Bozho nikan
(Hello friend),
I would like to take a minute and thank Chairman Barrett for his column last month. Last year’s fire season in California was the roughest one of my 38-year career. I am blessed to have a career that I love. It is what I have wanted to do since I was seven years old.
When you take the job, you know what the risks are, and you use your training to keep you as safe as possible, but nobody can train you for the responsibilities you will have on your shoulders once you assume the command and responsibility for the safety of nearly 300 firefighters. I take great pride in my work and believe that it has prepared me well to serve you as your District 7 Representative.
As I have reminded you this spring, 2018 is an election year for District 7. I hope I have earned your trust and support, but the most important part is your vote. Please take the time to make your voice heard. Return your request for a ballot that was mailed to you in early March, and please take the time to vote when your ballot arrives.
The greatest task for a legislator is to advocate for the members within their district and provide balance to those needs. By not giving any one part of the Tribe greater value than any other, we are able to come together and give the leadership needed to set the course for the next 10 generations of Potawatomi children, who won’t need to live in fear of not having a heritage, language and a place to call home.
It is also very important that we maintain a strong and unified front as we fight the attacks on our Tribal sovereignty. It is a fight we must win to protect not only the survival of our Nation but the benefits that we are able to provide our members, from scholarships to our mail-order pharmacy.
Once again, I would like to say what an honor it is to serve you as your District 7 Representative. As always, give me a call, and I will be happy to work with you on any questions you may have or provide you with additional information you may need to access Tribal benefits that you are entitled to.
Please also take the time to give me a call or send me an email with your contact information so that I can keep you informed of the happenings within the Nation and District.
Migwetch
(Thank you),
Mark Johnson,
Wisk Mtek (Strong as a Tree)
Representative, District 7
1565 Shaw Ave., Suite 202
Clovis, CA 93611
559-351-0078 cell
mark.johnson@potawatomi.org