Former Lawton City Councilman George Gill told Southwest Ledger on Sunday that he intends to cease his campaign for the Comanche County District 1 Commissioner’s seat because of health issues.
“I regret this,” the native Lawtonian said. “But I recently spent some time in the hospital because of stress, and my doctor advised me to eliminate the most stressful activity in my life at the moment: running for a political office. I’m going to follow my doctor’s advice.”
It’s too late to remove Gill’s name from the June 16 primary election ballot.
“The time to withdraw was the April 6-7 contest period after the filing period,” which was April 1-3, Comanche County Election Board Secretary Amy Sims said Monday. “But the ballots have already been printed.”
Gill can officially withdraw after the primary election, Sims said.
Incumbent Commissioner Ryan John of Lawton still has one opponent: Kevin T. Turpin of Sterling.
Gill, a Lawton High School and University of Oklahoma graduate, said he expects to continue some of his duties with the City of Lawton. For example, he said he anticipates remaining on the Streets and Development Committee, at least until bids are opened and a contract is awarded on the last tranche of streets in the “107 in ’25” program.
In particular, Gill said he would like to see the start of the rehab project on King Road leading to the airport. In addition, he said he plans to remain focused on the airport fire station repair project.
Other than that, “I intend to slow down,” the U.S. Army veteran said. “Maybe take a vacation.”