The questions didn’t stop when the microphones on stage went quiet.
After the Ward 4 City Council Candidate Forum hosted by the Lawton–Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce, a group of residents stayed behind to keep the conversation going. That after-forum discussion became the first installment of “Be Our Guest,” a citizen roundtable series produced by Lawton Town Crier that puts everyday voices at the center of local politics.
Sitting left to right were Cyndy Farrell, Arlie Hampton, Booker T. Newton, Wyonna Alberty, Cindy McIntyre, and Lisa Williams. None of them are on the ballot this year. They’re the people who live with the decisions made at City Hall — taxpayers, parents, neighbors, and long-time Lawtonians.
Over the course of the conversation, the group talked about what they heard from the Ward 4 candidates, what was missing, and what they hope to see from city leadership going forward. They discussed everything from the city services and economic development, transparency, and how well (or not) the city communicates with the public.
Several common themes emerged:
- Forums matter, but follow-through matters more. Citizens appreciated the opportunity to see candidates side by side, but they also want accountability after Election Day.
- Communication is still a major gap. Participants said many residents don’t hear about meetings, projects, or policy changes until after decisions have been made.
- People want a seat at the table. The roundtable itself was proof that residents are willing to show up, listen, and offer thoughtful input when given the chance.
“Be Our Guest” is designed to capture exactly this kind of conversation — not polished talking points, but honest reflections from the people who sit in the audience, pay the bills, and walk the streets of Lawton every day.
The views and opinions expressed by each participant in “Be Our Guest” are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Lawton Town Crier, their employers, or any organization with which they may be affiliated.
The full “Be Our Guest” discussion is available on the Lawton Town Crier YouTube channel. Future episodes will invite different groups of citizens to react to public meetings, share their priorities, and talk about what’s working — and what isn’t — in Lawton–Fort Sill.
At the end of the night, one thing was clear: forums may belong to the candidates, but the city belongs to its people. “Be Our Guest” is here to make sure those people are heard.