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

I have worked at Cherokee Entertainment for over 20 years. I figured it was time that I be proactive and work for the Cherokee People.  I’ve always been inspired by my families heritage to give back where I can. 

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

There will be difficulty with the new district, informing everyone of the new boundaries.  We always need more healthcare and housing. We need someone in office that will make sure that we get the same attention as Tahlequah does.

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

The new president is cutting federal budgets that will affect the CN moving forward.  We need to make sure that no one has their hands in our treasury that should not be in there, in order for us to use that money for the people. The current administration threw 100% behind democrat party and that has hurt us immensely! We need a strong advocate for our people, and I know I can make a difference for our people. 

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

We need stronger communication with our citizens. Possibly a staff for the council so that we are not reliant on the Chiefs office for communications.

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.

I plan to work with everyone I can and need to, to remedy our problems.  I have worked as a supervisor at our flagship casino for many years, and I have seen and dealt with conflict daily.  Ultimately, we need positive movement to go forward, and I plan to bring that to the council. 

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

I am a rancher and have lived in district 4 for my entire life.  I know the people, know our needs, and plan to represent our people to the best of my abilities.  I am not a politician; all I know is to straight talk and I think that’s what our citizens appreciate.  I am a competitive roper so I am also not afraid to fight for what our people need.

7. Why do you think voters should trust you?

I am not a politician, I was raised to mean what you say and say what you mean. Ultimately, I believe that is what is best, and I will not stray from that.

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

Each needs to stay in their own lane. I believe the council needs to be more independent. Our council races should not be able to accept thousands of dollars from elites who work for the Executive Branch.  We need election reform that does not allow pay-to-play type scenarios play out in our elections.

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

Each branch needs to be independent of one another. The council needs to remain a strong custodian of the purse strings, with no interference from the Executive branch including unrestricted influence in our elections.

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

The tribe needs to post current budgets and expenditures and make them public.  We need to see major contracts over a certain amount, as well as what staff works for the tribe, but are being paid out of CNB.  Ultimately Council has oversight of ALL funds, including CNB and we need unfettered access to all records.

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

Council needs unfettered and unrestricted access to all departments, funds and records.  That is the only way Council can do their job as provided by our Constitution. Any restriction on council access, is overreach from the respective branches, either the executive and/or the judicial branch.  All access has been granted by the people through the Constitution, and it needs to be exercised in that manner. 

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

I know we have many, many hard-working staff and individuals in our health department, and I applaud them.  That being said, we need more resources to help our employees do their job!  There are tremendous cuts coming to our federal health contracts.  We need to supplement our budgets with our gaming dollars. Too much money is being wasted on pet projects.  Council needs oversight of all dollars so that it can be spent for Cherokees welfare and wellbeing. 

Stephen Maples

Candidate Cherokee Nation Council, District 4

918-348-0345

Email: [email protected].

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