Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lawton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
5 issues in public safety with medium priority
FISTA transparency and public records concerns
A resident told the council she has spent three years trying to obtain public records from FISTA and now LEDC, both recipients of taxpayer money, and says records appear to be altered after her requests. She threatened to escalate to the Oklahoma Attorney General.
First Responder Buffer Zone Ordinance
Two new public safety ordinances: it's now a crime to get within 25 feet of a first responder after a warning with intent to harass or interfere, and to ignore a patrol car's lights trying to pull you over.
Failure-to-Stop Offense Ordinance
A proposed ordinance would make it a criminal offense to ignore a peace officer's displayed lights in an attempted stop.
Opioid Abatement Grant Application and $335,000 Award
Two items would let the city apply for, and accept, $335,000 from the Oklahoma Opioid Abatement Revolving Fund to fund opioid-related programs.
Hands-Free Driving in School and Work Zones
The council extended the handheld-device driving ban to school and work zones, passing 6-2 after debate over whether the 'holding' language goes beyond the state's texting statute.