Citizens challenge Lawton's refinery plans citing misleading information from Mayor Booker

Concerns over the proposed full-scale refinery dominated the Lawton City Council meeting on March 25, 2025, as citizens voiced strong opposition to Westwood Elements. A resident, addressing the council, urged members not to proceed with the project, citing a lack of accountability and transparency from both the city and the company.

The speaker highlighted a troubling timeline, referencing a meeting on February 23, 2023, where Mayor Booker praised Cameron Khoson and his company, CVMR, encouraging the public to research them. However, the speaker pointed out that shortly after, Westwood Elements filed a lawsuit against CVMR, raising questions about the mayor's earlier statements. "You were either purposefully or unknowingly misleading us," the resident asserted, calling for accountability from Westwood Elements rather than further financial support.

The discussion underscored a growing frustration among citizens regarding the city’s handling of the refinery project, particularly concerns about the feasibility of refining cobalt and nickel ores, which Westwood Elements claimed to be capable of but has not proven on a commercial scale.

Despite these concerns, the council moved forward with other business, approving a motion with a unanimous vote of 7-0, indicating a clear divide between council decisions and public sentiment. The meeting also included discussions about a proposed sports facility, but the absence of key participants delayed further action on that front.

As the council continues to navigate these contentious issues, the call for transparency and accountability remains a pressing concern for Lawton residents.