LAWTON – Ward 7 will have a new representative on the Lawton City Council starting next year.
Lawton resident Sherene L. Williams won the runoff race for the Ward 7 seat on the council in the Nov. 14 runoff vote, according to unofficial results from the Oklahoma State Election Board. She defeated Councilwoman Onreka Johnson, who sought a third term on the council.
Williams finished the night with 375 votes, or 64.77% of the total votes cast. Johnson came in second with 204 votes, or 35.23%.
Williams posted a thank-you message to her supporters Wednesday morning on Facebook.
“From knocking on doors to spreading the word, each of you has played a crucial role,” she said. “Your commitment to this process is a testament to the strength of our community. As we celebrate this victory, let us also remember the unity that brought us here.”
Johnson also posted a statement on her Facebook page, saying she appreciated her supporters’ backing.
“Serving this community since 1999 has been an honor, and it’s a commitment I’ll carry on,” she said. “Congratulations to Ms. Williams; I extend my best wishes as she embarks on her service to the community.”
Johnson said she will continue to serve diligently until her term ends, and her primary focus will be on projects including the Youth Council and the Summer Youth Work Program.
Starting a new term
Williams and Johnson finished first and second, respectively, in a four-person race for the Ward 7 seat in September’s primary election. As the top two vote-getters, Williams and Johnson advanced to the Nov. 14 ballot, from which Williams emerged the winner.
Williams will be sworn into office Jan. 8, along with two incumbents: Ward 6 Councilman Bob Weger and Ward 8 Councilman Randy Warren.
Williams told Southwest Ledger that her goals for her first term include changing council meeting times to 5:30 p.m. to boost citizens’ participation. She said she would also like to see the city improve its streets and bridges.
“Reconstruct Sheridan Road from Lee Blvd. to Coombs Road,” she said in an email to a Ledger
reporter. “Reconstruct 38th Street from Lee Blvd. to Bishop Road. Reconstruct 52nd and 38th Street on Lee Blvd. Sidewalks from Ranch Oak Entrance to Lee Blvd.”
Williams said she would also like to see the council host more town hall meetings with constituents to gain insight and learn more about residents’ needs.
Weger was unopposed in the September primary election after the Comanche County Election Board ruled that his opponent was ineligible to run. As a result, Weger kept his seat on the council without an election.
Warren faced two opponents in the primary election, but he won the right to continue representing Ward 8 on the council.