Vice-Chairman election candidates final statements
Editor’s note: Responses from candidates appear exactly as they were submitted without editing for content or style.
Jason Smalley
A Position Built on Service, Communication and Unity
My family roots run deep in the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, and I believe that heritage carries with it a responsibility to serve with integrity, humility and respect. I am running for Vice Chairman because I believe our Nation is strongest when our people feel connected, informed and included in the direction we are headed.
Over the last several months, I have had the privilege of visiting with Tribal members through phone calls, text messages, emails and face-to-face conversations. I have heard from members in Oklahoma and across the country. Those conversations have confirmed what I already believed: our people care deeply about the future of this Nation. They want transparency. They want communication. They want opportunities to be involved. Most of all, they want leadership that listens.
My vision for the Vice Chairman’s role is one of active service. I believe the office should help strengthen the connection between Tribal members and Tribal government. That means better communication, more outreach, and a clearer path for members to ask questions, share concerns and bring forward ideas. We should continue building programs that serve our elders, support our youth, strengthen our families and create opportunities for future generations.
I also believe we must protect and preserve our culture while continuing to grow economically. Culture is not just something we talk about; it is something we live, support and pass on. At the same time, we must continue to diversify our Nation’s income, expand opportunities, create jobs and make sure our programs are sustainable for the long term.
My background in the Marine Corps, in public service and in business has taught me that leadership requires accountability, preparation and the willingness to make difficult decisions. But it also requires listening. I do not believe leadership should be based on fear or division. I believe leadership should bring people together, encourage healthy discussion and focus on solutions.
I am asking for your vote for Vice Chairman. I would be honored to serve our Nation and work every day to help build a stronger, more united future for all Citizen Potawatomi people.
If you have questions, concerns or would like to visit more about my vision for the Vice Chairman’s role, please call or text me at 918-808-1669. I welcome the conversation, and I would sincerely appreciate your support and your vote.
Martha Kimberly Nootbaar
Thank you for the opportunity to become Vice Chairman of our tribe. As a granddaughter of Abram Burnett, I feel this responsibility in my blood. Linda Capps has been known as the “heart” of the tribe, and I would like nothing more to become the heart of our tribe. For several years I have been asking Linda to allow me to learn from her and to see what this position would entail. She just kept saying that it wasn’t time yet. The time has come; I think that with all my experience and activities that I have would make me the best choice for our tribe. I have a heart to serve, to bring us into a new era, of not only being self-sufficient but also of helping our brothers and sisters when they need it. Not just in Oklahoma and Potawatomi County, but throughout the United States.
Our history is vast and colorful, and our future can also be. We are the protectors of our earth. We must not allow our perceived need for more to overshadow our responsibility to our environment and families. Our future is our children, and we cannot destroy what they need to lead healthy lives.
I have answered many wonderful questions and have made statements over these past 4 months. Most of these questions have been on Facebook and I invite you to look us up. I have attempted to allow you to get to know me and what I would like to see our future become. I have seen wonderful suggestions, and I would like to see many of them come to pass. I would like to see us become a healthier nation in all areas! This would include learning traditionally, healthy habits, and most of all, one nation. We are Citizen Potawatomi Nation. We came from one area. The federal government saw to it that we were divided and moved in hopes that we would just go away. We must come together as one again and show the world that we are here. Let me lead you into the future as Vice Chairman. Please vote on June 27th in person. Please vote for me, Martha Kimberly (Kim) Nootbaar as your next Vice Chairman and keep the balance in our executive branch!
Charles Scott
Dear Voters,
We deserve the government we elect.
One candidate is a politician and is endorsed by the Chairman.
Another candidate is a very nice lady and running as a status quo candidate.
And myself, I’m not a politician and I’m not in support of the status quo. We are experiencing a generational change of leadership and I’d like to show you what is possible as we change generations, I will focus on increasing our benefits for out of state citizens and in state citizens.
Migwetch
Charles Scott
Legislative District 5 election candidates final statements
Editor’s note: Responses from candidates appear exactly as they were submitted without editing for content or style.
Lorrie Underwood
By the time this article is published, most votes will have been cast and we will be days away from election results. Citizen Potawatomi Nation will face exciting new change as the roles governing our tribe are being filled in the coming years with people bringing new and innovative ideas. Each new elected official will bring a wide range of personal balance between business and tradition. We need that balance of holding tradition to keep a firm grip on tribal sovereignty, while using business sense to grow as a nation. My hope is that as we move forward, all seats will eventually be filled with people who can honor culture and tradition while strategically moving our tribe forward in business aspects.
I hope our voting numbers grow. I hope that every person voted for the candidate he or she believes will selflessly serve our tribe to the best of that candidate’s ability.
In this age of technology, if you are not local to any Potawatomi and find yourself seeking connection as a tribal member, I urge you to join the facebook groups. You will find committed people to guide you. Listen to them and be aware that you might not get the answer you are looking for. Think on those answers. Also, be your own advocate. Don’t wait to be spoon-fed culture or instantly included. A lot of knowledgeable people will hold back, waiting to see if you are genuine. Make effort, not excuses. Be respectful. Migrate to people who resonate with you, and get to know them. Technology is great but at some point move your journey from the keyboard to your car keys. Get out there and MEET PEOPLE! Go! Offer tobacco, and learn from people. And above all, enjoy your journey.
I have enjoyed this election experience and I am also happy it is coming to an end. Many people encouraged me to use AI to write or for my picture and I cannot do it. I believe AI has a place but it is not in trying to convince others of personal greatness. With me, what you see is what you get, in all of my dedication and flaws.
I want to thank everyone who voted, those who voted for me, those who reached out to me, everyone who believed in me.
Special thank you to my family, and my husband, Kevin Underwood.
Pėtëgizhgokwé – Lorrie Underwood
Ryan Hubble
Hello Friends,
When this article is published, most of you will have already sent in your absentee ballots. If you haven’t voted yet, please vote (whether it’s through an absentee ballot or in person at the festival). One of the great responsibilities we have as tribal members is to vote and voice our opinion. Voting is a right and a privilege and is something that can really impact our Tribe and our people.
Of course, I would love to have your vote. As I’ve said in previous articles and what I want to reiterate here is that I love our Tribe. I want to see this Tribe grow and help meet the needs of our tribal members. One of the ways to meet those needs is to review the tribal budget and appropriate funds. I do have experience with this and feel like I could add value in helping our Tribe grow in a fiscally responsible way.
My other purpose for running as the District 5 Representative is to help the members within our district. It’s important for tribal members outside of Oklahoma to feel a closeness to the Tribe. If members can’t make it to the family reunion festival each year, I want members to feel like they know the Tribe and understand all the great resources and programs available to them through district meetings.
I appreciate all your support and look forward to meeting you all!
James Newberry
Bozho Nmezodanek,
By the time you read this, reunion will be over.
Elections decided and we will be looking forward to next year’s reunion. This final statement had to be in by May 12th. At the time I’m writing this we don’t know who will be elected. So, I’ll just say” If you voted for me, I hope you did. “ THANK YOU”. If you didn’t, that’s okay. You did your duty and voted. I’ll still love all the cousins and I’ll be looking forward to seeing everyone at the great district meetings whoever wins (Lori or Ryan) will have in the future. If anyone would like to contact me for whatever reason. (Lori/Ryan hint,hint) [email protected]
Legislative District 7 election candidates final statements
Editor’s note: Responses from candidates appear exactly as they were submitted without editing for content or style.
Katie Bowie
Challenger
I would like to start out by expressing gratitude to all the kind people who have gone out of their way during this process to help answer my questions, give advice, support my efforts, contribute to my campaign, encourage me, reach out to introduce themselves or came out to meet in person; Chi Miigwetch! I have learned a lot during this process & it has been very interesting to say the least, by the time the majority of people in my district read this, they will hopefully have already submitted their absentee ballots. One thing that has been heavy on my mind is how we have an inevitable change of leadership in our tribe that is coming along very soon & while I think that unfortunately scares some people, I am very encouraged by this fact.
I believe that our legislators have a responsibility and obligation the members within their districts and after speaking to many other district 7 members, these are some of the things that I would like to be able to help offer: Two gatherings every year that move to different locations so that it alleviates the hardship from members to be able to attend. I would like to see fun, cultural activities offered at these gatherings (Language Bingo, art contests, small craft projects for example) . I would like to have an official district 7 website and social media site that regularly post updates and relevant events happening to give members additional opportunities to join together in their communities. I would like to form an elder & youth council that meets virtually a couple times a year so that other members can feel some autonomy in our tribe to come together and let our leaders know what they would like for their district. At the heart of any tribe should be community, no matter its size and there are so many ways in which we can build the type of community even though we live so spread apart.
Thank you for this opportunity to even be considered for this trusted position to serve my fellow tribal members and have a chance to advocate for the change that a lot of us have been hoping and praying for & i want to leave you with this prayer: “Creator, Thank you for this day (Mamogosnan igwein ode gishek) Thank you for yesterday (igwien nago) watch over my relations (kowabmak ndenwemagnek) Thank you (Miigwetch)“
Mark Johnson
Incumbent
As Election Day approaches for the Citizen Potawatomi Nation District 7 Legislative seat, I find myself reflecting not just on the past 16 years, but on the responsibility that comes with the oath you entrusted me to uphold. When I first took that oath, I promised to represent every member of District 7 with integrity, commitment, and a focus on the long-term strength of our Nation. That promise has guided me every single day.
We have faced moments together that tested us. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our Nation stepped forward in a way that demonstrated who we are at our core providing more than $84 million in direct support to our members through CARES Act and ARPA programs. That wasn’t just policy. It was people helping people. It was our values in action.
Throughout my time in office, I have worked to ensure that every member, especially those living outside Oklahoma, has access to meaningful services and a connection to their Tribe. Programs like CPN Care, with 24/7 access to healthcare, are part of that commitment. At the same time, we have continued investing in our language, culture, and education, because knowing who we are is what gives strength to everything we build.
But our success also brings challenges. Attacks on Tribal sovereignty have not disappeared, and they require steady, experienced leadership to confront. I have worked to strengthen our Nation’s financial position and support responsible growth so that we remain independent, resilient, and prepared for whatever comes next. With our membership now approaching 40,000, the responsibility to future generations weighs heavily and rightly so.
This work is personal to me. I carry forward a legacy of service that began long before I held this office, and I have tried to honor that legacy in the way I serve you. My 40+ year career in the fire service taught me that leadership is not about words, it is about showing up, standing firm when it matters, and doing the job the right way, even when it’s difficult.
I am proud of what we have accomplished together, but I also know there is more work ahead. I would be honored to continue serving you, to keep fighting for our members, and to help ensure that our children, and their children, inherit a Nation that is strong, connected, and enduring.
I respectfully ask for your trust and your vote. Please return your ballot or vote in Shawnee on Election Day.
Igwien / Heartfelt Thanks
Mark Johnson / Wisk Mtek (Strong as a Tree)
Representative, District 7