Chickasaw Times
The Chickasaw Times Post Office Box 1548 Ada, OK 74821
Pontotoc District
• Seat 4
2017 Tribal Election Issue Pontotoc District • Seat 3
DR. KAREN GOODNIGHT
J. LISA SIMPSON
Tishomingo District
Supreme Court • Seat 3
No Challenger
• Seat 3
KYMBERLY HAZLETT
Please Note: Candidates who do not have challengers will not be on the ballot.
STEVEN WOODS Incumbent No Challenger
CHERI L. BELLEFEUILLE-GORDON Incumbent No Challenger
Candidates without challengers are: Karen Goodnight, Pontotoc District, Seat 4; Steven Woods, Tishomingo District, Seat 3; and Cheri L. Bellefeuille-Gordon, Supreme Court, Seat 3.
Pickens District • Seat 2
CONNIE BARKER Incumbent
MICHAEL THOMAS WATSON
Chickasaw Nation announces candidates for general election Chickasaw Nation Election Secretary Rita Loder has announced the candidates seeking four legislative seats and one judicial seat within the Chickasaw Nation. The filing period closed at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 7, 2017. Incumbent Supreme Court Justice Cheri L. BellefeuilleGordon, of Sulphur, was unchallenged and will retain Seat 3 on the court. Pontotoc District Seat 4 will be filled by Dr. Karen Goodnight, of Goldsby, as she was unchallenged for the seat. J. Lisa Impson, of Ada, and
Kymberly Hazlett, of Purcell, filed for Pontotoc District, Seat 3. Pickens District, Seat 2 incumbent legislator Connie Barker, of Marietta, will face challenger Michael Thomas Watson, of Ardmore. Incumbent legislator Steven Woods, of Davis, will retain Tishomingo District, Seat 3 as no challengers filed for the position. Voter registration closes July 5. Registered Chickasaw voters SEE ELECTIONS, PAGE 2
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ELECTION |
June 2017 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
will vote by mail ballots, with ballots being mailed to registered Chickasaw voters July 6, 2017. Ballots must be returned to the Chickasaw Nation Election Commission no later than 10:30 a.m., July 25, 2017. No hand delivered ballots will be accepted. The Chickasaw Nation Election Commission shall conduct and supervise the ballot counting beginning at 11 a.m., July 25, 2017, at the Chickasaw Community Center in Ada. Results of the elections shall be announced the same day.
For more information, contact Ms. Loder at (580) 310-6475. Candidates filing are as follows: Legislature: Pontotoc District Seat 3 - J. Lisa Impson, Ada Seat 3 - Kymberly Hazlett, Purcell Pontotoc District Seat 4 - Dr. Karen Goodnight, Goldsby – no challenger
Pickens District Seat 2 - Connie Barker, Marietta - Incumbent Seat 2 - Michael Thomas Watson, Ardmore Tishomingo District Seat 3 - Steven Woods, Davis – Incumbent – no challenger Supreme Court: Seat 3 - Cheri L. BellefeuilleGordon, Sulphur - Incumbent – no challenger
Meet your tribal election office staff and election commissioners
Rita Loder Election Secretary/ Tribal Registrar
Tisha Cully Administrative Assistant
Kristina McManus File Clerk
Andrea Walton Registration Clerk
THE CHICKASAW NATION TRIBAL ELECTION 2017 PRIMARY ELECTION SCHEDULE June 5-7 Candidate filing period (8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the Election Secretary’s office) June 9 Challenge to Candidacy ends at 5 p.m. June 12 Drawing for position on the ballot (1:30 p.m. at the Election Secretary’s office) Candidates may pick up print-outs & USB flash drive. June 12 Last day to submit photo & biography to the Chickasaw Times (by 4:00 p.m.) Press release for candidates (news/media) June 22 Ballots mailed to voters who reside out of the contiguous 48 states July 5 Voter registration closes. July 6 After 12 p.m. candidates may pick up updated printouts & USB flash drive. July 6 Ballots mailed to ALL qualified voters. July 20: Last day to appoint a watcher. July 25 2017 Primary Election (last day to return ballots; no later than 10:30 a.m.) Ballot tabulation begins @ 11 a.m. Unofficial results posted immediately Press Release made to public. July 25 Voter registration re-opens, if no run-off election. July 28 Recount period ends. October 2 (October 1 falls on a Sunday.) Oath of Office Ceremony (11:00 a.m.) THE CHICKASAW NATION 2017 RUN-OFF ELECTION SCHEDULE (IF NEEDED)
Rose Jefferson Pontotoc District Commissioner
TJ Harkins Pickens District Commissioner
Catherine Wood Tishomingo District Commissioner
Claude Miller At-Large Commissioner
Chickasaw Nation Election Office P.O. Box 695, Ada, OK 74821 (580) 310-6475 phone (580) 310-6474 fax Toll Free: 1-888-661-0137 www. chickasaw.net/government/electionoffice
Beryl Sears Panola District Commissioner
July 31 Candidates may pick up print-outs & USB flash drive (after 12:00 p.m.) August 10 Ballots mailed to ALL qualified voters. August 24 Last day to appoint a watcher for the run-off election. August 29 2017 Run-Off Election (last day to return ballots; no later than 10:30 a.m.) Ballot tabulation begins @ 11 a.m. Unofficial results posted immediately Press Release made to public. Voter registration re-opens September 1 Recount period ends. October 2 (October 1 falls on a Sunday.) Oath of Office ceremony (11:00 a.m.)
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Pontotoc District • Seat 4 Dr. Karen Goodnight
DR. KAREN GOODNIGHT No Challenger
Name of candidate: Dr. Karen Goodnight Position candidate is filing for: Tribal Legislator District and seat number: Pontotoc District, Seat 4 Background Information: Karen Goodnight is ½ Chickasaw and is from the Brown and Sealey family line. She lives in Goldsby, Okla., with her husband of 33 years, Stan Goodnight. The couple have three children, Kyle, Madie and Katie. Dr. Goodnight has worked for the past 17 years with the Chickasaw Nation. She began employment with the Chickasaw Nation in 1995 as the Director of the Head Start and Early Childhood programs, and then served as the Administrator of the Division of Education until 2002. In 2006 she returned to work for the Division of Commerce as the Chief Training Officer and held that role for five years until leaving to start her own consulting business. Educational Background: Dr. Goodnight received a bachelor’s
degree in early childhood education and a master’s degree in administration from East Central University, Ada. In May 2012, she completed her Ph.D. and started her private consulting business, Goodnight and Associates, in Norman, Okla. Civic and/or community activities: Dr. Goodnight is a member of Alameda Church of Christ in Norman. She has been actively involved with her children at Norman Public Schools and also served on the board for the Cimarron Opera Arts Academy. Awards and honors: While at the University of Oklahoma (OU), Dr. Goodnight worked as a graduate assistant for ILAC, and taught college-level courses, as well as serving as a graduate research assistant. She also represented OU as the Holmes Scholar, and served as a board member in the ILAC department for graduates. She is a member of the National Social Studies Organization and the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. In 2012 she received the The Chickasaw Nation Research and Publication Award for Best Doctoral Dissertation, “Chikashsha Poya Tingba’: Coping with the Devaluing of Diversity in America: A Study of the Perspectives of the Chickasaw Tribe.”In 2014, she received the award of The Chickasaw Nation Dynamic Woman of the Year. Goal as a member of the Chickasaw Legislature: To become a member of the Chickasaw Legislature. If I am privileged enough to be elected, I will set my focus on growth, prosperityand sustainability for our people and our Nation and focus on the
following areas: Education: As a non-traditional student, I will draw from my experiences in Education to advocate for the continued support of all Education services and opportunities to Chickasaws. I will work hard for both traditional and nontraditional students to ensure that educational services can be well promoted and expanded to reach all Chickasaws, no matter where you live in the world. Health and Wellness: Based on my experience with, at one time, diagnosed pre-diabetic, and coming from a family that has experienced diabetes and heart disease, I want to focus on health and wellness initiatives that support the decrease in diabetes and heart disease, among all ages of Chickasaws. I will support wellness initiatives that encourage an active work-life balance that may help reduce and/or eliminate a variety of health-related illnesses. Culture and Language: As I conducted research for my dissertation, I realized how critical the need is to keep enhancing our Chickasaw language. Recently, I started the process of learning the language initiatives. I will support all cultural and language initiatives, as it is critical for the sustainability of empowering our youth to become the next generation of speakers and representatives for our Chickasaw Tribe. Economic Development: The Chickasaw Nation is a well-known organization in Oklahoma and throughout the world. We are often recognized as benchmarks for other Tribes. I will support well-researched and developed initiatives that
include growth in diversifying our economic development portfolio. In order to continue to maintain our current level of growth in business, and to maintain financial security for our people, now and in the future, it is crucial for our Tribe to continue to seek out and research business opportunities that support efforts in diversification. Name of spouse and children: Dr. Goodnight and her husband, Stan, have three children, son Kyle and daughters Madie and Katie Personal message to the
Chickasaw people: It will be a pleasure to serve in my position with honor, dignity and pride. I am extremely proud to be Chickasaw. I have a hard work ethic and will dedicate my efforts in representing and serving you and your families to the best of my ability. I will be an active listener, serve as your voice, and will lead with a genuine heart and willingness attitude. I am honored to have this opportunity. Together we can make a difference in the lives of the Chickasaw people now and for generations to come! Chokma’shki.
ELECTION NOTICE NOTICE The election office is preparing for the 2017 Tribal Elections. A correct mailing address must be on file for all qualified Chickasaw Voters to ensure a ballot and other tribal mail-outs are received. If you have moved, or if you are not sure your updated address in on file, please contact the Election Office by calling (580) 3106411 or 1-888-661-0137. An address change form can be completed online at w w w. Chickasaw.net.
Register to vote by July 5 The Chickasaw citizenship/voter application can be accessed at www.chickasaw.net. To be elegible to vote in the upcoming tribal elections, you must have a current citizenship/voter registration on file with the tribal election secretary. Voter registration closes July 5. For more information, contact tribal election secretary Rita Loder at (580) 310-6411 or at rita.loder@ chickasaw.net.
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Pontotoc District • Seat 3 J. Lisa Impson
J. LISA IMPSON Name of Candidate: J. Lisa Impson Position candidate is filing for: Tribal Legislator District and Seat Number: Pontotoc District, Seat 3 Background Information: J. Lisa (Nail) Impson was born in Tishomingo, Oklahoma and raised in Ada, Oklahoma. Her parents are Quanah and Sherry (Frazier) Nail of Ada. Her maternal grandparents were the late Joe B. and Ruth (Stick) Frazier of Tishomingo. Her paternal grandparents were the late Benjamin Nail and Virginia “Fern” (Hurt) Nail, of Fillmore, Oklahoma. Her maternal greatgrandparents Linton and Melvina (Illetewahke) Stick and Fletcher and Lela (Greenwood) Frazier and paternal greatgrandparents Harrison and Julia (Fillmore) Nail were all original enrollees. Educational Background: Mrs. Impson attended Latta, Homer and Byng schools in Ada. Later, she and her family moved to Ignacio, Colora-
do where she graduated high school. She attended college at Fort Lewis College, Durango, Colo., and East Central University, Ada, where she graduated with a bachelor of arts in political science and a minor in legal studies. She is a graduate of the University of Tulsa College of Law where she earned a juris doctorate and a Native American Law Certificate. She has also earned a master’s of public administration from the University of Oklahoma. Over the past 15 years she has served the Chickasaw Nation as an attorney, including Commerce Department Deputy General Counsel, Special Counsel in the Office of the Gaming Commissioner and Assistant Attorney General in the Division of Justice. Most recently Mrs. Impson served for four years as Office of Governmental Affairs Senior Counsel. In her special counsel role, she advocated for the Chickasaw Nation through relationships with tribal, local, state and federal governments. Prior to her career with the tribe, she was in private practice with Legal Advocates for Indian Country, LLC, an Owasso, Oklahoma law firm, and practiced in tribal and state courts throughout Oklahoma. Mrs. Impson is a charter member of the Chickasaw Bar Association and has served Association chairman. Civic and/or Community Activities: Other professional and community involvement includes service as Chair of the Oklahoma Bar Association Indian Law Section, Vice-Chair of the Oklahoma Indian Bar Association and member of the Federal Bar Association. She
is also a past member of the Chickasaw Nation Headstart Policy Council. She currently volunteers as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Chickasaw Historical Society, as a member of the Johnson-O’Malley Parent Committee at Vanoss Public Schools and as treasurer of Ada First Indian Baptist Church, where she and her family are long-time members. In addition, Mrs. Impson is a graduate of the Ada Area Chamber of Commerce “Leadership Ada” program and volunteers with local Chamber activities and as a member of the City of Ada Beautification and Infrastructure Task Force. Among her other interests, she enjoys learning the Chickasaw language and is a past participant in the Chickasaw Language Master-Apprentice program. She loves to spend time with her family, attend her son’s baseball games and daughter’s piano recitals, and read and cheer on the OU Sooners. She and her family are actively involved in their church and its children’s ministry. Name of Spouse and Children: Lisa and her husband John have been married for 17 ½ years. For the past 15 years, John has been a teacher and coach at Vanoss Public Schools. The couple’s two children, Danya and Jacoby, are their pride and joy. Danya and Jacoby are both active in Chipota Chikashashanompoli (Children’s Chickasaw Language Club) and Jacoby is a member of the Bak Bak stickball team. Goals & Personal Message: I understand the Chickasaw Nation would not exist apart
from its citizens. I believe that serving our people through representation in our government is an honorable calling and is a responsibility that should be undertaken with great commitment, respect and integrity. As a Chickasaw Nation legislator, my goals are simple: to represent the people of Pontotoc District and the Chickasaw Nation to the best of my ability; to be accessible, attentive and responsive to the needs of our citizens; and to support, continue and improve upon the good work that has been done with respect to programs and services to enhance the quality of life for our
Chickasaw people. I have spent most of my legal career working to protect our Nation’s inherent sovereignty. As a legislator, I commit to work with other members of the legislative branch, as well as the executive branch, in the thoughtful exercise of our tribal sovereignty. I will support responsible legislation to improve, strengthen and progress the Chickasaw Nation for the betterment of our people. Your voice is important. I look forward to listening to your input and ideas for improving the lives of our people!
Remember to call election secretary’s office if your name has changed Some of the most common mistakes voters make when marking or returning their ballots have to do with actual voter names. Each voter has a Chickasaw voter form on file with the tribal election secretary. Vital information about the voter is contained on the form. The election commission utilizes the voter forms to confirm that the person who has sent in the ballot is the same as the person listed on the voter form. When you sign the outside envelope as indicated, you should sign it as you have signed on your voter form. Election workers check the signature on the envelope to the signature on the form to be sure they match. The most common signature problem occurs with female voters. A woman who has married or changed her name for some other reason must make that change on her voter citizenship form. If that change is not made, and the woman signs the ballot using her new name,
her ballot will not be counted because her new signature and the signature on her voter form do not match. It is very simple and easy to make the proper changes to your voter form to ensure your ballot is counted. Simply call the tribal election secretary’s office and a worker will complete a new voter’s form for you. The worker will then send the new form to you via first-class mail. All you have to do then is sign the form and send it back in the addressed and stamped envelope provided. The other common problem with names involves simply forgetting to sign the outside envelope where indicated. Ballots are discarded each year because voters neglected to sign the back of the envelope. For help, you may call the tribal election secretary’s office at (580) 310-6475 or toll free at 1-888-661-0137, or email rita.
[email protected]
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Pontotoc District • Seat 3 Kymberly Hazlett
KYMBERLY HAZLETT Name of the Candidate: Kymberly Hazlett Position Candidate is filing for: Tribal Legislator District and Seat: Pontotoc District, Seat 3 Background Information: I am the daughter of Gloria Factor of Oklahoma City. She is ½ Chickasaw and ½ Choctaw, the daughter of Alma Neal and Thomas Washington, the granddaughter of original enrollees Oliver Neal and Betsey Hawkins Neal. I grew up in Del City, Oklahoma but I have lived in Tennessee, Montana, Washington, Arizona and Nevada before settling down and marrying my best friend Tom Hazlett. We have been married over 24 years. We have two daughters, Michaela Hazlett and Nakoma Hazlett and one grandson, Warren Ahinna Billy. Our home has been a certified foster home for over 12 years. The last 2 ½ years we were blessed to share our home with Angel Adams and Billie Lorthridge.
Education Background: Now don’t hold it against me but I am a die-hard Oklahoma State fan. I earned my BS in Accounting from Oklahoma State University many years ago. But to satisfy you Sooner fans, I also earned my Masters in Education from the University of Oklahoma. I have worked in the accounting field for over 20 years and I was an adjunct professor at the University of Oklahoma. The last seven years I have served with the Chickasaw Nation in several departments. As a cultural coordinator, I taught cultural classes to the citizens, employees and students in the Oklahoma City Metro Area. I was the Interim TRIO Director at Murray State College in Tishomingo. As the community outreach coordinator with Tribal Health I assisted citizens with our eyeglass, pharmacy and medical benefits program for the Citizens-at-Large. With Aalhakoffichi, the Adolescent Transitional Living Center, I promoted our facility at trade shows and did presentations to tribes, courts and state agencies. As a navigator, I taught cultural and education classes to citizens in our residential facilities and Recovery and Support Program. I am also a certified ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) trainer. Civic and/or Community Activities: I have been a member of the International Church of Christ for over 30 years. With the Church, I have volunteered with HOPE International on several community projects such as “Help Clean Up Moore” after the Moore tornado and door
knocking for fire safety with American Red Cross and our biggest project is raising funds to support HOPE International for our Eurasia mission teams. I volunteer at the various Chickasaw Nation events like the 5K runs, Artesian Arts Festival and SEASAM festival. I have also volunteered at many OKC Metro Community Council Events like their summer picnics and Fall Fest. I have held committee positions with the Purcell JOM and Indian Education programs and Purcell Community Council. I am a volunteer with YWCA, a women’s domestic and violence shelter, in Oklahoma City and I am a regular blood donor with the Oklahoma Blood Institute. Goal as a member of the Chickasaw Legislature: The Chickasaw Nation has grown and I would like to see us: BUILD - More quality housing for your elders, transitional teenagers, young families and veterans. Our citizens are waiting too long for quality housing. I would also like to see the Nation Build a charter school. We have too many teens who are being left behind by the teaching practices of the current school system. With our own charter school we could teach our language and culture along with a better learning experience for our students. STRONG – We have amazing building and programs. But sometimes those programs don’t communicate across the departments and one hand does not know what the other hand has to offer. I would like to see more cross information sharing with the departments.
I would also like to see more programs like our grandparents program where our elders are helping with our younger children. I would also like to see better training of employees before they start on the job. Sometimes we are putting our employees at a disadvantage but starting them before they know what is expected of them. And in turn that leads to questionable customer service. TOGETHER – We have a Strong Nation but it can only remain strong if we work together. Name of Spouse and Chil-
dren: Mrs. Hazlett and her husband, Tom, have two daughters Michaela and Nakoma Hazlett and one grandson Warren Ahinna Billy. Personal Message to the Chickasaw Citizens: I love the Chickasaw Nation and the way it has grown in citizenship, services and pride in our heritage and culture. I would be honored to serve as your legislator. I will be there to listen to your questions and concerns and will do everything in my power to make those dreams and visions come true. Let’s BUILD * STRONG * TOGETHER.
Each year, Chickasaw citizens receive mail ballots so they may cast their votes for legislative, judicial or gubernatorial candidates. Ballots will be mailed out this year on July 6 from Albuquerque, N.M. The ballots are mailed first class to voters across the country. Ballots are due back to the tribal election commission no later than 10:30 a.m. on July 25. Most citizens are accustomed to the mail-in ballot system and vote regularly. For newly-registered voters, there are some important things to keep in mind when casting and returning your ballot. A voter receives his ballot in the mail along with two envelopes, which he will return with the ballot. The “inside” enve-
lope holds the actual ballot. The voter will mark his ballot, then place it in the inside envelopesand seal it. The “outside” envelope is used to transport the inside envelope and ballot back to the election commission. The voter will place his ballot – now sealed in the inside envelope – into the outside envelope, and will sign the back of the outside envelope where indicated. The process probably sounds more complicated than it actually is. Once you open your mailing from the election commission, it is obvious what steps must occur. There is a 19-day window to return your ballot, so it is best not to delay. Please vote and return your ballot immediately!
Proper procedure with ballot, envelopes will ensure validity
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Pickens District • Seat 2
Connie Barker, Incumbent
CONNIE BARKER
Incumbent No Challenger Name of candidate: Connie L. Barker Position candidate is filing for: Tribal Legislator District and seat number: Pickens District, Seat 2
Background Information: Mrs. Barker is the daughter of Andrea Mobley and James Riley Her Chickasaw ancestry includes: Paternal grandfatherYoukon Riley. Paternal great-grandmotherLillian McClure. Fou r ch i ld ren: Bra ndon Mathews, Montana Williams, Nikki Barker and Alise Barker. Educational Background: Mrs. Barkewr graduated from Marietta High School, and studied at Murray State College. Civic and/or community activities: Mrs. Barker’s leadership roles include serving two terms as the Legislative Chairperson of the Chickasaw Nation Tribal Legislature, and two terms as Legislative Secretary. She is the current Chair of the Legislative Committee and member of the Health Care
Committee and Land Development Committee. She is current Co-Chair of the Tribal Leaders Diabetes Committee, and has served as on the Marietta Public School Board of Education since 2004. She is Chairperson of the Emergency 911 Board, current President of the Love County Chamber of Commerce, and an Honor Graduate of Leadership Love County. She is a founding member of Mercy Health Love County food pantry and Love County Women’s Shelter, and is a member of the Turning Point Coalition and Systems of Care. She is a member of Marietta Lion’s Club, and a longtime member of Eastside Baptist Church. Work experience: Mrs. Barker has served as clinic director
for specialty medicine practices including family medicine, cardiology and physiatry, with the last 22 years spent in rural health management. She has been instrumental in the design and development of the Mercy Health Love County Rural Health Clinic, and in the coordination of nurse availability for the C-Sara House. She is a Register Medical Coder and her career in health care has spanned 36 years. Her interests include reading, gardening, and spending time with family. Personal message to the Chickasaw People: The reason I am seeking re-election as a Chickasaw legislator: Because of the opportunities that have been provided to me by the Chickasaw Nation, whether through health care or education, I have
been able to fulfill many life long dreams. I would like to apply the skills and knowledge I have acquired, because of these opportunities, to help perpetuate the many great programs already in place for future generations of Chickasaw citizens.I feel led to carry on the great legacy of those who came before me and do my part as your Legislator to serve you in a respectful and honorable way. I feel my contribution to my Chickasaw citizens would be through my leadership skills, service to my community, board experiences, life experiences and my love of serving others. My experiences include: Many years of health care management, business operations and ethics, planning committees, community service, board seats, and working with the public.
Complete your ballot properly - make your vote count! Do you know the correct way to complete your election ballot? There is such a procedure in assuring that your vote will be counted in this year’s election. Failure to correctly complete your ballot can result in your vote being ruled “invalid” by the Chickasaw Nation Election Commission. Here are some helpful reminders when casting your vote in July. 1. Fill in the oval next to the name of the candidate for whom they are voting using a
No. 2 pencil or black ink pen. Ballots are tabulated by Scantron, which recognizes pencil or black ink. Do not circle, check or underline the candidates’ names. 2. Sign your signature on the outside ballot envelope exactly as it reads, using a blue or black ink pen. Be sure to write your signature in cursive. Do not print. Notice: A hole is punched in the envelope to verify the ballot was inserted. 3. The bar code that appears on the outside envelope is for
tabulating purposes only and is not to be written anywhere on the ballot or envelope. 4. Do not put more than one ballot in the inner envelope. Although there may be several voters in a household, no ballots will be counted if all ballots are mailed in one envelope. 5. Complete and mail your ballot as soon as you receive it so it will reach the Ada Post Office by Tuesday, July 25, 2017, the last day the ballots will be received. Ballots are mailed to
all qualified voters on July 6, 2017. Voters have at least two weeks to mail back their ballots The ballots will go to the post office in Oklahoma City prior to the Ada Post Office. It will take at least three days before the ballots actually arrive in Ada. Do not wait until the weekend before the deadline to mail your ballot. Doing so may cause it to be late. 6. Make sure that your ballot is not soiled or scribbled on. It must be legible. 7. Finally, vote! This is your
privilege, so use it. Ballots will remain in the Ada Post Office until they are picked up by the Election Commissioners on ballot counting day, July 25, 2017. If you have any questions about your voter registration, completing your ballot or if you do not receive your ballot, please contact Rita Loder, election secretary at the Election Commission office, (580) 310-6475 or 1-888-661-0137. Complete your ballot properly - make your vote count!
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Pickens District • Seat 2 Michael Thomas Watson
MICHAEL THOMAS WATSON Name of candidate: Michael Thomas Watson Position candidate is filing for: Tribal Legislator District and seat number: Pickens District, Seat 2 Background Information: Mr. Watson, 66, resides on his parental ancestral estate. Born to the Shawi Clan, his life is tied to tradition; but he progresses with current time. Mr. Watson is the son of Wilma Pauline Stout Watson (1/2 CBB/NE/1919 to 01 June 2017); grandson of Hattie Pickens Stout (ECBB/FB/1889 ca. 1992); great-grandson of Annie Ned Pickens (ECBB/FB); and great-great-grandson of Okchuntubby (Edmund Pickens). Born to four lines of traditional families he learned respect for Chickasaw/Choctaw/Mississippi-Choctaw culture, history and language. He is well aware body-politic-stewards serves in a position of fiduciary responsibility “to serve” each Chickasaw tribal citizen. Educational Background: Mr. Watson attended Madill Senior High School, East Central University, Phillips University, American College and Comput-
er Education Center, Inc. Mr. Watson’s academic studies were structured toward: Accounting, history (continues private studies of history: PreColumbian, Pre-De Soto; Chickasaw-United States Relations; Chickasaw European), geology (continues study of “geology/ mineral – effected rights of allottees), computer technology, government (study evolved from listening to professors and lawyers about the law to actually reading and analyzing each word and phrase for intent. Cohen’s Handbook Federal Indian law 2012 Edition, plus the Supplement – Nell Jessup Newton ed. 2015 created need for him to understand International (Treaties – Contract Law), and real estate (he studied U.S. Real Estate Laws; privately he studies effect of Federal Indian Law and provision by the United Nation’s Resolutions and Declarations for indigenous peoples). “Handbook of Federal Indian Law”, Chapter 7, Section 3. [Titled] The Form of Tribal Government, “The history of Indian constitutions goes back to the (Great Binding Law) of the Iroquois Confederacy Which probably dates from the 15th century…” Assisted by his family, Mr. Watson has advocated and ach ieved for Ch ickasaws: Chickasaw regional offices system (first site on Stanley St., Ardmore, Okla.); government to government compact with United States; stood to preserve Chickasaw employees (Benefit) rights; Chickasaw employee 401K retirement program; Chickasaw student clothing
grant (first awards $25); Chickasaw Burial Assistance Grant (Hattie and Wilma); advocated for Chickasaws to be employed by Chickasaw Nation; advocated increase in Chickasaw Health Care (Hattie and Wilma). Working: term limits like the 1866 Chickasaw Constitution; and Working: Chickasaw Nation’s Entities detailed audited accountability to ChickasawCitizens-Stakeholder. Goal as a member of the Chickasaw Legislature: Fulfilling a sacred promise to an allottee: for her Peoples: “To work toward a Chickasaw government which is fully and honorably accountability to All Chickasaws”. Personal message to the Chickasaw people: GroundBreaking day. “Toso Ishto Bingo (forerunner of WinStar)”, Grandmother [Hattie Pickens Stout] informed three family members, (all) Chickasaws must participate in per capita sharing; “Chickasaws by Blood: Original enrollee, newborn, minor Chickasaws and their heirs were intended to participate”! Per capita equaled one-full share to each allottee or heir(s); per capita was never limited to only Full-Bloods: (1902) 4858 Original Enrollee, only 1,428 29.39% were fullblood Chickasaws: (1905) 578 New Born Chickasaws by blood, 61 full-blood; and (1906) 224 minor [ages 1 to 16] Chickasaws by blood, 44 full-blood. (best available research data). Per Capita payments equivalent Dividend payment (of one’s ownership share of a corporation or business). Last per capita check for $1,000 was written ca. 1991 (by Michael, CN HQ Government Accounting); funds coming from a settlement.
Mr. Watson has been informed by a U.S. federal district judge that he can only communicate what he has “seen or heard personally”. Chickasaw Nation members/ allottee (by blood) acknowledged by terms of: 1906 – United States’ House Resolution 5976 (Public Law No. 129), 34 Stat., 137. Titled: An Act to Provide for the Final Disposition of the Affairs of the Five Civilized Tribes in the Indian Territory, and for Other Purposes. Grandmother’s opinion (ca. 1991): the Chickasaws (tribe/people) are stockholders, shareholders or stakeholders of Chickasaw Nation. Our 1983 – Chickasaw-Constitution provides two methods for tribal authorization to enact per capita; of funds from litigations, settlements or tribal revenues.
First: Resolution enacted by executive and legislative action signed into law. Second: Petitions voted on by registered voters. Mr. Watson shall support ‘per capita payments system” which is approved by Chickasaw voters; and which receives approval by the United States’ Secretary of the Interior for individual Chickasaw payment(s) (by whatever name you wish to call it either “per capita payment” or “Dividend Payment”). Joint ownership of assets and revenue is well documents in recorded history of the Chickasaws (Pre-1983 Government). At other times Chickasaw “National Issues” must be decided by Chickasaws via elections. Your vote equals your voice in our tribal government. Chepisalacho
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Supreme Court • Seat 3
Cheri L. Bellefeuille-Gordon, Incumbent
CHERI L. BELLEFEUILLE-GORDON Incumbent No Challenger
Name of Candidate: Cheri L. Bellefeuille-Gordon Position Candidate is Filing For: Tribal Justice District and Seat: 3 Background: Cheri L. Bellefeuille-Gordon was born in Ardmore, Oklahoma, on December 29, 1968, to Russell and Donna Bellefeuille. She had one sister, Cris Bellefeuille and has one brother, Chuck Bellefeuille and his wife, Kendall Chadwick Bellefeuille. Her grandparents are Ben and Viola Seeley and her great grandparents were original enrollees, Mamie Tushkatomby and Walter Seeley. She has worked at Hurst and McNeil formerly known as Hurst, McNeil & Gordon law firm in Sulphur, Oklahoma, since 1991, as a legal secretary, paralegal and office manager. Justice Bellefeuille-Gordon has been a Supreme Court Justice for the Chickasaw Nation, Ada, Oklahoma, since October 1, 2002. Her experience in law provides an excellent background to serve as a tribal justice.
Educational Background: Mrs. Bellefeuille-Gordon graduated from Sulphur High School, 1987; East Central University, 1991, B. A. in pre-law with a minor in accounting and services for the deaf. Each year obtaining 12 hours of continuing legal education and 1 hour of ethics in Native American Issues and Indian Country. Civic/or Community Activities: Chickasaw Princess – 1989-1990; Chairman of Carl Albert Indian Health Facility Board, board member representing the Tishomingo District at Carl Albert Indian Health Facility 1993-2003; Former president of the Sulphur/Davis Community Council; Chickasaw Nation Headstart of Sulphur parent committee, 2002 and 2011-2013; Peacemakers –administrative assistant/ trainer; Sulphur Public School tutor for the Title V program; Murray County Democratic Party – delegate, secretary and precinct officer for 30 years; Murray County Kiwanis Club - member, president, vice-president, secretary and board member; Sulphur Kiwanis Club – member and president-elect and president (2015-2016) and board member; Sulphur Bulldog Booster Club – member (2008-2015); Chickasaw Regional Library Systemchairman and board member representing the City of Sulphur (1998-2010); helped raise funds for Relay for Life, Cochairman of the Murray County Kiwanis March of Dimes Walk-a-Thon; General Federated Women’s Club, President, Vice-President of South Central District of General Federated Women’s Club; President, VicePresident, Secretary of GFWC
Sulphur Sorosis; Sulphur Book Club member; Sulphur Public School Community Education Board member; a member of the Sulphur Chamber of Commerce and volunteers with the Avenue of Angels Project during the holidays; Chairman of Rewards of Reading, Volunteer song leader at Veterans Center of Sulphur every Sunday morning for church service (20002004); Children’s Miracle Network Duck Race, Fill the Boot for Children’s Miracle Network, volunteer in parks program, Noah’s Project, volunteer interpreter for sign language, Sunday School Teacher, Member of Praise & Worship Team at the Abundant Life Church, Member of the NAICJA, Member of Federal Bar Association, President of Title VII (now known as Title VI) and President of JOM for Sulphur Public Schools, 2007to present. Tribal Accomplishments: Justice Bellefeuille-Gordon is the first woman in the history of the Chickasaw Nation to serve as Chief Justice beginning the year 2003-2005; 20072008; 2010-2011; 2013-2014; 2016-2017. Justice BellefeuilleGordon was instrumental in establishing a Judicial Scholarship for a Chickasaw student attending law school and the judicial court camp. Awards and Honors: Outstanding Volunteer of the Sulphur Headstart; Kiwanian of the Year, George F. Hixon Award; Distinguished Service Award; Presidential Appreciation Award; Outstanding Club Secretary; TX-OK Kiwanis Foundation Lifetime Member; President’s Distinguished Service Award; Outstanding Leader-
ship and Distinguished Service Award; Kiwanian of the Month; Committee Chairman AwardWorldwide Service Project; Certification of Recognition-IDD Red Light; GFWC-OK Outstanding Volunteer-South Central; GFWC-OK Certificate of Appreciation; and March of Dimes Native American Family Poster Project for Premature Awareness of Oklahoma. Goal as a member of the Chickasaw Judicial Branch: Preserving the Constitution of the Chickasaw Nation. Help the individual tribal members to be certain that tribal affairs are conducted in a proper and legal manner. Interpret laws as they apply to the constitution and to make sure individual rights are protected and that legislative acts are constitutional and affairs of the Chickasaw Nation are conducted constitutionally. To serve the Chickasaw people in a manner that is exemplary of a tribal justice. Family: Cheri L. BellefeuilleGordon is married to Daniel James Gordon, and they have two (2) sons, Noah Gordon,
who is 20 years old and attending the University of Oklahoma, and AJ Gordon, who is eight years old and attending Sulphur Public Schools. Personal Message: I’m very proud of my Chickasaw heritage. It has been my honor and privilege to serve on the Supreme Court for the past 15 years. I have and will continue to be a voice for the people of the Chickasaw Nation. I am dedicated to the Chickasaw Nation, the Chickasaw citizens and the Judicial Department. I will continue my efforts to assist in providing a Chickasaw court system that will serve our citizens in a friendly, fairly, efficient and effective manner with dignity and respect. Our Judicial Department is a very important part of the Chickasaw Nation’s sovereignty. I will work hard, and am honored to serve as one of your tribal justices. I appreciate your support during my journey on the Supreme Court and thank you for your confidence in me. Your trust in me is held with great honor. Please don’t hesitate to contact me.
June 2017
CHICKASAW TIMES
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Tishomingo District • Seat 3
Steven Woods, Incumbent
Steven Woods Incumbent No Challenger Name of Candidate: Steven E. Woods Position candidate is filing for: Tribal Legislature District and seat number: Tishomingo District, Seat 3 Background Information: Mr. Woods was born January 9, 1961 to Jerry and Patricia Woods. His lineage is Almeda James Engle, Author H. James, Suel James, Josephine Brown James, Leona Colbert Wesley, and Esau Seeley, all Chickasaw original enrollees. Mr. Woods has been married to his wife Paula for 38 years and resides in Davis. They have two children, Christi and Brad; three granddaughters, Mallorie, Zoie and Keeli; and two grandsons, Daron and A. J. Formerly employed by the Chickasaw Housing Authority in the Development Department from 1980-1985. Currently Mr. Woods is employed as the Senior Radiation Safety Officer for Halliburton Energy Services. He served as a Supreme Court Justice of the Chickasaw Na-
tion 1992 to 2002. He serves as a Legislator for the Tishomingo District, Seat 3, 2002 to present. Educational Background: Mr. Woods Attended Stratford High School and was Salutatorian. He went on to attend East Central University in Ada for two years then transferred to the University of Oklahoma in Norman where he completed his Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering. Civic and/or community activities: Appointed by the Governors of Oklahoma to the Oklahoma Radiation Management Advisory Council in 1993, 1996, 1999, 2002, 2005, 2008 and currently still serves. Board member of Chickasaw Nation Industries (CNI) for 11 years. CNI is the government subcontracting entity for the tribe currently employing over 2,000 people across the US. Awards and Honors: Mr. Woods has written, presented, and published numerous papers at conferences and symposiums for the Health Physics
Society, Society of Petroleum Engineers, Society of Mechanical Engineers, The Petroleum Society of the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors. Goal as a member of the Chickasaw Legislature: My goals are to represent the Chickasaw people by providing professionally and thoroughly researched decisions on any matters that are brought before the Legislature. I will make sure that the direction our tribe takes will be one that will provide education for our youth, jobs for our people both inside and outside the Chickasaw Nation boundaries, and promote the wellbeing of our citizens. I will continue to support increased education scholarships for all Chickasaw youth. Clothing grants for college students. Clothing grants for school age students Head Start through 12th grade. Economic development and creation of other tribal businesses in addition to
gaming. Job Creation. Property management to allow recreational use. Expansion of AtLarge programs for Chickasaws living outside the boundaries. Personal Message: As a member of the Legislature, It has been my great pleasure and privilege to serve you since 2002. The Chickasaw Nation is the most progressive, successful and citizen-focused tribe in the country. I promise to be open minded and fair as I represent all the voters of the Tishomingo District. Over the course of my terms serving you, I have worked hard to bring business, tourism, employment and new opportunities to Tishomingo District. The scope of these important projects is unprecedented in all Chickasaw Nation history. Education, health care, housing, transportation and cultural enrichment programs have all received my support. Whether you live in Tishomingo District or elsewhere in the country, you can count on me to work on your
behalf. I take a deep personal interest in all things which affect the Chickasaw people and our whole Chickasaw Nation as well. As a member of the Chickasaw Nation Supreme Court and the Court Development team, I have worked with the Executive and Legislative Departments in pursing the expansion of the existing court system. I support a court system that will incorporate traditions and customs of the Chickasaw people. It has been a blessing and great privilege to have served the Chickasaw people for the past 15 years. My past experience on our tribal legislature has taught me how to get things done. I have developed good working relationships across the board. This experience translates into excellent results for the Tishomingo District. I ask for your continued support this upcoming election. Together we have achieved great things. With your vote we will keep the momentum moving forward.
Pontotoc, Pickens Districts to receive ballots; Tishomingo, Panola District have no races
In this summer’s tribal election, there are two contested races. Both are legislative contests. In Pontotoc District, J. Lisa Impson will face Kymberly Hazzlett for the Seat 3 race. In Pickens District, incumbent Connie Barker is challenged by Michael Thomas Watson. In three races – two legislative and one judicial – two incumbents have drawn no chal-
lengers and the Pontotoc District Seat 3 will be filled by Dr. Karen Goodnight. The other two races include Steven Woods in Tishomingo District; Cheri Bellefeuille-Gordon in the Chickasaw Supreme Court. Election rules state that when a candidate receives no challenge, his or her filing for election becomes a one-vote affirmation of his or her elec-
tion victory. As such, no ballots are mailed to voters in whose district no challenge was registered. Voters in Tishomingo District will receive no ballots this election cycle. Mr. Woods and Mrs. Bellefeuille-Gordon received no challenges, so there will be no vote in Tishomingo District. Had either of the candidates received a challenge, ballots would have gone out to Tisho-
mingo District voters. In Panola District, voters would have received ballots should Mrs. Bellefeuille-Gordon received a challenge. Judicial elections are Chickasaw Nationwide, this Panola District would have been inlcuded should there have been a judicial race. There is no legislative race in Panola District this year.
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CHICKASAW TIMES
Chickasaw voter count by state across the U.S.
June 2017
53
16 544 3
16
63
43
456
69
61
120
15
78
59 36
61
236 101
94
51 89
68
2,377
388
417
53
29 7 33
8 47
15 471
14
177 14
52 141 147
633 23
18,488 350
88
348 69 5,435
96
171
166 322
Every state, D.C., Guam, other countries home to voters Did you know Chickasaw voters live in every state in the union, as well as the District of Columbia, a U.S. commonwealth and six foreign countries? That’s right! While the majority of Chickasaw voters continue to live in Oklahoma, we are now spread out across the country and the world. The most recent voter count indicated a total of 32,941 Chickasaw voters. Of
that total, 18,488 live in Oklahoma. The next most populous state is Texas, with 5,435 Chickasaw voters, and in third place was California with 2,377. In addition to the 50 states and the District of Columbia, Chickasaw voters now reside in the American commonwealth of Guam, plus the countries of Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany and Malaysia.
There are also a number of Chickasaws serving in the military who utilize American Post Office (APO) addresses while they serve overseas. Wherever they live, all Chickasaw voters will receive their mail-in ballots in July. All ballots are mailed first-class from Albuquerque, N.M. Ballots to voters living on the U.S. mainland are mailed July 6. Military, Alaska, Hawaii
and out-of-country ballots are mailed June 22. Remember to cast your ballot, sign your outer envelope and return as soon as possible. All ballots must be received by 10:30 a.m. on July 25 to be counted. For assistance, call the tribal election secretary’s office at (580) 310-6475 or toll free at 1-888-661-0137, or email rita.
[email protected]
June 2017
Chickasaw Voters
Exercise Your Right to Vote! The Chickasaw Nation Election Commission and election secretary encourages ALL registered Chickasaws to cast their votes for the candidate of their choice. YOUR VOTE COUNTS! As a citizen and eligible voter of the Chickasaw Nation you have the honor to cast your vote for your tribal leaders. Don’t miss this opportunity to make your voice be heard. Cast your vote and return your absentee ballot in the prepaid envelope supplied in your ballot packet. • CAST YOUR VOTE FOR THE CANDIDATE OF YOUR CHOICE • PLACE YOUR BALLOT IN THE INNER ENVELOPE • PLACE INNER ENVELOPE IN “OUTER” ENVEOPLE • SIGN YOUR NAME WHERE INDICATED ON “OUTER” ENVELOPE • PLACE YOUR BALLOT IN THE MAIL IMPORTANT NOTE: You MUST sign your name as addressed to you, or your vote will NOT BE COUNTED.
Editor’s note: This special edition of the Chickasaw Times is an election issue. It contains the announcements and pictures of all candidates. Biographical sketches and personal messages i n t h i s i s s u e we re submitted by the candidates.
CHICKASAW TIMES
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CHICKASAW TIMES
June 2017
VOTING FORMS 2017 CHICKASAW NATION PRIMARY ELECTION
1. Make your selection carefully and mark your ballot by completing the oval next to your choice. Select only (1) candidate for each office. 2. After marking your ballot, seal it in the SECRECY ENVELOPE. DO NOT MARK ON THIS ENVELOPE. 3. To ensure confidentiality, the SECRECY ENVELOPE is removed from the OUTER ENVELOPE before ballot counting begins. NOTE: Should your ballot arrive without the SECRECY ENVELOPE your assurance of confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. 4. Seal the SECRECY ENVELOPE in the OUTER ENVELOPE, then SIGN YOUR NAME USING BLUE OR BLACK INK on the back of the OUTER ENVELOPE. SIGN YOUR NAME EXACTLY AS IT APPEARS ON THE MAILING LABEL. 5. If you are unable to sign the outer envelope and must make your mark instead, please have your mark witnessed by a notary public. 6. Mail your ballot as soon as possible. Ballots received after 10:30 a.m, July 25, 2017, will NOT be counted. 7. To assure a fair election, ballots will be stored in a locked, secure location.
Ballots now feature ‘oval’ to be filled When registered Chickasaw voters receive their ballots in the mail this election cycle, they will notice a minor change. The official mail ballot sample is illustrated below. Voters will now fill in the oval next to the name of the candidate for whom they are voting. Previously, voters had drawn a line to connect an arrow next to the name chosen. Other than the oval, there are no changes in the ballot, secrecy envelope or reply envelope. If you have any questions regarding the ballot or the election process, please contact the Chickasaw Nation election office at (580) 310-6411 or 1-888-661-0137.
SAMPL
July 25, 2017
E
2
SAMPL
Michael Thomas Watson Connie Barker
2017 Primary Election Ballot Enclosed Return Before July 25, 2017
SAMPL
E
E
