Features Editor

Aug. 24, 2000 10 PM

Although a contest of Troy’s mayoral election is possible, Jimmy Lunsford has been officially declared the winner.

During Tuesday’s election, Lunsford defeated George Balmer by a landslide ­ 1,692 to 310. However, Balmer is calling saying the results are fraudulent.

Balmer went to Troy City Hall Wednesday, just before the election results were scheduled to be certified by the council. He left a hand-written note declaring his contest of the election based on "fraud" and a "violation of civil rights."

Troy City Clerk Alton Starling, who also served as elections officer, said a contest must be filed with the Pike County Circuit Clerk, not at City Hall.

If Balmer files a contest with the circuit clerk, the matter will be handled by the court and Balmer will have to present "positive proof of fraud," Starling said.

Balmer also petitioned for a recall of the council, for which Alabama has no provision.

On Tuesday, Balmer and James "Alex" Neal, candidate for the Troy City Council District 5 seat, challenged most of the 375 absentee votes. Those challenged were all notorized by Mary Ann Money.

Even if all of the absentee ballots are thrown out, there will be no impact on the final outcome.

Starling said the challenged absentee ballots will be turned over to the District Attorney’s Office for an investigation.

Despite the challenges, Lunsford will retain the position as Troy’s mayor for a fifth term after soundly defeating Balmer by 1,382 votes.

The District 5 seat will be held by Wanda Moultry for another four years after she garnered almost 68 percent of the vote in her race against Lynda Maddox and Neal. Maddox received 107 votes and Neal received 48.

A Sept. 12 run off will determine the winner of the District 1 race. Incumbent José Henderson, who garnered 175 votes will face Charlie Dunn Sr. in that run off. Dunn received 134 votes. Matthew Jordan Sr. received 103 votes and Rickey McLendon received 35 votes in the District 1 race.

The other three council members ­ Charles Meeks, District 2; Jason Reeves, District 3 and John Witherington, District 4 ­ were re-elected with no opposition.

Officials in Brundidge wasted no time in certifing results in two council races.

Members of the current council certified the election results Tuesday night.

Sherroll Tatom will retain the council seat in District 1 after defeating Altrena Baxter with just over 58 percent of the vote. He received 105 votes and Baker received 75 votes.

In the District 3 race, Vernon Jackson defeated incumbent Jaine Treadwell with almost 54 percent of the vote. Jackson received 109 votes and Treadwell received 93 votes.

In Goshen Michael Sanders will retain the position as mayor.

Sanders received 69 votes while Jimmy Bryan received 46 votes and Rusty Yeomans received 10 votes.

The four incumbents who were seeking re-election on the Goshen council will retain their seats. Incumbents Sammy Cope received 20 votes, Norma McLeod received, 23 votes, Al Sanders received 26 votes and J.R. Sanders received 31 votes. The incumbents were opposed by Guy Bruce, who received 10 votes, and Jean Jordan, who received 9 votes. Bruce will fill the unoccupied seat on the five-member Goshen Town Council.

The elected officials will take office in October.