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May 22, 2012

CN swears in fifth member of election commission

During its May general meeting, the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council confirmed a fifth and final member of the tribe’s Election Commission, increased the tribe’s budget to help fund housing and elder initiatives and approved a feasibility study to explore potential uses for tribal land.

The council confirmed Carolyn Allen as the fifth member of the Cherokee Nation Election Commission. Under Cherokee law, the first two members of the commission are chosen by the chief and the second two are chosen by the tribal council. As the fifth member, Allen was selected by the other four commissioners to serve a four-year term.  She  is a retired teacher from Tahlequah Public Schools.

“I am excited to have been confirmed to this position and I am looking forward to working with the other commissioners and to filling the obligations that have been set forth by tribal members,” Allen said.

In other news, the council passed an act to amend the comprehensive budget, increasing it by $13.6 million to more than $520 million. Approximately $10.5 million of the increase will help fund the previously approved Indian Housing Plan. The increase will also provide $260,000 to fund a new initiative called Elders in Need, a program that will provide a $200 stipend twice per year to eligible elders over 65.

The Council also passed an act directing Cherokee Nation Businesses to conduct a feasibility study to measure use of the Sallisaw Creek Park for gaming, industry and a potential water-way port. The approximately 1,100 acres is owned by Cherokee Nation and located in Sequoyah County.



The next regular Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 11 at 6 p.m. in the Tribal Council Chambers of the W.W. Keeler Complex in Tahlequah.

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