Lawton City Council Ward One candidate preview

Half of Lawton's council seats are up for election on August 25. Wards that will take to the polls to vote for their next representative include 1, 2, 6, and 7. Ward 8 would have been included; however, Malden Smith ran unopposed. He is set to take the Ward 8 seat after Mayor Pro Tem Randy Warren.

The Ward 1 seat is between Incumbent Lane Hooton and opponent Ron Cleary. Hooton was appointed by the council after the seat was vacated by the previous representative. Whoever takes home the vote of Ward 1 will serve out the remainder of the term, with around one year remaining.

All candidates were sent the same questions with the same amount of time to respond. Hooton did not respond to the questions. Answers from candidates have been shared in full.

What is your main reason for wanting to run for city council?

Cleary: "Primary Motive. Transparency. Residents are heard."

Homelessness has been a hot topic for several months now. How do you feel the city has been handling the unhoused population? And how do you plan to get involved, if at all, in addressing the situation?

Cleary: "June 60 day proposal was placed. City decided to rush it within 14 days. Now there is a Federal Grant For Housing Urban Development over 112 k. better solution and stick to current plan."

How will you balance constituent requests with city staff recommendations when they conflict? For example, if residents request traffic-calming measures but city staff recommend "no action" based on technical data, how will you evaluate and respond?

Cleary: "I would like to set up a forum least quarterly, if possible, to hear the residents. What affects one ward may affect another. Input from residents and resources the city to lift quality of life (Better water lines, streets paved, better streetlights)."

Beyond existing municipal programs, what specific initiatives or partnerships will you champion to reduce litter and illegal dumping in your ward?

Cleary: "Better street sweepers and drivers who can operate the vehicles to clean streets. Not a drive through and check off. Illegal dumping locate current "Dump Sites"."

When dealing with dilapidated or dangerous structures, what is your strategy for balancing individual property rights against the need to revitalize neighborhood properties?

Cleary: "Definitely contact the home/property owner and work out an agreement within reasons. Make sure all resources are carried out. Then follow through with current procedures before demolishing."

Evaluating the City Manager is a core council duty. What key performance metrics and leadership qualities will you prioritize during performance evaluations?

Cleary: "Have to go through proper channels for a complete expectations requirement not just to the city but to the residents of the city. I have very limited information on current City Manager."

If elected, what specific project or initiative do you aim to launch or champion within your ward?

Cleary: "I like to see the city books audited by an outside consult with no ties to any city member. Have the city complete water lines and street pavements in neighborhoods."

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on August 25.