MEET THE CANDIDATES: BUSINESS COUNCIL SEAT 2

MORRIS BLUEJACKET
HOMETOWN: BLUEJACKET, OK
CURRENT CITY: BLUEJACKET, OK
OCCUPATION: RETIRED
Born in Vinita raised in BlueJacket. Graduate of BlueJacket High School. I am married to Pattie (McLain) BlueJacket for 46 years. We have One son Tab & wife Tiffany, 5 Grandchildren. I have worked in state & county government for the past 34 years, the last 12 years I was Emergency Manager, Floodplain Manager, and Safety Coordinator. At the same time serving as Town of Bluejacket Board of Trustees 24 years, 20 of which was as mayor, I was a volunteer firefighter 20 years now retired. I serve on Grand Gateway Board of Directors and Chairman of the Craig County 911 Trust Authority.
I would like to do my part in helping the Shawnee Tribe grow and prosper. I feel I have experience in many areas that could help.
If elected, what personal qualities will you bring to the Business Council?
I feel I have the ability to look at both sides of issues. Over the years I have served on many boards a lot of time in leadership positions. I know that you must do what is best for the people you represent.
What issues affecting Shawnee citizens would you intend to prioritize most?
We must protect the elders and children first. I want to see the tribe expand in other business locally.
If a citizen has further questions for you, what is the best way for them to contact you?
Morris BlueJacket
PO Box 167 Bluejacket, OK 74333
918-244-145
DIANA McLEAN (INCUMBENT)
HOMETOWN: HUTCHINSON, KS
CURRENT CITY: BARTLESVLLE, OK
OCCUPATION: I WORKED AT AND RETIRED FROM AT&T
My name is Diana McLean, and I am running for re-election to the Business Council of the Shawnee Tribe. I am a descendant of Martha A. Long Shufeldt Storey. I have been involved in our tribe for many of the past years. I was given my Shawnee name by Victoria Daugherty, our last official Tribal Historian. Prior to becoming a part of the Business Council, I attended meetings and volunteered when asked. I was asked to serve on the Election Committee before my current appointment. As a councilperson, in our meetings, I have always been one to initiate many active discussions, which led to several initiatives such as our current Procurement Policy. I voted along with other Business Members to sue the federal government over CARES funding which resulted in an increase in funding for our tribe. I have also been attending conferences to learn from other tribes and government agencies.
I want to continue the progress the tribe has experienced over the last four years. Progress in building a stable budget and new programs that can be maintained for generations to come. I would also like to continue involvement in the expansion of our casino.
If re-elected, what personal qualities will you bring to the Business Council?
I am committed to our tribe. I believe that I can work with people and compromise on occasion. I believe that I can take a commonsense approach to many issues, seeing the possible outcomes, either good or bad. I am committed to seeing that every child, adult and elder has resources if needed. Resources that can be maintained for years to come.
What issues affecting Shawnee citizens would you intend to prioritize most?
Our elders are one of my top priorities. And I would like to get more involved in Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples issues. I also want to develop an agricultural program for the tribe.