Tribal Council District 5
Linda Hughes O’Leary
PO Box 7
Jay, OK 74346
Phone: (918) 253-4544
Email: Linda-Hughes-OLeary@cherokee.org
Residence and family information: Jay, Oklahoma. Linda Hughes O’Leary is a lifelong resident of Delaware County, as were her parents Clinton “Webb” Hughes and Frankie Lou Potter Hughes. Hughes O’Leary’s grandparents are Ezekiel “Zeke” and Katie Kaiser Hughes and John and Nina “Pug” Beck Hendren Potter. Three grandparents were original enrollees. Linda Hughes O’Leary has been married for 32 years to Larry O’Leary, both lifelong residents of Delaware County. Linda and Larry have three children – Larelee, Larren and Laramy. Hughes O’Leary grew up in the Kansas, Colcord and Kenwood areas of Cherokee Nation. She has lived in the Jay area for 32 years.
Education: Hughes O’Leary graduated from Colcord High School and attended Northeastern State University earning a bachelor’s of science degree in education and a minor in sociology, earning additional hours in psychology and sociology. Hughes O’Leary worked for the Department of Human Services for 19 years and has owned and operated her own business for 13 years.
Describe the leadership experience you would bring to the Tribal Council.
“My work and living experiences plus my educational background lend to the knowledge and understanding of how to work for the betterment of the Cherokee people. I have extensive experience working in the areas of human resources, social services, individual, group and family counseling, juvenile intake, probation and parole, court reporting and testimony, licensed bail bondsman, CLEET training, personnel and budget management. Additionally, I have worked closely with the people in Delaware and Ottawa counties for many years. I would be a very strong advocate and vocal voice for what the people desire and need. I also honor our heritage, will support our Cherokee Constitution, demand open government and financial accountability. I would be a voice for the people.”
Describe the role of the office for which you are a candidate in relation to the other branches of the Cherokee Nation government.
“The Tribal Council is a voice for the Cherokee people. The council as the legislative branch must honor our Cherokee Constitution, heritage, enacts laws for the betterment of the Cherokee people and oversees and insists on financial accountability. The Tribal Council has the sole power to establish laws and appropriate money. The legislative branch of Cherokee government must be able to work closely with the executive and judicial branches to ensure that all business is executed in accordance with the Cherokee Consitution.”
What are your priorities for the Cherokee Nation?
“Protect and preserve our sovereignty. Increase new revenue streams as federal dollars decrease. Insist on financial accountability with books always open to tribal members. Improve and increase health care services. Provide more housing and repairs for existing homes. Develop our water rights, protect and increase our land and natural resources. Promote economic development. Develop and promote tourism in Delaware and Ottawa counties. Increase scholarships for our youth. Preserve our language, culture and traditions. Hold community meetings to inform and gather input from Cherokees. Assist individual communities to become organized and self-sufficient.”
What is the biggest challenge facing the Cherokee Nation today and how do you plan on solving it?
“The continuing threats to our sovereignty by the federal and state government. We must work daily with federal, state and local governments to ensure that they do not chip away at our sovereignty. We must look for new avenues of revenue, such as the current compacts with the state on motor fuel, tobacco and tags. Our largest revenue generation compacts are yet to be accomplished - water rights and gaming – both of which I will work diligently for. Health care and housing are critical services that need improvement in Delaware and Ottawa counties. Many Cherokees go without adequate health care; we must improve health care access and delivery of services. Along with health care are inadequate housing, water wells and rural water lines. Without safe drinking water and adequate housing, Cherokees cannot expect to have good health. Economic development is of great importance in Delaware County. We have one of the fastest growing areas in northeastern Oklahoma. Cherokee Nation must partner with local governments to attract business into our area. With these endeavors and others in mind, I ask for your vote and prayers and allow me to serve the Cherokee people.”