• Opportunities for economic development are being ignored.

Every hour of City Hall’s time spent on this fight is an hour not spent on the work you elected leaders to do.

This Is Why Lipscomb Is Falling Behind

Surrounding communities are making progress, repaving streets, revitalizing neighborhoods, attracting new businesses. Meanwhile, our mayor is caught up in lawless power plays that erode trust and damage our reputation as a city. If Lipscomb feels like it’s stuck, this is why. When leadership is focused on silencing people instead of serving them, the whole city suffers.

My Promise to You

I will not allow the people of Lipscomb to be kept in the dark. I will not stand by while the laws of this city are ignored by those who swore to uphold them. I will continue to fight in the council chambers, in the community, and here in public, for transparency, accountability, and respect for the law. The future of Lipscomb depends on leaders who are honest, fair, and committed to serving you, not themselves. We cannot move forward if we allow corruption to take root.

A Call to Action

Lipscomb, you deserve better. You deserve leaders who will respect your trust, follow the law, and put our community first. The choice is yours: accept this as “just politics”, or demand the accountable, honest government you deserve.

Again, you deserve leaders who:

• Respect the law and the limits of their authority.

• Focus on the city’s needs instead of personal grudges.

• Protect whistleblowers and those who stand up for what’s right.

• Put service before self.

  
  

This isn’t about politics. It’s about integrity. It’s about whether our city will be run according to the law, or according to the whims of one person.

If we accept this behavior now, we will see more of it. If we stop it now, we send a message that the people of Lipscomb will not tolerate corruption, abuse of power, or leaders who put themselves above the law.

The future of our city is in your hands. Demand better. Expect better. Vote for better.

Vote on August 26th to get our police department and the safety of our community back in order!