In accordance with the Osage News Election policy, the Osage News allows each candidate 500 words on OsageNews.org leading up to the June 2010 election. Candidate posts are listed in reverse chronological order, beginning with the most recent.
Posted March 12, 2010:
By Roy St. John, Candidate for Osage Nation Principal Chief
The Open Records Bill passed into law but falls short in implementation
Last month I promised a report on my experience with the Open Record Law. 1) I requested a list of Boards and Commissions in the Executive Branch, names of the board members and their term of service. The response: “The Executive Branch does not have a record of the current board members and the Open Record Act does not obligate the Executive Branch to create a record in order to respond to a request.” This response demonstrates an out of control administration in action. 2) I requested an accounting of one of the boards expenses, the request was fulfilled but the data was redacted (blacked out) removing all detail, making the information useless.
The Health Benefit Card which the citizens believed they would be entitled to just by being an enrolled member of the Nation came with an application forms containing so many intrusions into their privacy.. Again intent of the law failed in implementation by our Executive Branch.
The Chief in his meetings with employees and the public speaks against Per Capita distribution, telling of failures. There are many Tribes throughout the country that have very successful Per Capita programs. I am sure the Osage Nation can evaluate these successes and failures to develop and implement a program that meets our needs.
Visit my website at www.roystjohn.net.
Posted February 10, 2010
By Roy St. John, Candidate for Osage Nation Principal Chief
I see the Osage Nation as a growing bureaucracy with expenses soon to exceed the income the Nation can afford for operating its government. The executive branch seems to think layers of management will fix problems. The plan is to have an added layer between Department Directors and the Executive Office called Divisions. This layer will come with additional staff, equipment and space requirements. Dollars spent on this ever growing governmental bureaucracy will result in fewer services available to the citizens.
In this time of economic uncertainty we need to operate our government as efficiently as possible and eliminate waste where ever it is found. I plan to consolidate departments and eliminate overhead to bring about a more efficient delivery of services to the citizens.
I am now in the process of making Open Record requests and hope to have some detailed reports of my investigations next month.
Spring is just around the corner, the season of rebirth and rejuvenation. When I sit on my front porch facing east with my 1st cup of coffee in the morning I listen for the birds to start singing. Even before the sunlight hits the earth they begin to sing and dance in anticipation of sunlight in the near future. This was the hope of our Osage ancestors when they greeted each day with their morning songs.
The 1st lines from one of those songs: “He who is in the heavens is coming anew, coming a new into the visible world”
“This is true hope!” Hope of the Osage People.
Posted January 19th, 2010
By Roy St. John, Candidate for Osage Nation Principal Chief
I would like to take this opportunity to announce my website www.roystjohn.net. I encourage you to contact me with any questions you may have and I respectfully ask for your support. Having a membership card and a correct address on file with the CDIB Membership Department is required for voting in the upcoming election. If you know any Osage that doesn’t receive the Osage News monthly; that is a pretty good indication that their records are not up to date. I would encourage you to assist your fellow citizens with regard to this important requirement. The “Will of the People” is expressed when citizens vote.
Posted December 22, 2009
By Roy St. John, Candidate for Principal Chief
Many greetings and well wishes have been written that express the meaning of this season better than I could ever hope to put into words. I find this season to be a season of hope and promise. My wish is that this season brings joy and happiness to each of you. May you find a way to share this joy with others.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Posted November 10, 2009
By Roy St. John, Candidate for Principal Chief
Government exists to serve the people it represents: Our Osage Nation government exists to represents you.
I am happily married to my best friend Sylvia and have been for 49 years. At IBM my career took me on assignments to California, Florida, Germany and Texas. The time spent at IBM schooled me in the company policies and management practices that serve one of the nation’s most successful companies. I believe these policies and practices can be adapted to serve the Osage Nation and its people.
The budget of Office of the Chief is nearly $2.7 million; my goal will be to reduce this by $1 million, travel will be the first line item cut. My belief is you lead by example; I plan to spend much of my time in Pawhuska taking care of Osage Nation business. I won’t need a reserved parking space, if I don’t get to work early, I can walk.
Posted November 6, 2009
By Roy St. John, Candidate for Principal Chief
The Aug. 2009 issue of the Osage News announced my candidacy.
The “Basic Four” of leadership are goal setting, communication, trust and accountability.
As your Principle Chief these principles will guide my decision-making.
My Motto: Putting People First
Steps I will support to make it happen. 1) Open Door Policy – Communication is necessary at all levels. I want to hear from everyone and have set the goal of answering all correspondence. 2) Employee Motivation – Encourage all employees to take ownership of their position responsibilities. Implement a reward program for outstanding service to citizens. 3) Annual Report – Publish a State of the Nation report with a full accounting. 4) Expense Justification – “How many Osage people are served?” needs to be the 1ST priority. 5) Per Capita Distribution – This is the most economical and fairest method to help all Osage Citizens. Each individual is the best judge of their changing needs. 6) Extend the Education program – I support bringing more young people under the umbrella of this program.
Address: 1093 Elgin Rd., Pawhuska, OK 74056 or E-mail at HIDDEN EMAIL.
Government exists to serve the people it represents.
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