Tribal Council District 8
William G. “Bill” Johnson
15161 N. 3960 Rd.
Dewey, Ok 74029
Home: (918) 534-3683
Cell: 918-752-4341
Email: William-Johnson@cherokee.org
Residence and family information: “Dewey, Oklahoma. Married to wife Joan for 44 years. Have three children and three grandchildren. I was born on my father’s Cherokee allotment and continue to live on the allotment, managing a cattle operation.”
Education: B.S. from Oklahoma State University in 1955, advance studies at Texas A&M University and Syracuse University.
Describe the leadership experience you would bring to the Tribal Council.
“Leadership includes interfacing with other council members to develop a strategy that will establish short-range and long-range goals. Up to 90 percent of our budget comes from the federal government. This could be reduced or eliminated in the future. We need to apply a portion of these funds in programs that will provide the Cherokee people with long-term growth so they may become financially independent from the federal government. Previous experience in budgets, cash flow and lines of credit requirements will assist me in evaluating the performance of the various Cherokee Nation Enterprises financial reports. My sole purpose for seeking this office is because I believe my past business experience will contribute to accomplishing the short- and long-term challenges of our Cherokee Nation.”
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 the legislative branch of the Cherokee government. My roll as a council member is to be committed to perform my duties according to the Cherokee Constitution and work closely with the executive and judicial branches of the Cherokee Nation. I think it is essential that the council work in concert to pass laws and appropriate money and be accountable to the Cherokee people. The chief has the power to veto, but can be overridden by a two-thirds vote of the council. This provides the proper checks and balances for the Cherokee people.”
What are your priorities for the Cherokee Nation?
“Short term, to take care of our present on-going needs. Long term, to establish a strategy that allows the Cherokee Nation to stand on its own without assistance from the federal government. To provide an opportunity for all Cherokees to become more involved in our culture and language. This program should start with preschoolers with a curriculum that continues throughout their school career.
What is the biggest challenge facing the Cherokee Nation today and how do you plan on solving it?
“Statesmanship is a challenge for the members of the council and all department heads. That is, we should raise the bar and become “Best In Class” (a program used by one large corporation) in all of our responsibilities. “Best In Class” in accountability, negotiations, communications, education, culture, health and all services provided to the Cherokee people. I will spend 100 percent of my time in council and committee meetings in working with my peers to become “Best In Class” in all of our deliberations and decisions.”