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March 16, 2010

Tribal Council questions housing measure

By TEDDYE SNELL Press Staff Writer

TAHLEQUAH —

The Cherokee Nation Tribal Council approved legislation Monday night providing housing plan revisions necessary for the tribe to retain its federal stimulus funding.

But several tribal councilors are concerned some of the money is being used for programs other than building homes for its citizens.

“I won’t vote for another housing plan that doesn’t include building houses,” said Councilor Bill John Baker.

Councilor David Thornton Sr. pointed out a portion of the housing funds are used for the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service. Tribal Treasurer Callie Catcher indicated the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development had some concerns about how HUD funding is being allocated to the Marshal Service, but that one such incident from 2005 had recently been closed to HUD’s satisfaction, and she expects the other three years – 2006-2008 – would reach the same conclusion.

Cherokee Nation Housing Authority officials told councilors the housing plan needed a vote during the March meeting, as it would affect the tribe’s ability to continue receiving its allocation of federal stimulus money.

Councilor Tina Glory-Jordan said she shares Baker’s concerns about not building houses for tribal citizens.

“We’re getting $30 million a year, and we’re failing to build houses with it, folks,” said Glory-Jordan. “I believe at some point, someone is going to want to know where this money is going if we’re not building houses. I’ll vote for it tonight because I know we have a deadline to make, but we have to visit this in the near future to address this situation.”

In other business, the council:

• Passed a resolution recognizing former Deputy Chief Hastings Shade as a national treasure of the Cherokee Nation.

• Passed a resolution designating the bald eagle, the black bear and the cougar as culturally protected species with regard to the tribe’s hunting and fishing code.

• Passed a resolution ratifying an off-track wagering compact with the state of Oklahoma.

• Passed a resolution confirming the nomination of Rob Thompson as a member of the editorial board of directors.

• Tabled a resolution confirming William Grass as a member of the board of managers of Cherokee Medical Services.

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Poll

What do you plan to do over the Memorial Day weekend?

Go to Lake Tenkiller or Lake Fort Gibson.
Go to the Illinois River.
Attend ceremonies to honor veterans.
Spend time at home with family and/or friends.
Go out of town with family and/or friends.
A combination of the above.
None of the above.
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