Editor’s Note – Responses from legislative candidates appear exactly as they were submitted without editing for content or style.
Andrew Walters
Incumbent
What do you hope to accomplish during your time in office if elected?
During the last 2 years, I have carefully watched, listened and engaging in an effort to learn about the concerns of members and the “ways” of the Tribe and government. I have learned much and asserted myself when I felt necessary. During the next 4 years I want to tackle some looming issues. Changes in leadership, a growing business environment, communications issues, and member participation top that list. Other issues are elder services, medical services for members outside the State, and Constitutional changes to update our existing document.
Describe an effective Tribal leader.
Leadership is the essence of our existence. Leadership is not a top down arrangement, but rather a bottom up. Leaders serve their people and their organization. Never is whats bad for the people good for the Tribe. And never is what’s good for the Tribe bad for the people. A leader remembers their roots. They are able to relate to others circumstances and situations. People come first in decisions.
How do you plan to engage Tribal citizens?
Communications has always been an issue in any organization. I feel we need to try harder to engage our members and never give up. I think our organizational culture should focus on that one issue…bringing our members into the fold.
What do you feel is the Tribe’s most pressing issue it currently faces?
Participation is the single most important issue. We have members who feel disenfranchised from the Tribe. Some have given up. Some cease to care. If we wish to realize the “7th fire prophesy”. We must light that fire. I don’t have all the answers. But I have the ability to communicate and move toward a solution.
Jay Laughlin
Challenger
What do you hope to accomplish during your time in office if elected?
What would be the most economical means to provide the most for the most, that all could benefit? I’ve asked myself this question many times. There are existing state, federal and tribal programs available; however, it’s difficult for one to figure out which path to take, which agency to contact, or what resources are actually available for the one seeking. I envision a resource advocacy center, a CPN Center of Helping Hands that focuses on giving helping hands to those in need. These hands would have access to the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to cut through the red tape and offer guidance and services for the particular situation. From growing a business, to emergency housing, to Medicare plans, to education, to child services, to mental health and substance abuse. These hands would have the knowledge and resources needed to guide those in need and those seeking to take the next step.
Describe an effective Tribal leader.
An effective tribal leader must represent the people. They must be of the people. They must have passion, integrity, and the ability to communicate. A leader draws the best out of people and empowers them to reach our common goal. They must have real-world experience. An effective tribal leader must take a vision and translate that vision into reality.
How do you plan to engage Tribal citizens?
It’s a challenge to stay connected when you’re miles away. Work, family, and the day-to-day take up most of this time. We must leverage technology and offer incentives to promote these much-needed bonds. We need to have periodic district meetings within the State of Oklahoma. At that time, we’ll incorporate traditions, build bonds, and make connections.
Reach out to me at jaylaughlin4cpn@gmail.com or Facebook @JayLaughlin4CPN.
What do you feel is the Tribe’s most pressing issue it currently faces?
A diversified and profitable portfolio is needed to ensure that we can provide the resources to fund and grow our programs. With funding set aside, my focus will be on improving healthcare, education, our elders, our youth, affordable adequate housing, business development, substance abuse, and culture. Opioid abuse is a big issue in Indian Country at this time.