Lawton Mayor Stan Booker has recused himself from voting or taking part in any and all matters involving the planned purchase of the idled Fairmont Dairy building because of a distant connection involving the ownership and sale of the property. Booker told The Ledger that a business partner of his has connections to the people involved with building owners and those selling it.
The Lawton Economic Development Council is in the process of buying the building and turning it into an economic development hub that will house hi-tech programs from Ft. Sill and other related businesses. “I’ve talked to the city attorney about it and I’ve decided it’s best, and the proper thing to do, for me not to become involved in any way with the matter,” Booker said. “I have a distant connection through a business partner. My partner does business with the broker in the sale. It’s a small thing really, but I didn’t want there to be any question. I didn’t want it to become an issue.”
Booker said his plans include not even discussing the issue with any city officials, staff or other parties involved in the transaction. “It’s the right thing to do,” the mayor said. The Lawton City Council is scheduled to discuss the purchase this week at its regularly scheduled meeting.