LAWTON, Okla. — The Oklahoma Senate Democratic Caucus has moved its upcoming Oklahoma Speaks town hall in Lawton to a larger venue in response to enthusiastic community response for the Oklahoma Democrats to share their views.
According to Senator Julia Kirt, the location was first at a smaller venue, but is now at the Prairie Building Sunset Room at the Great Plains Coliseum, off Sheridan Road on Thursday, April 3, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The event aims to address concerns about low voter turnout, lack of representation, and community members feeling like they don’t have a voice in local legislation.
“We don’t know the exact numbers to expect, but we had some really quick response to the event, so we wanted to make sure we are in a location that is accessible and that could expand depending on how many people show up,” Kirt said.
Oklahoma Democrats host Lawton town hall
The Oklahoma Speaks town hall takes place amid ongoing community concerns regarding the newly operational Westwin Elements nickel refinery, alongside escalating legal conflicts related to the company.
Since 2024, community members have been protesting the refinery, which is located within miles of residential neighborhoods on culturally significant land to the Kiowa, Comanche and Apache people. Questions about environmental safety, transparency and Indigenous sovereignty have gained momentum since the city approved the project.
Community concerns have deepened amid ongoing legal battles between Westwin Elements and CVMR, a Canadian-based mining and refining company.
Westwin filed a lawsuit last year, accusing CVMR of breaching their partnership agreement and misusing proprietary information. CVMR responded with a counter-lawsuit last week, alleging fraud and claiming Westwin misrepresented its capabilities and intentions.
City continues partnership Westwin Elements
Despite ongoing litigations, the city of Lawton last week approved giving Westwin Elements $9 million more in funding.
The escalating dispute has only intensified scrutiny of the nickel refinery project, raising serious concerns about Westwin’s credibility, where the City of Lawton is spending its money, and whether local leaders exercised appropriate due diligence before greenlighting the facility.
“Lawton is not known for showing up. They historically vote against their own interests,” said Kaysa Whitley, the coalition coordinator for Westwin Resistance. “This event will be a good temperature check to see if the tides are turning and if the people of Lawton are really ready to organize.”
The Oklahoma Speaks town hall, part of a statewide initiative by Senate Democrats to meet directly with constituents, was initially expected to cover broader issues like education, healthcare access, and economic opportunity. But in Lawton, the nickel refinery could be a central—and urgent—topic.
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