Fighting for Integrity in Lynwood – Dr. Detonya Armstrong and Linda Miller Speak Out

When elections are about choices and the voice of the people, how is it acceptable for candidates to be unfairly removed from the ballot? Dr. Detonya Armstrong, a dedicated community advocate running for mayor of Lynwood, and Linda Miller, an experienced nurse running for Village Trustee, were unjustly struck from the ballot by actions taken by Mayor Jada Curry’s administration. These actions, rooted in allegations of fraud that were unsupported by credible evidence, suggest a blatant attempt to stifle competition and deny Lynwood residents a real choice for leadership.

The facts of this case reveal a disturbing pattern. Both Dr. Armstrong and Linda Miller exceeded the statutory minimum number of valid signatures required to appear on the ballot. Dr. Armstrong collected 130 signatures, with 106 validated—81 more than required. Linda Miller collected 78 signatures, with 57 validated—32 more than needed. Yet, despite their compliance with the law, they were accused of engaging in a "pattern of fraud" without substantive evidence to support this serious claim.

Among the supposed "evidence" presented by Angela D. Woods and Denise R. Copeland-Lilly’s attorney was a Ring doorbell video from the household of Jeff Walker, a school board candidate for Sandridge SD172. In the video, Walker’s wife answered the door and invited Dr. Armstrong inside to discuss her campaign and the upcoming election. During the discussion, Walker’s wife asked if Dr. Armstrong would like her to sign her husband’s name on the petition since he was absent. Dr. Armstrong immediately declined, stating that such an action was not acceptable and violated the integrity of the election process.

Rather than highlighting misconduct by Dr. Armstrong, this video reinforced her commitment to following ethical practices and maintaining transparency. Yet, this encounter was twisted and weaponized in an attempt to paint a false narrative. No evidence of fraud or intent to deceive was presented, and even Judge John J. Tully, Jr., who reviewed the case, found that the objectors failed to meet the burden of proving a pattern of fraud by clear and convincing evidence. The judge emphasized that relying solely on statistical percentages of invalid signatures, without additional affirmative evidence, was legally insufficient.

Adding to the complexity is the involvement of Denise R. Copeland-Lilly, one of the objectors, who is the wife of Lynwood Trustee David Lilly. Her participation in this challenge raises serious questions about conflicts of interest and whether this effort was more about protecting political power than ensuring a fair electoral process.

These baseless objections, backed by Mayor Curry’s administration, seem to reflect a fear of real competition. Dr. Armstrong and Linda Miller represent a new era for Lynwood—one defined by integrity, equity, and progress. They stand ready to move Lynwood forward, prioritizing the needs of residents over political self-interest.

Judge Tully summed it up best when he stated, "A place on the ballot is a substantial right not lightly to be denied." Dr. Armstrong and Linda Miller are not just fighting for their place on the ballot—they are fighting for the residents of Lynwood to have real choices in this election.

It is clear that the actions of the objectors, Angela D. Woods and Denise R. Copeland-Lilly, are part of a broader attempt to deny Lynwood residents the opportunity to elect leaders who will bring honesty, integrity, and transparency to village governance. But this fight is far from over. With their names reinstated on the ballot, Dr. Armstrong, Linda Miller, Trustee Rolanda Clark and Jacqueline McGee are ready to lead Lynwood into a brighter future.

Now, the choice lies in the hands of Lynwood voters. Stand with Dr. Detonya Armstrong, Trustee Rolanda Clark, Linda Miller, Jacqueline McGee and choose leaders who will put the community first, work with honesty and integrity. The future of Lynwood is too important to be left in the hands of those who play political games. Let’s ensure Lynwood moves forward, not backward.