There is much more to do!
For the past six months, I have been attending At Large community events across the country. It has been a real joy to connect again with friends, both old and new, that I haven’t seen for several years. It has been interesting to observe the current state of programming of the At Large organizations and to hear from the groups’ members about the successes and challenges their organizations are experiencing.
As some have speculated, I have been taking stock of the current state of the At Large Cherokee Nation citizens in relation to their government as part of making a decision about whether to seek the Tribal Council seat in the upcoming election. After much reflection, I have decided that I would like to try to advance the cause of the At Large citizens once again as your representative. There is still much to do.
So today, I am declaring my candidacy for the Tribal Council in the June 1st, 2019 election. I am excited about the prospect of a new administration in the Cherokee Nation and the possibilities that affords to advance the position of At Large citizens. I appreciate this opportunity to share with you some of my thoughts about why I have decided to run again.
At Large Cherokee Nation citizens have made significant strides in gaining respect as an important part of the Cherokee Nation family. As your representative on the Tribal Council from 2007 to 2015, I am very pleased to have been a part of achieving those gains.
But in recent years, that progress has stalled. As the majority of the citizenry, At Large Cherokees have an active role to play in the future of this Cherokee Nation, and that role is not being developed as fully as it should be.
As an At Large citizen, you deserve more than lip service given to your role in this Nation. You deserve to have accurate information. You deserve a voice. You deserve the ability to question your elected officials. You deserve to have your concerns taken seriously.
You deserve more than to be an audience. You deserve real engagement.
I am running because you deserve a representative on the Tribal Council who accurately reflects the sensibilities of At Large people, about both your own issues as well as your feelings about the direction of the Cherokee Nation.
I am running because you deserve an energetic advocate to advance your standing as an integral part of the Cherokee Nation in the 21st century. I will be that advocate.
I ask for your vote to restore strong, accurate At Large representation and advocacy to the Tribal Council.
There is much more to do!
Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you and connecting with you during the months ahead!
Julia
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