I grew up in Hammon, Oklahoma (no socks!); hold a degree in education and have worked in various managerial positions during my career. I believe we should ask any candidate for Tribal Council Coordinator 3 questions:
“Why You?”
For three decades, I have demonstrated a commitment to service. Since 1996, I co-host a weekly Native American radio show that enhances native community involvement, volunteered for the Federal Bureau of Prisons facilitating Sweat Lodge ceremonies and an annual powwow for native inmates. I have been an active member of our tribe and was influential in: the purchase of land at Bear Butte, the vote to build the Hammon Casino, and the implementation of electronic voting devices at our TC meeting.
“If elected, what will you do to serve our people and better our tribal government?”
I intend to be the change I want to see: with integrity, transparency, and accountability. If elected, I pledge to:
Publish a summary of my week: what I did, what I witnessed, and why it matters.
•Hold monthly listening sessions open to all tribal members. When I don't know an answer, I commit to finding one.
•Publish a dashboard of the resolutions voted on, a weekly updated status of each and actions that can be taken to address blocks.
•Make our annual budget easier to understand and available to all. I will be open to ideas from you and experts and will include this in my weekly summaries.
“How will you carry out your duties in a non-partisan way, serving all tribal members?”
I have demonstrated the ability to be non-partisan and respectful to all tribal members as your consistently elected Tribal Council Chairperson. I pledge to continue this if elected. I believe these will serve to increase transparency on our tribal government actions, so we can hold our elected officials accountable to the betterment of our people. But this is just the start - it will take all of us to effect the change we need for a strong and lasting tribal government. I pledge to listen to you, consult with experts for ideas and solutions when needed, and to start each day with a dedication to serving you.
