TAHLEQUAH – Seven Cherokee Nation citizens will vie for the Tribal Council District 9 seat in the June 7 election.
District 9 encompasses portions of Delaware, Mayes and Craig counties. The elected individual will serve a four-year term on the tribe’s legislative body. If one of the seven candidates does not receive at least 50% plus one vote in the June 7 general election then the top two vote recipients will proceed to the July 26 run-off election.
The Cherokee Phoenix submitted questions to each candidate addressing various topics. Answers were instructed to be no more than 125 words. The Cherokee Phoenix does not edit candidates’ responses. Below are the responses from the candidates for the District 9 Tribal Council seat.
THE CANDIDATES:
Rusty Henson, Spavinaw, Oklahoma
Mike Purcell, Big Cabin, Oklahoma
Clifton Hughes, Colcord, Oklahoma
Cody Scott, Salina, Oklahoma
Anthony Ray Davis, Salina, Oklahoma
Connie Newton, Salina, Oklahoma
Debra S. McGlasson, Vinita, Oklahoma
Why did you choose to run for Tribal Council?
HENSON: Cherokee people and our communities have been a huge part of my life for over 50 years. For well over three decades, I have been involved in some type of public service to my tribe, community, my state, and/or my country. As a retired Major in the U.S. Army, I have literally fought for the rights of Americans, and I am confident that that warrior spirit will serve me well as your tribal councilor as I fight for the citizens of District 9. I am blessed with the ability to connect, personally, with people especially in District 9. I believe I have always been meant to help others so in a way, I didn’t choose to run, I feel like I was chosen.
PURCELL: I am running for council to be a voice and an extension for the citizens of Cherokee Nation. I plan to voice my concerns for the people and bring my own concerns to light as well. I’m not here to fill a yes vote seat for administration. I want to bring transparency to the citizens of how this council works and spends its resources.
HUGHES: I’ve spent my adult life serving and helping fellow Cherokee citizens in any way that I am able. Growing up in Delaware County, I learned firsthand how to lift one another up in times of need and always treat each other as sacred. Since retiring at the end of last year, I can dedicate all my time to serving District 9 and making myself available to our people. I understand serving others requires hard work and the courage to answer your calls in times of need to help deploy Cherokee Nation resources across our district.
SCOTT: I like communicating with people and would like to make a difference for the younger generation.
DAVIS: I chose to run because I believe I will be a firm voice for our Cherokee people and to know the needs of people I’ve experienced help by the Cherokee nation and believe I understand how our people feel about getting and receiving this help.
NEWTON: I decided to run for Tribal Council District #9 after much prayer and careful consideration. My goal is to serve the people in our district and leave a legacy of helping those in need. I have meaningful ideas aimed at improving the lives of our youth and elders. I firmly believe it is essential to be a good steward of the resources we have and to avoid abusing power and finances for personal gain. I plan to allocate part of my salary to create a charity supporting churches and youth outreach programs. Serving as Tribal Council District #9 excites me, as it will allow me to help our communities on a larger scale and show God’s love.
MCGLASSON: Over the past 45 years, I have committed myself to public service within the Cherokee Nation Reservation. It is truly rewarding to have arrived at a point in my life where I can use my professional expertise to benefit the Cherokee people in District 9 and across our tribe. I am eager to collaborate with the talented and compassionate leaders who guide the Cherokee Nation. Serving the Cherokee Nation has been my heartfelt ambition for many years. As an elected Council Woman, my goal is to offer positive leadership and dedicated stewardship to the Cherokee people.
With redistricting reshaping the districts, what will your strategy be to make sure all communities within your respective district are heard and represented?
HENSON: To me, the redistricting of D9 is not a challenge, it is a tremendous blessing. With over 1000 square miles, simple geography has put me in the district’s center - I am the only candidate that can and will be at ANY location within the district in less than 35 minutes. I WILL return phone calls or visit you 24/7! I will hold regular meetings in various parts of the county to make sure that your concerns are heard. These aren’t political rallies – these will be just you and me – Cherokee to Cherokee. In fact, why wait? - I propose that all the candidates get together now for a group “interview” by the people who we are going to be working for and representing.
PURCELL: As a council member I will always keep an open mind to the concerns of citizens in the district no matter how it has been redistricted. After all, that is the sole responsibility for the said council member is to represent the district.
HUGHES: The redistricting highlights another reason that my ability to dedicate 100% of my time to District 9 will benefit our people. I plan to hold quarterly meetings in as many communities across the district as possible. Additionally, I will make my cell number available to everyone in the district and will always answer your calls or return your call as soon as possible. This is an adjustment for all of us and I see my responsibility as the District 9 Tribal Councilor to always be accessible and listen to you in order to understand your needs and concerns rather than listening just so I can respond.
SCOTT: I’m active in all the communities. I’ll be reachable by phone and facebook if I win I will create a facebook page specifically for that reason.
DAVIS: With the redistricting be done I will go to each community and listen to the Cherokee people’s concerns and represent our district n Cherokee Nation to the best of my abilities. I have always said I take after my dad I never meet a stranger and believe no one is better than anyone else.
NEWTON: I plan on talking to the people of district #9 to find out what they feel their major concerns and needs are. I plan on being available to discuss and address their needs at a grass roots level. I will give my phone and email to all my constituents. I want everyone to feel heard and respected and to expect results. I can’t make any promises because I will be 1 of 15 council members, but I will make sure that your voices are heard. I will do everything within my power to bring about positive changes for the Cherokee people in all districts. Please share what you think are the greatest needs in our district. You can reach me at (539) 210-5204 or connienewton4cherokeedistrict9@gmail.com.
MCGLASSON: I was thrilled with the redistricting results, as they represented a return to the family, friends, and familiar communities where I grew up. I believe it is vital to keep the citizens of District 9 consistently informed about the services and benefits available to them. Sometimes, they require assistance and coordination on their behalf. Building strong relationships with our Cherokee citizens, businesses, schools, fire and police departments, local governments, Cherokee Nation departments, and CCO Community Organizations is essential. Through personal visits, community events, business meetings, and various communication channels, I am committed to effectively connecting the diverse generational needs with the resources of the Cherokee Nation.
What do you believe the greatest needs are within the district you are candidate for and how will you address those needs?
HENSON: There is no question that housing and healthcare must continually be addressed. We must also focus on the crisis of mental health. We are not alone in this crisis, but, as a mental health professional, myself, I will help us lead the way in developing a comprehensive mental health care plan to be modeled throughout the U.S. A portion of my salary will be donated to charity to help this cause and to veterans. I believe CULTURE, COMMUNITY, and CIVILITY, are major priorities. While providing funds and facilities to help our communities, we must help them develop as a community. We must set a civil example ourselves and end our feuds with the State, Feds, other Tribes, and other Cherokees.
PURCELL: After the redistricting just a few months ago, it’s an unfair question to know all the concerns about the new district area. This is an ongoing daily process to reach out to citizens in a new district. Housing and healthcare and especially mental health along with drug/alcohol rehabilitation are frequently discussed while visiting with citizens.
HUGHES: I hear repeated concerns across District 9. First, I want to build upon the work in our district to expand housing services. Not just for new houses but also improvements to existing Cherokee homes as those needs arise. Next, many of us have concerns about accessibility to clean, safe drinking water. As a South Delaware County Rural Water Board member, I have the expertise to advocate on behalf of our people’s water rights. I also believe strongly that we should support our tribal farmers and ranchers. Many of our agricultural producers have told me they would like to see an expansion of Cherokee Nation agricultural programs. Finally, it will be an honor helping to continue the investment in our healthcare and education services.
SCOTT: To improve house renovations and a Cherokee retirement home for senior citizens, also substance abuse prevention programs for the youth.
DAVIS: I believe we need to take care of our elders and fluent Cherokee speakers wether it be new homes rehab of current homes heating or cooling assistant. I currently employed by pelivan and have seen first hand the need for transportation assistance on our reservation I’m really glad I got this Job to see first hand the needs in smaller communities. I Will work hand n hand with the administration and other counselors to meet the needs of our people.
NEWTON: I believe we have to educate our youth and use preventative measures to keep our youth from following the wrong path. Drug awareness and prevention are at the top of my concern. I also believe we need more alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers to assist the needs of our people. It is crucial to ensure that everyone’s basic needs, such as access to clean water and adequate housing, are met. I am proud to be part of a tribe that actively works to address food disparity and support the needs of our people. I want to enhance education, job training, and transportation for our community. I’m also eager to learn about my constituents’ priorities and how to best meet their needs.
MCGLASSON: The key needs in District 9 encompass the construction of new homes and renovation projects, enhancements to roads and bridges, repairs to rural water infrastructure, and the economic development of local businesses and entrepreneurial ventures. Additionally, it is crucial to provide essential equipment for our fire and police departments and to improve Senior Citizens and Community Centers. We must also prioritize ongoing support for educational initiatives in our local schools. I am committed to collaborating with local officials, business owners, school superintendents, service leaders, and our Cherokee citizens to align their needs with the resources available through the Cherokee Nation and other funding sources. Together, we can ensure meaningful improvements in our communities.
What services will you work to expand and/or create for citizens within your district?
HENSON: We currently have great programs to help our elders, especially our first language speakers. Despite attempts at addressing the issue, we are not reaching most of our youth. I am creating youth advisory boards from Colcord to Big Cabin and all points in between to seek their input for the council to help bridge the gap between our elders and our youth. Our medical facilities are becoming second-to-none. The local clinics are struggling with staffing. We have got to find a way to recruit and RETAIN quality medical staff in our clinics. We have an amazing Veteran’s Center. We need to find new ways to reach veterans in the farthest corners of the districts, provide transportation, and help them receive our veteran services.
PURCELL: I would like to create a better way to inform citizens of the services and resources that are available, such as housing assistance, bill pay, healthcare, vehicle assistance and numerous other benefits that may be available. Taking care of the elder speakers should be priority in general. Processing medical procedures for citizens shouldn’t take 6 months to a year or longer.
HUGHES: I have already brought attention to the student work program and the need to revise the qualification guidelines that can prohibit a student from this beneficial program due to their parents’ annual income specifically in a dual income household. Likewise, I am very excited about the recent announcement of the Gadugi Corps. I see this platform as a huge benefit and opportunity in District 9 to connect tribal citizens and highlight opportunities to help one another, keep our land as pristine as possible, and solve important community issues. While Cherokee Nation Health Care services have been vastly enhanced, I know we must continue these investments and work to increase Cherokee healthcare providers and staff.
SCOTT: Put citizens land in trust so they are relived from taxes (paying property taxes).
DAVIS: I will continue to work with community organizations with building or improvement of our schools fire station wellness center n community buildings. I have been on Kenwood school board 12 years. Received seven feathers award for community service n run Kenwood animal rescue with my wife for 9 years. I love helping the communitys.
NEWTON: In my district, I will focus on expanding or creating initiatives that my constituents deem most important. I believe we should assist our youth in obtaining their driver’s licenses and explore additional support options through the Cherokee Nation. Our elders are a national treasure, and I would like to see more inpatient healthcare facilities, as well as family-friendly home healthcare options, for them. As I have previously mentioned, I feel drug and alcohol awareness and rehabilitation are vital for all tribal members.
MCGLASSON: We should expand the housing program to address urgent remodeling needs, particularly in roofing, plumbing, and heating/air conditioning repairs, throughout the Cherokee Nation. Many community partners and services have a pressing need for grant writing and fundraising. I am eager to apply my grant writing management skills to align with and support the needs of our citizens in District 9. I request a comprehensive evaluation of all community centers in District 9 to identify any necessary repairs, improvements, expansions, or replacements. I recommend organizing some workshops focused on small business and entrepreneurship to guide and inspire potential start-ups within our local communities, thereby fostering economic growth and success.
How do you plan to protect and promote the Cherokee language and culture as a councilor?
HENSON: Since 1990, I have been no stranger to the preservation of the Cherokee language and culture. As a participant of the late Agnes Cowen’s and Phyllis Fife’s programs, I often traveled to NC working with the EBCI writing curriculum still used in Cherokee classrooms today. In 1994, I received one of first seven teacher certificates from the OSDE to teach Cherokee language and culture. Our CLMAP program is expanding into District 9 and will be a great addition to language preservation in our area. However, more is needed. Immersion programs are good, but we need to develop more mentorship programs allowing our elders to directly teach our youth our culture and language. Today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders and are key to our people’s future.
PURCELL: First, I passionately believe that the Chief of the Cherokee Nation should be a fluent speaker, we should be lead by example. I believe that every council member should take the classes offered and also learn language. Only one or two councilors are speakers. This in itself will preserve our language and culture and get us back in the right direction to being more of a tribe instead of a corporation. Without language our history and culture will be lost. Our elder speakers are the utmost important asset we have , period.
HUGHES: The current efforts to protect and expand the Cherokee language and culture is inspiring and reaping benefits. I will always support these programs and the future investments necessary to expand learning locations and accessibility. As Councilor, I will support implementing these programs in all of District 9’s communities with a heavy focus on childhood language and cultural education taught by Cherokee teachers. I think growing our online language and cultural education platforms is key to our preservation efforts as we live in a world that interacts online constantly. We must also provide the necessary resources to support our native language teachers and listen to them, so we understand their needs in order to make sustainable investments.
SCOTT: There is a lot of good programs in place but need to be strengthened and improved my goal as a council member would be to try to encourage citizens to use them and make the programs more accessible.
DAVIS: To protect our Cherokee language and culture is very important to me. Like I said I wished I listened toy parents when I was young but now the administration n counselors are doing a great job with Cherokee Nation classes been taught throughout our reservation as well as cultural classes like basket weaving beading and stickball exhibitions. We cannot let these traditions go away. My dad used to make our gig pole n gigs for gigging fish on the creeks and river but again I didn’t pay attention but wished I did. Remember vote for Anthony puddin Davis for district #9 counsel I will work for our people. Wado
NEWTON: As a council member I plan to protect and promote the Cherokee language and culture. I will do this by continuing to build on the foundation already started by the Cherokee Nation in Tahlequah, and possibly extend to surrounding communities. I would work to bring the Cherokee language and culture into our communities and schools. We need to implement our cultural traditions by offering classes and training, organizing Cherokee cultural days, and fostering pride in our ancestors.
MCGLASSON: As an active student of the language myself, I aim to lead by example. I would like to encourage our Cherokee Nation language department to foster a friendly competition among public and private schools within the Cherokee Nation, promoting participation in a language event. I am eager to contribute to the planning and support of local communities in District 9 as they host Cherokee cultural events that feature demonstrations of our cultural arts and traditional games. As a dedicated Cherokee citizen, I have consistently attended the annual Cherokee National Holidays for many years. I eagerly anticipate volunteering as a Councilwoman to promote and celebrate our rich culture, for which I am profoundly grateful.
