339 N. Adair
Vinita, OK 74301
(918) 256-3229
E-Mail: choskin@cherokee.org
Have resided in Vinita, Okla. for over 47 years, is one-half Cherokee and married with two children. Graduated from Northeastern State University with a Bachelor of Art and Master degree in Education.
Served in the Navy (U.S.S. Independence); Iron Worker, (local 584, Tulsa); History Teacher, Vinita Public Schools; High School Administrator, Locust Grove Public Schools; Cherokee Tribal Council (1995-present). Coached Little League.
What are you qualifications for this position?
I am qualified for reelection to the tribal council based on my experience and my record. I have worked hard to improve education for Cherokees as a teacher, an administrator and as a tribal councilor. I know what our district's unique needs are in areas like health care and economic development. I have lived in District 9 my entire life, so I know the people and their concerns. To keep in touch, I have held over forty community meetings since 1995.
What is the role of the tribal council, in general and in relation to the other branches of government?
Generally: the tribal council is the peoples' branch of government. It should be responsive to the needs of tribal members. Tribal councilors should work hard in their districts to get tribal members involved in their government.
Relative to other branches: the tribal council should be the watchdog of Cherokee government. The council must not simply rubber stamp budgets and legislation. The council must take the lead in watching over our resources and investing in our people.
Why do you believe you can make a difference and what are your top priorities of your campaign platform?
Making a difference: I ran for office in 1995 because I though we could do better as a nation. I've tried to make a difference by working hard to get my constituents' input and keep them involved through community meetings. I will continue this and continue to use my experience as an educator and a parent to tackle the issues facing our nation.
Top priorities: My top priorities are education, health care, economic development and cultural preservation. We simply must do a better job at targeting our resources where they will do the most good.
What are the biggest problems facing the Cherokee people today and what solution(s) do you propose?
The three biggest problems facing the Cherokee people are: (1) access to quality health care, (2) opportunities in education and (3) uniting as a people.
Health care: If we are serious about respecting our elders and caring for our children, we must make health care affordable and accessible. We should use fuel tax revenues to shore up funding for glasses, dental care and specialize treatment. We should push for more local clinics and bring basic health care to tribal members living outside of Cherokee Nation.
Education: We've made major investments in education over the last few years. As chair of the higher education subcommittee, I know we can do more to help families pay for college and Vo-Tech. We should also start a mentoring program to help young people set high career goals.
Uniting as a People: Cherokees are at their best when they come together and work things out by talking things out. Revenues and programs mean little if we don't have real involvement by citizens in the decision making process. I have worked to involve tribal members in District 9 by holding community meetings (over 40 since 1995). Additionally, I will urge my fellow councilors to hold some committee hearings in the outlying districts.
During the 1999 Elections, a candidate questionnaire was given to the
candidates addressing the following questions:
- What are your qualifications for this position
- What is the role of tribal council, in general and in relation to other
tribal branches of government
- Why do you believe you can make a difference and what are the top
priorities of your campaign platform
- What are the biggest problems facing the Cherokee people today and what
solution(s) do you propose
To see the responses to those questions, please follow this link:
http://www.cherokee.org/TribalGovernment/Elections99Page.asp?ID=e99election