1. What or who inspired you to run for office?

I see a need for Cherokee citizens to be heard and not just be a citizenship number on paper.

2. What do you see as the biggest challenges facing your district right now?

I hear numerous needs from citizens about housing to healthcare issues. I feel our small towns are somewhat

overlooked in areas CN can be more beneficial.

3. What are the biggest challenges facing the Cherokee Nation right now?

Transparency, especially Cherokee Nation Business. We have become a corporation and our tribe is slowly

fading

4. What solutions do you want implemented to address the challenges facing your district and the Cherokee Nation?

I would like to see the CN less reliant on the federal government. With Covid money and arpa funds ( $3+

billion dollars) I feel we could have set up our nation to be self sufficient in stead of relying 90% +/- on the

government for funding. I would like to see our housing authority be expanded , I have a great idea and plan

for elderly care for our elders.

5. Can you work with others who do not share your views to help remedy the needs of your district and the Cherokee Nation? Please provide examples of past experiences where you worked with others who disagreed with you then or in the past and created a positive outcome.

Yes I believe in working together for the better of the people. I have currently been A union representative for

Local 516 teamsters at The UPS hub in Vinita . I work with members of management to solve issues that occur

between management and employees. Of course I represent the employees and fight for there rights which are

mostly contract violations.

6. What experiences do you feel you bring to the table that make you qualified for the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council?

I've been in construction all of my life and currently run a home building business locally. Customer service and

satisfaction is the number one goal along with putting out high quality work and performance. I consider myself

a people person, I love to listen to other views and opinions other than my own , that in itself is self growth

through others . I feel qualified for this position, I bring housing knowledge, people skills and enjoy others

energy along with needs.

7. Why do you think voters should trust you?

I've lived in Big Cabin since middle school , I'm a local , my wife has run mail here in Adair 25 years, I've done

business here most my life , I feel trusted here , raised my family here and now all 3 boys are grown men with

families and all 3 have a self made business of their own . I'm the one candidate that is fighting tooth and nail

for transparency.

8. How will you balance the legislative and executive branches of the Cherokee Nation?

Working together for the benefit of the people and our tribe . Being transparent.

9. What does balance between the branches of the Cherokee Nation government mean to you?

Working together to balance the needs and interests of this government for our tribe.

10. Please provide examples of how you would want to improve transparency in the Cherokee Nation government.

Town hall meetings, open forums , transparency of checks and balances. CNB and all its entities should all

follow suit.

11. Please provide examples of how you would want transparency improved in the Cherokee Nation Businesses.

Just open it up to the citizens to see the checks and balances. Transparency is key to earn the trust of its

people.

12. Do you think the Cherokee Nation is providing adequate health care for its citizens? Please provide examples.

Cherokee Nation Health has made some great strides in some areas and in some areas, it has much to improve upon.  For example, ten years ago, seeing someone for an orthopedic problem would be nearly out of the question. Today, Tahlequah has an amazing orthopedic department that I, unfortunately, had to use last year for a knee surgery and will use again in the coming months.  They have been amazing.  While it takes awhile to get an appointment in my local dental clinic (due to staffing), I have nothing but good things to say about my experiences there.  There are many, other, wonderful stories, that I have heard of the healthcare options that have been made available.  Unfortunately, some areas are still challenges and referred care doesn’t always work.  Audiology seems to be a common theme across the district. Referrals within the CN can take over a year to see the audiologist and is often cancelled when the appointment approaches.  At the last Health Committee meeting, Dr. Jones mentioned the very limited Chiropractic care available and was only used in specific cases.  It is important to get feedback from our citizens and to also tell them what is new and available for them. Citizens need care. Many, if not most, want good, adequate care, regardless of how old the building is. New buildings are great and are appreciated! But staffing takes priority over a building every time. 

Mike Purcell

Candidate Cherokee Nation Council, District 9

(918) 271-1188

[email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/MikePurcellCwy/