A Redirection Toward the People: Cherokee Nation Election

A Redirection Toward the People: The Cherokee Nation Election

By: Tyler Thomas

On June 25^th, 2011, the Cherokee Nation will hold the tribe’s principal chief election. The election is shaping up to be one of the most significant elections in recent memory. Many within the tribe’s government and citizens alike have grown tired of the current administration led by Chief Chad Smith.

Many within the Cherokee Nation are looking for a change in leadership as well as a new direction. One man seems to stand out as the alternative option to the current leadership. Councilman Bill John Baker has thrown his name in the ring for the principal chief election and will challenge Smith in next year’s election.

(Photo of Councilman Bill John Baker)

Baker has been an advocate of the Cherokee people for years on the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council. Baker has championed and endorsed numerous pieces of legislation that would help either tribal citizens or tribal employees. Baker was the councilmember that initially brought for the legislation that would raise the minimum wage within the Cherokee nation. Baker was also the one who proposed the increase in scholarship dollars to Cherokee citizens attending college. Baker was able to double the scholarship amount from $1,000 to $2,000. Baker believed that this was an absolute necessity considering the rising cost of college.

Baker’s top priority has always been taking care of the people. Baker says that it is always his focus and forte, to “find ways to care of folks that fall between the cracks.”

Baker and Smith have butted heads numerous times since both have been in their respective offices. It was a disagreement two years ago over the way Smith’s administration was practicing government that led Baker to the decision of running for principal chief. Baker believed the chief was not practicing good government by surround himself with councilors that would do whatever he asked. Baker believed that the people were growing weary of it and Smith disagreed.

Many within the Cherokee Nation believe that the current administration fails to take care of the people and that the administration is more concerned with the business side of the Cherokee Nation. This becomes apparent during tough economic times. The current administration will look to cut services to people instead of taking money from casinos that are prospering and investing that revenue back into the people.

Some of his fellow councilors and many of the citizens echo the sentiments, of Baker. Councilman Chuck Hoskin agrees with Baker and says, “What [the Cherokee Nation] needs is leadership that has good business sense and good people sense.” Hoskin believes it is important that the Cherokee Nation remembers the least among them and provides for those in need as well as manages the business side of government.

Baker possesses the ability to manage both sides rather well. His success as a businessman and success as a councilor will provide him with the ability to lead the Cherokee Nation in the right direction many believe. Councilwoman Tina Glory Jordan echoes what many believe in that Bill John Baker “is the only candidate that has the compassion coupled with the business mind to take over the [Cherokee Nation].”