Editor’s Note – Responses from candidates appear exactly as they were submitted without editing for content or style.
Chairman candidates
John “Rocky” Barrett
Incumbent
What experiences do you have that can be applied to a legislative position with the Tribe? The experience that I have to serve as Tribal Chairman is over 40 years of successful performance as Tribal Chairman. During that time our Nation has grown from less than 5 employees and under $500,000 in budget to our present 2,308 employees and $679,000,000 in budget. This is not money given to our tribe by the federal government. We earn over 90% of our income from our businesses.
What do you hope to accomplish during your time in office if elected? If you vote for me, I hope to accomplish a goal I have sought for almost my entire time as Tribal Chairman: to build a community of Citizen Potawatomi that will attract our people to move back home. With the help and cooperation of our Tribal Legislature, I plan to develop the land around our central core of services and business with homes and apartments. These dwellings will be first rate and at a price well below the market utilizing unique financing. The quickest way for us to succeed as a nation is to turn the $679,000,000 at least two times in our own economy before it leaves. That is the secret to a successful community.
Describe an effective Tribal leader. An effective tribal leader is one who can find and recognize talent. He or she must also be able to lead and inspire that talent to produce on the job in a manner that provides that person personal satisfaction. And create revenue or services for his or her employer. This takes empathy, compassion, and leading by example. As the old saying goes: “You reap what you sow.”
How do you plan to engage Tribal citizens? I plan to engage tribal citizens in the same manner that I have for forty years: with openness and empathy. I have been fortunate to know a lot of individuals and families in our Tribe. I plan to treat each of them as I would want them to treat me and my family.
Charles Scott
Challenger
What experiences do you have that can be applied to a legislative position with the Tribe? The Military taught me to Lead, to Listen, to Learn. Being a Union Organizer taught me to be inclusive and build a grassroots consensus. I’ve talked with and listened to many tribal members; you want Culture and Connection. I will bring my personality, leadership, empathy, and warrior spirit to our government. I will balance our Traditional Potawatomi values with our Legislative goals, and I will build a community for us.
What do you hope to accomplish during your time in office if elected? I will focus on reviving our Culture and Language. We will grow our June Festival from 3 days to 5 days and include more Traditional teachings. I will refocus the mission of our Cultural Heritage Center into a Cultural Learning Center. I will expand our Language Depart to 12 employees to build a Cultural Immersion. I will make scholarships available to attend “Immersion School” every summer. The heart of our community will be our Cultural Immersion school, with the long-term goal of evolving into a private elementary, middle and High School. Jobs, Housing, Fiscal Transparency, Term Limits, will be addressed as well. The days of not hiring Potawatomi’s will end on Day 1. There is no excuse for this travesty. I will replace Ball Fields and Golf Courses with affordable housing. It’s time we invest in housing for our people. We will use our secure portal for Fiscal Transparency. I will work to enshrine “Term Limits” with a Constitutional Amendment. The entire focus of our government will be preserving our Culture and Language and building our community. It’s time we invest in our Culture.
Describe an effective Tribal leader. Leaders communicate, we listen, we build consensus and follow a chain of command, that flows up and down. We put people in positions to succeed. Tribal Leaders protect and provide for their family, you are my family. I will personally answer every email and return every phone call. We set the example.
How do you plan to engage Tribal citizens? I will hold monthly “Town Halls”, we will do podcasts and use our secure portal. Our annual General Council meeting will return to being a true meeting. You will speak and we will listen. Ideas and concerns can be presented, voted on if necessary, or presented for review at any Legislative meeting. Our Government is your Government, when you vote for me, we will return to the days when your voice is heard.
Legislative District 1 candidates
Anna Johnson
Challenger
What experiences do you have that can be applied to a legislative position with the Tribe? I graduated summa cum laude from OKBU with my MBA May 2020 while working full-time and being a wife & mother to my young family – making me an excellent multi-tasker. I have used this education to maintain and grow 2 successful home businesses where I manage my own budgets and expense reports. This experience directly translates to discussions in our legislative meetings, enterprise analysis, and budget creations.
Other qualities:
- Excellent Interpersonal and Communication skills
- Comfortable public speaking
- Will seek help and advice from others
- Not afraid of a challenge
- Can make decisions
- Takes ownership of missteps
- Detail oriented
- Eager to learn
What do you hope to accomplish during your time in office if elected? Above all, I hope to establish connections. We are so vastly spread out, making us feel isolated. My hope is to draw closer to the feeling of community/family.
Other hopes:
- Host District Meetings in more locations
- Visit every state in my district within the first 2 years
- Promote/teach cultural learning opportunities in person and virtually
- Create a seed sharing/gardening community
- Have clear and concise communication with District Tribal Members
- Move further away from the dependance on Federal funding and aggressively towards a self-sufficient/self-funded
- Tribe
- Promote the needs of District 1 and actively advocate on their behalf
Describe an effective Tribal leader. Love is essential to leadership. Love for our people, culture, and traditions. Effective leaders are not self-serving. They represent the people and adapt their vision according to the needs of the district. Leaders should be a guiding force; leading with passion, empathy, humility and the willingness to accept criticism. They should take an active role in truly listening to/learning what the needs of the people are
Leaders should also:
- Care
- Foster collaborations
- Respect our traditions
- Preserve/promote cultural heritage
- Advocate for the district
- Offer and find mentorships
- Be an effective communicator
- Vote in the best interest of the district
How do you plan to engage Tribal citizens? Meet them where they are. I am committed to have a presence in every state throughout the District. I will be available via phone calls, text, email, zoom meets, social media and in person. We need more community-centered activities, open dialogues, in person meet-ups, knowledge sharing, culture, consideration for elders, youth involvement, and Potawatomi Pride.
I want to hear from you directly. Your thoughts, concerns, celebrations, hardships, and hopes for our Tribe’s future. I ask for your prayers and the consideration of your vote. I do hope you take the time to reach out
Steve Livingston
Challenger
What experiences do you have that can be applied to a legislative position with the Tribe? Professionally, I am a Senior Engineering leader and have led engineering teams for nearly a decade across multiple organizations. I work with other leaders to establish budgets, perform capacity planning, establish quarterly objectives and key results, and most importantly look for opportunities to clear roadblocks and challenges so that my teams can do what they do best – we win together.
I believe the same principle applies to serving as a legislator. I’ll be focused on transparency, accountability, and open communication. Success as your representative will be measured by the opportunities and progress made for those in District 1 and the larger CPN community.
What do you hope to accomplish during your time in office if elected? I will work to support:
- Transparency: Advocate for policies that ensure all citizens have access to information about our leaders’ decisions and actions – trust and accountability are at the core of good governance.
- Traditional Knowledge & Cultural Growth: Support initiatives that ensure our language and traditions not only survive but thrive, reinforcing our identity and sovereignty. Our tribal government exists to support our ability to live authentically as bodwéwadmik.
- Reviewing Citizen Services: Assess opportunities for improved housing, healthcare and education, focusing on those most in need.
- Community Engagement: Build more ways for citizens to have a voice, including a Youth Council, Elders Council, and Citizen Advisory Boards.
Describe an effective Tribal leader. An effective Tribal leader is one who seeks to serve. They don’t pretend to have all the answers, but instead listen, ask the right questions, and surround themselves with people smarter and more talented than themselves. A leader is not measured by personal success, but by the success and opportunities they create for others. Leadership is about making people feel safe, valued, and empowering others to be successful. Leadership is about having the courage to take risks for the future while being accountable in the present. A rising tide lifts all boats, and an effective leader enables the community to all rise together.
How do you plan to engage Tribal citizens? Citizen engagement is at the heart of a strong nation. I want to create opportunities for citizens, no matter where they live, to have a voice in our future. I’ll host seasonal gatherings, mini meetups at regional events, and quarterly Zoom meetings to share updates and hear directly from citizens. I’ll push for citizen advisory boards on language, food sovereignty, and traditions, ensuring diverse representation across all districts. Most importantly, I’ll support community-led initiatives – giving our talented citizens the space and resources to teach, share, and lead.
Legislative District 3 candidates
Jennifer Bertelesen
Challenger
What experiences do you have that can be applied to a legislative position with the Tribe? I have spent years managing operations, negotiating agreements, and building relationships—skills that directly support governance, economic growth, and community development. As a small business owner, I understand the challenges of maintaining financial sustainability and achieving long-term growth.
I also had the privilege of participating in Mdamen, a leadership course that helps Tribal members connect with their identity and gain a deeper understanding of our government, culture, and economic development. This experience reinforced the importance of serving our Nation.
What do you hope to accomplish during your time in office if elected? If elected, I will focus on strengthening economic opportunities, increasing member engagement, and preserving our culture. I want to support policies that promote business growth and long-term financial stability while expanding mentorship and leadership programs to help our youth stay connected as they prepare for the future. I will also strive to enhance communication, accountability, and transparency.
As a candidate, I cannot stress enough the importance of voting. Every election shapes our future, and voting is one of the most powerful ways for citizens to ensure our voices are heard and our priorities represented.
Describe an effective Tribal leader. An effective Tribal leader respects tradition while embracing progress. They listen to their people, act with integrity, and make thoughtful decisions that protect our sovereignty and create a better future for our members and the Nation.
Leadership is not just about making decisions from the top down but about uniting people to tackle challenges together. A great leader works to preserve our language, heritage, and customs while finding new opportunities for growth.
How do you plan to engage Tribal citizens? For me, engagement begins with accessibility and listening. I aim to maintain open lines of communication to keep members informed and involved. This includes hosting more in-person social gatherings, district meetings, and promoting cultural events where people can connect.
I also want to encourage participation in language classes, cultural programs, and leadership training to strengthen our community ties and ensure our traditions thrive.
Brian Walker
Challenger
What experiences do you have that can be applied to a legislative position with the Tribe? I currently serve as a Justice on the Second Court of Appeals in Texas. While in my 20s, I worked for the Texas Senate during multiple legislative sessions. While in my 30s, I taught government for four years as an adjunct professor at the collegiate level.
I have received immense experience working in, and with, the law through my legal education, my 17-year legal career, my time working for the legislature, and interpreting and applying the law during my four-plus years on the bench. Because a legislator is a law maker, all of that should translate well if I’m elected.
What do you hope to accomplish during your time in office if elected? In addition to ensuring that the CPN remains an existing sovereign tribal nation, my primary goals are simple:
I want to use my vast experience to serve our people in developing sound tribal policy.
I want to maximize benefits for all tribal members while making sure that the tribe continues to thrive long into the future.
I hope to use my vast political experience and ties to network with leaders in D.C. – in order to attain the greatest federal benefits possible.
Describe an effective Tribal leader. An effective tribal leader is one who uses his or her gifts, talents, and experience to make the tribe better. Almost like we see in the church, a person should use their personal giftings to better the tribe.
My gift set isn’t really language and culture. Although I have an appreciation for those things, there are folks who are much better at that than I am. My gift set is leadership in the law, political systems, and government. If elected, I will be proud to use my gifts, talents, and experience to make a positive impact for our tribal nation.
How do you plan to engage Tribal citizens? I plan to continue writing the article in the Hownikan, I plan to make myself available, I plan to have intermittent in-person meetings around all parts of the district (North, Central, East, and South Texas), and I plan to hold more frequent virtual meetings. I can see doing them at least once per quarter, or, if the demand is there, maybe even monthly. I have used Zoom to teach Bible studies with men participating across America and we have even used them effectively in the legal profession. Because D3 is huge, I can see online meetings being very beneficial.
Brenda Trevino
Challenger
What experiences do you have that can be applied to a legislative position with the Tribe? An over 40-year career listening and leading cross-functional teams at public agencies, the Corps of Engineers in Galveston and with co-workers of all levels; developing, approving, controlling and reporting on organizational and project budgets; understanding technical Issues, contracts, regulations and organizational hierarchy, all speak to transferable skills required for this job.
I also believe traveling to see all 50 states (completed in 2022) has given me a greater understanding of our ancestors and our ties to the land in states like Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma. I personally feel a deeper connection to the land and people.
What do you hope to accomplish during your time in office if elected?
- My hope is to serve every district member. I have a phone and email exclusively for tribal business to accomplish this goal. Being recently retired, I intend to treat this opportunity as a full-time job.
- I hope to raise attendance at Regional Meetings by publicizing months in advance.
- I hope to maintain and build new connections in the district, with Executive Leadership, as well as with other Native American tribes and services in our area. I plan to share through the Hownikan, social media and email.
- I plan to support the Potawatomi Leadership Program (PLP), to advance existing department programs and to help the interns understand how important they are to the future of our tribe and culture, in the hope they will return to lead us in the future.
Describe an effective Tribal leader. An effective leader is available when you need them. They connect, listen, learn, communicate, plan, document, inform constituents and constantly look for new ways to serve. A CPN Legislative leader connects with Executive Leadership and other Legislators to perform as defined in the Constitution, to improve the way the organization operates. A leader prepares for the future.
It is important for our tribal leaders to respect our elders by safe-guarding the programs that support them, as well as the many additional programs and services that support all in the tribe. Our tribe has flourished for the past 50 years due to the exemplary leadership and vision of our executive team. The legislature should support the executive team to further the vision of the tribe and to avoid losing the rights and privileges we enjoy today.
How do you plan to engage Tribal citizens? I plan to ask the citizens how they want to be engaged and at what frequency by sending out a short anonymous survey to customize the needs of our district. I plan to engage our citizens by traveling to meet them one-on-one and small groups when I can. I plan to utilize a District 3 website, social media and email to not only inform, but to get input from others on topics of interest. I would also like our Regional Meetings to celebrate the families celebrated by the annual Shawnee Family Gathering each year (building up to the larger celebration in June).
If elected I would work each day for you, cherishing your involvement and support.