Vice-Chairman election candidates
Editor’s note: Responses from candidates appear exactly as they were submitted without editing for content or style.
Jason Smalley
What experiences do you have that can be applied to this position with the Tribe? My experience combines service, public leadership, and private-sector management. The United States Marine Corps shaped my discipline, accountability, and mission-first approach. I was elected to the Oklahoma House and later the Oklahoma Senate, representing nearly 70,000 constituents and working across party lines to deliver results. In those roles I learned budgeting, policy, oversight, and how to listen to people with different needs. Professionally, I’ve led teams and built partnerships in the private sector, where performance, transparency, and follow-through matter every day. That mix prepares me to lead and manage effectively for the Tribe, and to honor sovereignty with steady judgment.
What do you hope to accomplish during your time in office if elected? If elected, I want to build on the momentum and success the Nation has already achieved. My focus will be setting clear, measurable goals for every department, supported by mission statements and performance standards that keep our work citizen-centered and results-driven. When we raise expectations and strengthen accountability, we expand opportunities for everyone—because when the Nation grows stronger, our citizens benefit. I also want to prioritize education for both youth and adults. Education is the most powerful tool we can provide to help someone shape their future and change their life. Finally, I will work to streamline government operations, reduce inefficiencies, and partner with our elected officials to strengthen policies and services for citizens in every district.
Describe an effective Tribal leader. An effective Tribal leader listens first—patiently and with both compassion and discernment. Leadership often requires hard decisions, but those decisions should be guided by what is best for the Nation as a whole, not personal interests or politics. An effective leader takes ownership: if there is a problem, it is our problem, and I am responsible for helping solve it. That mindset builds accountability and keeps the focus on solutions rather than blame. Strong leaders serve the people and the mission, remaining accessible, respectful, and consistent. They communicate clearly, set expectations, and follow through. They also handle disagreement with tact, seeking common ground while standing firm on core values, sovereignty, and the long-term well-being of all citizens.
How do you plan to engage Tribal citizens? I will engage Tribal citizens through consistent communication and regular face-to-face conversations. I plan to continue monthly updates through the Hownikan so citizens can track priorities, progress, and decisions. Locally, I want to host a monthly “Coffee & Conversation” for citizens and employees, built around a short list of topics and an open Q&A. I will also respectfully request to participate in legislative meetings—virtually or in person—so I can listen, share updates, and stay aligned with district needs. Just as important, I will visit every department to meet employees and see first-hand how programs are serving citizens. I want honest feedback on what is working, what isn’t, and how we can improve. Open communication leads to better solutions.
Martha Kimberly Nootbaar
What experiences do you have that can be applied to this position with the Tribe? I am very organized. I have written manuals, reorganized and computerized file rooms, gathered information used to help companies become more effective and efficient with Toyota, Arthur Young and General Dynamics to mention a few. I have planned, managed committees, and implemented camps and competitions for local and international ice skaters, band organizations, bible school programs and taught Sunday School classes. Throughout all these experiences there are specific skills that would in one way or another directly apply to being Vice Chairman.
What do you hope to accomplish during your time in office if elected? I would like to create and implement nutrition programs to educate our members. I will listen to our fellow tribal citizens and help when and where I can. Our Cultural Heritage Center has wonderful programs that have been recorded. I would like to see them become accessible online. We also have wonderful health facilities here in Shawnee and there are fellow citizens that are not in our area that may have access to health facilities wherever they live and don’t know what benefits they have. I would like to create a comprehensive list of those facilities. And much more!
Describe an effective Tribal leader. An effective Tribal leader is one who listens. Listens to fellow tribal citizens, to ancestors, to others in leadership positions and decerns the best course of action. She would put their needs above her own interests. They would have unifying skills. Leaders should bring people together when there are differing opinions and ideas by finding common ground. A leader encourages others and does not disparage those that disagree with her. She would be trustworthy, compassionate and a person of integrity.
How do you plan to engage Tribal citizens? I would encourage our citizens to get involved and participate where they can. Voting in all tribal elections is a good way to participate. Requests for the absentee ballot have just been sent out. That is an easy way to make your voice heard. Each legislative district should have quarterly meetings. I know several do. We need to encourage every district to hold meetings. The event calendars are difficult to locate, and either they or the instructions for accessing them should be made available. Involvement is the key! Knowledge is power and power should be in the hands of the people.
Charles Scott
What experiences do you have that can be applied to this position with the Tribe? I have spent most of my life serving others. I’ve served in both the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy, I’ve worked in mills and factories as a Union Organizer. From serving and protecting Soldier, Sailors to protecting workers rights. I’m grounded in my abilities to lead or follow. Our Constitution allows the Chairman to assign the duties of Vice Chairman, I can follow orders and will assist wherever I am needed or I can lead Legislative Committees or our workforce.
What do you hope to accomplish during your time in office if elected? I will be the bridge as we change from one generation to the younger generation. As we replace outgoing Elected Leaders, I will assist the new folks and guide them to accomplish their political goals. I will also advocate for increasing benefits to our out of state members, advocate for changing the hours of operation for our health clinics to include evening and weekend services. Also I will work with our Chairman to bring in both a pediatrician and OBGYN Physician. Additionally I would really like to see our tribe start an Elder Assistance program for both In Stare and Out of State Elders.
Describe an effective Tribal leader. Effective Leaders set goals and accomplish them. I can work up the chain of command as well as down the chain of command. Good Leaders listen, form a plan and get problems solved. I have always lived by the old military saying, “Lead, Follow or get out of the way.” I can make good leaders great and I can make not so good leaders better.
How do you plan to engage Tribal citizens? My plan is to use technology and Social media. Weekly, Bi Weekly and monthly town hall style meetings for each district as well as Oklahoman. You have my phone number, 918-650-8631, I will always be available and my door open.
Migwetch, I hope to earn your vote, if you have questions, concerns or comments, call, text, find me on FB “Charles Dwight Scott” or “Charles Scott for CPN Vice Chairman”.
Legislative District 5 election candidates
Editor’s note: Responses from candidates appear exactly as they were submitted without editing for content or style.
Lorrie Underwood
What experiences do you have that can be applied to this position with the Tribe? I have over 15 years experience as a Technical Trainer of software programs before I purchased and successfully managed a manufacturing business from 2014 to 2023. I bring a wide variety of transferable skills to the table. I am experienced at interacting with people and understanding their challenges, then helping them achieve solutions. I have extensive knowledge of planning and managing events, understanding budgets, research, and organizing and coordinating work flows. I genuinely like people, which leads to my greatest gift; the ability to really lean in and listen to people, hear their needs, and assist in resolutions.
What do you hope to accomplish during your time in office if elected?
- Promote policies that lead to transparent and accountable leadership. Clear communication establishes trust regarding leadership decisions.
- Identify and create opportunities for citizens where education and participation can help each one comfortably and confidently embrace their identity as a Citizen Potawatomi person.
- Engage more completely with citizens across District 5. Increased connection and involvement opportunities can diminish apathy and increase voter turnout.
- Advocate for citizen input and participation in ways such as mentorship and councils.
- Provide ample notice when scheduling events and classes. Advanced notice allows for planning, and results in greater participation.
Describe an effective Tribal leader. An effective Tribal leader must focus on being the balance between tradition and culture, and organizational operations and progress. This is a very difficult position and requires a person who can set aside his or her ego and their personal measures and ideas of success, and really listen and hear what makes the whole citizen population feel like we are successful as a Nation. What good is enterprise growth when it is not felt at a personal level? This is the most frequent angst that I personally hear at the ground level from other Citizen Potawatomi people.
How do you plan to engage Tribal citizens? We live in a time where we are blessed with a variety of ways we can communicate and engage with each other. I activily use many communication methods currently such as the District 5 website, District 5 facebook page, text, email, and my personal favorite: face to face. If elected I will also schedule regular district meetings, district-specific meetups during larger events, and meet in person when needed. People crave human connection and I am blessed to be comfortable using any and all means of communication to engage with Tribal citizens in their comfort zone.
Ryan Hubble
What experiences do you have that can be applied to this position with the Tribe? The purpose of the legislative branch is to appropriate tribal funds, create tribal employment positions and contract on behalf of the tribe. In my career, I’ve worked with firms that range in size from small to billion-dollar companies. Within each of these companies, it’s important that they stay on budget and appropriate funds correctly. I’ve been involved in these processes and feel like I could contribute to the Tribe. I have a financial background that helps me understand what is critical to companies and what is unnecessary. As I’ve said before, my goal is to see the Tribe grow and do it in a fiscally responsible way, which will enable us to have the multiple programs our Tribe has and our people need.
What do you hope to accomplish during your time in office if elected? My goal is two-fold if I’m elected. I want to make sure our tribe is set up for success when it comes to financial stability. I love the various programs (health, employment, scholarship, etc.) our Tribe offers and want to see that continue. My next goal is to make sure the members of my district feel a closeness to the Tribe and understand history, culture, and the various programs that are available to them.
Describe an effective Tribal leader. An effective tribal leader is someone that can listen to the needs of their constituents and ensure solutions are put into effect which maintain the overall goals of the tribe and appropriately address the voiced needs.
How do you plan to engage Tribal citizens? The first step would be to reach out to the individuals in our district and gain an understanding of their interests and needs. After that, I would plan regular gatherings/district meetings throughout district 5. In those gatherings, I think it’s important to bring activities and learnings the tribe has at the annual family reunion festival each year to our meetings. As I’ve mentioned before, I have 4 young kids, and I think it’s important to have district meetings that incorporate the whole family.
James Newberry
What experiences do you have that can be applied to this position with the Tribe? My time in nonprofit/volunteer management always had me thinking “outside the box” for financing, creative ways to recruit volunteers, etc. I’ll bring that same open mindedness to the position. I spent time at the NM State Capital’s legislative sessions during my time as Director Search and Rescue. I experienced real government in action. The good and bad. I hope I can bring the good I learned to the position.
The Army taught me how to keep my mouth shut and my eyes and ears open.
What do you hope to accomplish during your time in office if elected? 1st- My wish is to bring all the cousins from district 5 together for fun, fellowship and a connection to the tribe. 2nd- I want to do my part to see that the tribe continues on the economic path it’s on. The current leadership has done a wonderful job over the last bunch of years and I will do what I can to maintain their forward thinking and continue the growth and prosperity that we have and will achieve in the future.
Describe an effective Tribal leader. Every good leader always keeps their decisions based on what’s good for the many and not just the few. Never ask’s ‘What’s in it for me?”. Always listens. Always look’s for a better way. A good leader is willing to be the first one to arrive and the last to leave. The last one to eat after everyone else is taken care of. “Every wolfpack is only as fast as the leader!”
How do you plan to engage Tribal citizens? I plan to engage the cousins with information in the Hownikan, Zoom type evening meetings, email, text, mailing from the tribe, Ham Radio, carrier pigeon, smoke signals. Whatever it takes! And of course. District meetings with culturally significant activities, classes ( beadwork, moccasin, regalia, language, etc), tours, native drums, native dancing, even modern music and dancing if we have any musicians in the family. I’d like to see all day affairs from sunrise past sunset. Not just a few hours of listening to a legislator blather on and on and a free lunch. : ) I’m open to any ideas. Let me know. I also plan on reaching out to legislators from the adjoining districts to see if we can get some awesome POTAWATOMI parties happening!
Legislative District 7 election candidates
Editor’s note: Responses from candidates appear exactly as they were submitted without editing for content or style.
Katie Bowie
Challenger
What experiences do you have that can be applied to this position with the Tribe? I have served on several committees in my local community & I am familiar with how a lot of tribal politics work and function. I am also an incredibly fast learner. I have been following the Quarterly legislative meeting minutes in the Hownikan so I am familiar with the different items of business which are discussed and motioned on. But most importantly, I am a people person. I love meeting new people and being helpful, I love facilitating gatherings & online zooms to bring people together. I believe that community is one of the most important parts of belonging to a tribe.
What do you hope to accomplish during your time in office if elected? The most important thing for me is being able to have the opportunity to serve my tribe. It can feel very isolating living so far from our reservation & unfortunately there are not a lot of opportunities for members to actually contribute. I would like to facilitate more gatherings inside our actual district, preferably twice a year once in Sacramento and then also in Reno so that it takes the hardship off members to be able to attend. I would also like to offer frequent online zooms for members to come together & learn a craft or have listening sessions.
Describe an effective Tribal leader? An effective tribal leader is someone who has a responsibility to not only the community as a whole, but also to our ancestors & our next seven generations. They take into consideration & will always prioritize acting in the best interest of the whole tribe, economically, culturally, morally, with transparency, legally & ethically. They will listen to the smallest voice & treat it just as important as the loudest. They make themselves available to those they have a responsibility towards & treat people with respect and kindness, always being mindful to keep themselves humble and honest.
How do you plan to engage Tribal citizens? I plan to organize & host two gatherings each year within our D7 area, as centrally located as possible. I would like to take advantage of technology by hosting frequent zoom gatherings to teach different cultural activities, host speaker panels, or just provide a convenient space for members to meet, get to know each other & build community. I would like to help members who feel disconnected & isolated find a sense of belonging within our tribe. I would like to create an official online district site to post information about relevant events happening throughout our surrounding community to give additional opportunities to get together.
Mark Johnson
Incumbent
What experiences do you have that can be applied to this position with the Tribe? Besides serving you in this position for the last 16 years, I was blessed to have had a 40+ year career as a professional firefighter, retiring from the rank of Chief from CAL FIRE. I have managed million-dollar budgets and worked collaboratively with others to solve various issues. I have broad experience collaborating with the other tribal legislators to solve issues and strengthen our Tribe, while my working knowledge of the tribe allows me to navigate the system on behalf of our members when they need help. My upbringing in tribal culture has enabled me to build trust with members and advocate effectively for their needs.
What do you hope to accomplish during your time in office if elected? The Tribe will surpass 40,000 members soon, our future is one filled with opportunity and optimism, but also a future with challenges that we must navigate. As a current Legislator, I know that the demands for services and benefits that we are providing today as a Tribe will require our full attention to protect and grow those services, especially for our members outside of Oklahoma. I will push for our Nation to continue being a leader in preserving our heritage and culture, along with the economic health and stability of our Tribe, and needs of our members is the top priority.
Describe an effective Tribal leader. An effective Citizen Potawatomi Tribal leader balances tradition, responsibility, and vision. They listen first, especially to elders while honoring cultural teachings, language, and ancestral values while guiding the tribe through modern challenges. Integrity, humility, and service to people define their character. They protect tribal sovereignty, advocate for the community’s rights, and make decisions that strengthen future generations. A strong leader unites the people, respects differing voices, and builds consensus. They safeguard land, culture, and resources while pursuing education, economic stability, and health for the tribe, ensuring that the community remains resilient, proud, and self-determining. These are all traits that I hold close.
How do you plan to engage Tribal citizens? Engaging our Tribal members has always been a bit of a struggle since members of the legislature do not have direct access to our members’ information unless they reach out to us. I will continue to have district meetings that move around the district and hold our fall festival along with District 6. I am currently working on making available a virtual office, where members can reach out to me either for a video chat, phone, or email as the need arises. But as always, I encourage members to reach out to me anytime if you need information or help.