Tribal Council District 6
Chris Soap
1130 SE 14th Street
Pryor, OK 74361
Home: 918-825-1824
Cell: 918-864-3007
chris-soap@cherokee.org
Chris resides in Pryor, Oklahoma with his wife, Sylvia and their son, Corey. He is the son of Charlie Soap, of Rocky Mountain, and Lyn Whittington, of Muskogee. He is the son-in-law of Solly Littledave of Pryor, and Joan Littledave of Pryor.
Chris attended Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology.
Chris Soap brings a common sense approach to problem solving. He serves his community in the same way he was taught by his parents: using teamwork, self reliance, trust, forgiveness, and faith in personal relationships to improve people’s lives.
Chris is currently serving his first term on Council of the Cherokee Nation and also serves as Co-Chair of the Community Services Committee and Co-Chair of the Resources Committee. One of his priorities as a Council Member is to improve the efficiency in the deliverance of services to the Cherokee citizens.
The Cherokee Phoenix asked Tribal Council candidates to respond to seven questions of concern to Cherokee citizens. Read the questions and responses below.
- Why do you want to serve on the Tribal Council?
It would be an honor to serve my fellow Cherokee as their voice on the Council. I enjoy working with progressive people who take pride in getting things accomplished for others. Together, as a group of people with different skill sets, life experiences, and talents, we can accomplish many tasks when we employ these valuable tools. People living in past and present societies go through cycles of give and take. The elders that have given their service and knowledge before us to promote progress in our region need not be forgotten in this ever-changing fast paced society that we have chosen to invest our livelihoods. I want ensure that grandma, grandpa, mom & dad will have the proper priority afforded to them regarding assistance programs. Mayes District has existing and promising economic opportunities for those that choose to join the competitive work force and impact a growing Industrial Park. Those Cherokee families who are willing to invest their time in training and will utilize their obtained skill sets to promote efficient and effective teamwork can be rewarded. It is also an honor to be able to instill some cultural identity when working with our young people while participating in church activities, CN cultural competitions, J.O.M. educational programs, as well as coaching in various sports programs. I want to ensure that legislation for the programs contained within these categories receive the appropriate review before they are brought before the Council Body for a vote. I firmly believe that my journey through life on this earth thus far has prepared me for this role. I can effectively do the job. I appreciate your support and your vote.
- What is the greatest priority in your district and how will you address it as a legislator?
Many blessings have been received as result of seeing people stepping out of the peripheral masses and joining in the compounding foot steps of a progressing body of people that compose my Cherokee Nation. Efficiency of services rendered is the highest priority in my district. Government efficiency standards and metrics are important to obtain so that we can evaluate the performance of the Executive Branch in the distribution of services provided to our citizens. Minor to modest gains in efficiency may be available in delivering community services. Services Efficiency can be accomplished thru technological advances, point of contact service centers, project follow up etc…. Efficient delivery of services impacts operating costs from start to finish. I will look for ways to ensure that budgetary allowances are made for researching methods to improve these efficiency operating standards for the Cherokee Nation. Who would have ever thought that you could pay bills on-line? Who would have ever thought you could pay a toll road without an attendant? Who would have ever thought that you could check yourself out at the grocery store, buy gas and never see an attendant, obtain maintenance drug prescriptions through the mail, or telephone a doctor over the phone and get a quick prescription for minor medical needs? These are all efficiency related items that allow more dollars to be allocated to the services themselves vs. the operating overhead.
- Cherokee Nation-owned businesses return 25 percent of profits to the Cherokee Nation as a dividend. Is that amount appropriate or should it be changed and why?
I believe that the dividend return to the Cherokee Nation General Fund was raised from 25% to 30% in LA#36-05. I also believe that this amount is appropriate at this time. The focus continues to be on jobs growth opportunities, so 70% of the remaining profits are allocated for the Jobs Growth Fund. The law that dictates the percentage of allocation of profits from the Cherokee Nation – owned businesses can be amended if necessary as a result in change of strategy or reductions in alternative funding are experienced. We should allow these job growth initiatives to develop within the planned time periods that were envisioned when they were implemented. The Cherokee Nation should then evaluate the success rates and if necessary, modify the plan and spending of funds accordingly. Concurrently, we should be evaluating the expenditures of departments that are funded from the Cherokee Nation General Fund to ensure that they are funded at levels that allow effective and efficient operations.
- Should the Cherokee Nation make campaign contributions to local, state and federal candidates and why?
I believe that when allowable by established law, the Cherokee Nation should be allowed to support candidates with monies and or resources that have been appropriated by the established approval processes. The Cherokee Nation needs to continuously develop and keep good relations with federal, state, and local community elected leaders in order to be most effective when serving the people of our nation within the overlapping boundaries.
- If a constituent asked about the recent amendment to remove non-Indians from Cherokee citizenship rolls and the public backlash, how would you explain the issue to them?
I would explain that an amendment to the constitution is not an easy thing to implement. Any amendment to our constitution has certain checks and balances that are defined by the constitution.