Tribal Council District 8
Bradley Cobb
P.O. Box 3351
Bartlesville, OK 74006
Home: 918-333-3437
Cell: 918-876-2353
bradley-cobb@cherokee.org
Dr. Cobb resides in Bartlesville, Oklahoma with his wife of 15 years, Kelly, and their two sons, Dallas and Taylor. He is a descendant of Crittenden Family; his Great-Grandmother Lydia Crittenden Coughran and Grandmother Bessie Coughran were both Original Enrollees of the Final Dawes Roll of Cherokees by Blood.
He graduated from Bartlesville High School in 1984; attended the University of Kansas, receiving his B.G.S. in 1989 and graduated from the Southern College of Optometry in Tennessee, in 1993, earning his Doctorate degree. He has been in private practice in Bartlesville since 1993.
In his Athletic career, Dr. Cobb holds Personal Bests in both the 400 and 200 Meter at the University of Kansas (1984-1989); was a member of the 2000 and 2004 U.S. Olympic Teams – Paralympic Section (Cycling); recipient of the Bronze Medal in Cycling at the 2000 U.S. Olympics; and is an American Record-Holder – 1 Kilometer Time Trial (Cycling).
Dr. Bradley Cobb began serving a four-year term on the Cherokee Nation Council in September 2007, and currently represents the Keeler District which encompasses Washington and Northern Tulsa counties within the Cherokee Nation. He also serves as Chair of the Health Committee.
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?
When I listen to Cherokee citizens in the Keeler District ( District 8 ) their stories all center around a common thread of independence. In the decades immediately following allotment this part of the Cherokee Nation ( Tulsa and Washington counties ) remained a significant distance from Tahlequah and the heart of the Nation based on highway infrastructure and travel time. Cherokee citizens in District 8 were somewhat isolated. This fostered a sense of independence and self reliance that can still be seen today in District 8 Cherokee citizens. Over the last decade we have been blessed with strong leadership from our elected District 8 representatives in Dorothy McIntosh, Buel Anglen, and
Bill Johnson. As a result, we are much more connected to the heart of the Cherokee Nation. I think with that connection now intact and our unique sense of independence we as District 8 citizens bring a unique perspective to the Cherokee Nation. I would like to continue and foster that relationship as a District 8 council representative.
- What is the greatest priority in your district and how will you address it as a legislator?
Cherokee Nation Sovereignty
I believe the biggest threat to any other priority within District 8 and/or the Cherokee Nation is the erosion of tribal sovereignty. It is the sworn duty of all elected council members to defend the sovereignty of the Cherokee Nation. I fail to understand how an elected council member could choose to privately or publicly erode Cherokee Nation sovereignty.
Health Care
As a doctor, I see first hand the effects of rising healthcare costs and especially health insurance premiums. As a business owner I have always paid 100% of my employee healthcare benefits and every year I wonder how much higher the premiums can go. When I see a patient with a sight threatening condition that must be treated with a certain class of medications or risk losing eyesight; I truly wonder how much higher medication costs can rise until a majority of patients simply cannot pay their pharmacy bill. I believe the Cherokee Nation has a wonderful opportunity to become THE model for tribal healthcare in the United States as well as offer cost efficient health insurance coverage for our citizens. With long range planning and long range goals I believe we could build a health care system on par with the Mayo Clinic, M.D. Anderson, or Johns Hopkins.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Our current leadership has done an outstanding job of taking a leadership role in developing a positive working relationship with several communities in District 8. I would like to continue to expand this relationship and develop a long range plan of continuing economic development in District 8 which would create stable jobs for the citizens of this district and at the same time expand the local tax base. I see it as a “win-win” situation for the Cherokee Nation and Washington/Northern Tulsa counties.
Cherokee Nation-Delaware Nation Relationship
I have many Delaware friends. We worship together. We work and play together. Our children attend school together and on many occasions our families have intermarried. The Cherokee and Delaware in District 8 are more than distinct tribal entities. Our families are forever linked. I am committed to being involved in finding a positive resolution to this ongoing issue.
- Cherokee Nation owned businesses return 25% of profits to the Cherokee Nation as a dividend. Is that amount appropriate or should it be changed and why?
As a business owner I believe that a return of between 30%-33% is approaching max return of net over gross profit. This is normal business practice.
Cherokee Nation Industries and Cherokee Nation Enterprises are not unlike any other business entity in that they must adhere to debt service banking regulations. Since CNI and CNE have credit ratings on which they borrow money, a net profit percentage either too high or too low would throw up red flags in the banking industry. 25% -33% profit percentages are not arbitrary numbers nor are they out of the ordinary.
CNI and CNE have also done a wonderful job of placing respected business leaders on their boards. Politicians do not need to run businesses.
- Should the Cherokee Nation make campaign contributions to local, state, and federal candidates and why?
As long as special interest groups and lobbyists enjoy the political clout they currently possess in the American political arena; it is unfortunately a political reality that the Cherokee Nation must defend its own interests with political contributions or risk the effects of negative legislative decisions. The Cherokee Nation currently defends their interests by contributing to various candidates irregardless of political party affiliation.
- 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?
First, I question the usage