Sand Springs Officials File Rebuttals to Recall Effort

Residents aim to recall entire city council over data center controversy

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A group of Sand Springs, Oklahoma residents have initiated a recall effort against the entire city council following a controversial vote to approve a new data center project. The council members have now filed rebuttals to the recall, citing potential economic benefits of the data center, while opponents question the validity of those claims and argue the real issue is a lack of public trust.

Why it matters

The recall effort highlights growing tensions in the community over the data center project and the perceived lack of transparency from city officials. The outcome could have significant implications for the future development of Sand Springs and the relationship between residents and local government.

The details

The recall process allows the targeted officials to draft rebuttals, which will be shown to residents during the signature-gathering phase. The council members have each cited potential economic benefits of the data center, including up to 1,000 new jobs and millions in annual tax revenue. However, opponents argue these figures are unsubstantiated "handshake deals" and "pinky promises" from the developer. Some council members have expressed shock at being targeted for recall, while opponents say the real issue is a breach of public trust, not just a single disagreement.

  • The recall effort was initiated just over two weeks ago when residents submitted forms to start the process.
  • Signature gathering is set to begin in early March, with several dates scheduled at the Case Community Center.

The players

Morgan Caywood

A resident leading the recall effort, who says many people are "affected" by the data center controversy and don't want to see them "railroaded" by the city council.

Justin Stanley

A member of the Rock community who questions the economic figures cited by the council, arguing they are not in the public record and are merely "handshake deals" and "pinky promises" from the developer.

Mayor Spoon

The Sand Springs mayor, who warns that using recall as a "political weapon" for "one disagreement" could "weaken local democracy" and allow "outside pressure groups to override the will of Sand Springs voters."

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What they’re saying

“There are a lot of people that are affected by this that I personally care for and I don't want to see them get railroaded by the city council.”

— Morgan Caywood (ktul.com)

“Where are those figures coming from, because they're not in the public record. These are handshake deals. These are pinky promises from a developer to the city council, nothing's in writing.”

— Justin Stanley, Rock community member (ktul.com)

“I think it's exactly what the framers would have envisioned, 100%.”

— Justin Stanley, Rock community member (ktul.com)

“Using recall as a political weapon for one disagreement weakens local democracy and risks allowing outside pressure groups to override the will of Sand Springs voters.”

— Mayor Spoon (ktul.com)

“The people of Sand Springs are mobilized, frankly they're irritated, and I think we're going to see some appreciable action.”

— Justin Stanley, Rock community member (ktul.com)

What’s next

Signature gathering for the recall effort is set to begin in early March, with several dates scheduled at the Case Community Center. The success of the recall effort will depend on whether organizers can gather the required number of signatures from Sand Springs residents.

The takeaway

The Sand Springs data center controversy has deeply divided the community, with residents questioning the transparency and decision-making of their elected officials. The recall effort reflects a broader erosion of public trust, and its outcome could have significant implications for the future of development and governance in the city.