Dawkins filling the gap
Rick Dawkins (Left) is sworn in by Mayor Matt Dukes (Right) as the Ward 3 City Councilmember. The former city council member was appointed to serve until the general election in February. Photo by Jeff Harrison
Former councilman appointed to fill interim role in Ward 3
By Jeff Harrison
Managing Editor
The Midwest City Council welcomed a familiar face last week.
Rick Dawkins was appointed as the Ward 3 councilmember during the July 25 council meeting. The longtime Midwest City resident fills a vacancy that was created when former councilwoman Megan Bain resigned.
Dawkins is no stranger to city hall, having previously served on the city council and other committees and boards. He recently was a member of the planning commission but resigned to serve on the city council.
Dawkins will serve a portion of Bain’s unexpired term until an election can be held.
Voters in Ward 3 will be able to select their next councilmember in the upcoming general election on Feb. 13. The filing period for the election will be approved by the council in an upcoming meeting.
If multiple candidates file for the Ward 3 seat, an election will be held to fill the remainder of the unexpired term from April 2024 to April 2026. A regularly scheduled election will also be held for candidates in Wards 2, 4 and 6.
Mayor Matt Dukes swore Dawkins in at the beginning of the council meeting. Dawkins thanked his family and the city for the opportunity to serve.
“I could never give this city half as much as this city has given me,” he said. “This is the greatest city in the world. I love this place and it’s home. I am honored to be able to be a part of the council.”
Dawkins is a former educator and principal at Mid-Del Schools and has served on various committees and boards. He was appointed to the planning commission more than 20 years ago by former Mayor Eddie Reed. Dawkins served as the Ward 3 Councilmember for eight years until 2018. He later returned to the planning commission until his appointment to the council.
Dawkins abstained from several votes at the July 25 council meeting due to his previous service on the planning commission. Many agenda items are reviewed by the planning commission before they are 5 by the city council.
Espaniola Bowen succeeded Dawkins on the council. Bain was e in 2022. She stepped down in June over concerns about a potential conflict of interest between her duties as councilmember and her professional career with the Mid-Del Technology Center.
Dawkins said he does not intend to run for election to the Ward 3 seat.
Rick Dawkins thanks his family and the city for the opportunity to serve his hometown. Photo by Jeff Harrison
