Landers enters rarely visited waters of fourth term in elected office

One term. Two terms. Three terms. Four terms in elected office.

As they add up, the percentages for incumbents holding their seats takes a steady decline.

Not so with Phil Campbell Place Four Councilwoman Lynn Landers, who won a three-candidate race without a runoff in the August 26th Phil Campbell Municipal Election.

Landers received 95 votes, with challengers Jacqueline Knott receiving 53 votes and Walter Huet Charlie Willis Evans Jr., receiving 28.

Landers, who was elected Mayor Pro Tempore at a special called council meeting last week, will be the senior member among Phil Campbell’s elected officials. 

Political newcomer Greg Williams was elected mayor, and the city council will include Rodney Kuykendall, Billy Burks, Meegan Scott, Thomas Inman and Landers. 

Scott, Inman, Kuykendall and Burks were elected without opposition. None of the four have served a full term previously, as Kuykendall and Burks were both appointed to fill vacancies.

Landers understands the unusual nature of being a four-term or longer incumbent (think former Sheriff Larry Plott, Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow, Board of Education member Ralton Baker) and her comments after the votes were counted Tuesday night reflected this.

“This makes my fourth term and I am overwhelmed at the support our citizens have shown. I look forward to the progress we plan to make in the next four years. As always, I am available for comments or suggestions from our residents,” Landers said.