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Jenny's Plan If Elected
HOW SHE THINKS
I would like to be available one day a week from 11:00 a.m. to
1:00 p.m. at the Title VI facility in Pawhuska. I look forward
to having lunch with all of you and will welcome questions and
concerns you may have at this time.
Open Communication:
I will be available through a website, telephone and e-mail. I
will do my utmost to respond to you at all times. Aware that my
duties and responsibilities are many, I ask that you be patient
when waiting for responses, but by all means, expect a response.
I plan to have a website just as I have here. There will be no
more unattended concerns. I will plan a bi-weekly newsletter.
Next Congressional Election
I will encourage the Osage Nation Congress to consider
downsizing Congress to a 9 member rather than a 12 member
entity. Should this legislation pass; the upcoming election of
Congress members holding a six year term will only include three
(3) candidates. This will reduce elected official yearly
salaries by $150,000. This will also eliminate the tie vote
issue. Consideration
should be made to eliminate the 6 year term and make all
Congressional terms 4 years.
Out of State Candidates
With technology what it is today, I see no reason why out of
state Osages cannot throw their hat in the ring for Osage Nation
Congress. With the state of the art technology department and
equipment we have, electronic meetings should be a snap. If not,
we need to make it happen.
Volunteerism:
I will encourage each and every member of the Osage tribe to be
generous with their time and skills. A main concern is the
struggling Osage student. Using facilities such as the Wakon
Iron Hall and the Cultural Center, mentoring and tutoring
programs will be initiated. Positive, dependable assistance is
within us all in some shape or form. Some of us excel in
algebra, some in writing, some in spelling and most of all just
being a friend for these students to count on when struggling
with school assignments.
This program will keep the elderly young, the young inspired and
the tribe’s future a little more secure. Helping these students
to do well in school is a responsibility we have to them and to
our future.
Education:
A proposal will be issued to the Osage Nation Congress regarding
Higher Education funding. This proposal will encourage Congress
to include stipulations in the Higher Education grant program.
As in most cases and for certain in the Bible; we are all
encouraged to “give back” to our communities out of common
courtesy and gratitude. We are in the process of “Nation
Building” and studies are clear that the biggest Achilles heel
to this process for Indian Country is lack of educated
personnel. Our children are our future. We invest in them and
should expect a return on our investment.
Agreements between the student and the Osage Nation should be
made. We should encourage our students to consider where their
passions lie with regard to an educational experience. We should
counsel them on the opportunities we have waiting for them when
they graduate. Osage Sophomores’, Juniors’ and Seniors’ should
be given summer jobs with the Osage nation government in order
to be exposed to and understand where they can serve as viable
forces for their tribe once they receive their college
education. This will encourage students to set goals and look
forward to a bright future.
Students applying for and receiving Osage Nation Higher
Education Grants should be obligated to the tribe for a
reasonable time period after receiving their diplomas.
Under this administration, the work environment will be
completely different than in the past. With a good Human
Relations Department and open communications, our employees
should be able to thrive, grow and prosper while doing the Osage
Nation a great service.
Positive changes such as these will most likely encourage our
students to happily return.
Travel Expenses
Frivolous and unnecessary travel excursions will end. Careful,
cost effective consideration will be practiced before employees
and officials take to the skies.
The jet setter days will no longer exist.
Note:
I am fully aware that the executive office has too much power.
Many changes have to be made and will be. Congress has its work
cut out for them. I will be counting on you, the people to
support and guide us as we begin our work.
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