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Hoskin to head CN transition teamOct 17, 2011 (Tahlequah Daily Press - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Cherokee Nation Principal Chief-elect Bill John Baker announced Saturday state Rep. Chuck Hoskin Sr. as leader of his transition team. Baker, in a statement released Saturday, said he believes Hoskin is the best man for the job. "I'm pleased that Chuck agreed to help me build a group focused on taking our nation from good to great," said Baker. "Chuck has served our country in the military, on our Tribal Council, our state in the House of Representatives, and now will again serve Cherokees as my transition team director." On Wednesday, Oct. 12, the Cherokee Nation Election Commission certified results declaring Baker the winner, receiving 10,703 votes compared to 9,128 votes for incumbent Chad Smith, a difference of 1,575. Hoskin said he was honored to be considered for the post. "When Bill John called, I knew I had to answer 'yes,'" said Hoskin. "It's an honor to serve on the head of his transition team, and an even larger honor to serve all of my fellow Cherokees." Hoskin was born Jan. 29, 1952, at the Claremore Indian Hospital. He graduated from Vinita High School in 1970, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was stationed aboard the U.S.S. Independence, and upon honorable discharge became a journeyman ironworker and received his associate's degree. He continued his education at Northeastern State University, and worked as a letter carrier, earning his bachelor of arts degree in social sciences. He was an American history and government teacher in the Vinita Public Schools system for a number of years. He earned his master of education degree in school administration from NSU, and also worked as an administrator for Locust Grove Public Schools. Hoskin has been an elected member of the CN Tribal Council, representing Craig and Nowata counties. He has three children: Amy, Charles Jr., and Amelia; and is married to Stephanie Reichert. The Carter Center on Friday released its observations on the ballot-counting for the election, and stated observers are confident in the outcome. "The extra days of voting and the counting process were conducted transparently," states the report. "Based on our observation of the counting process, The Carter Center has confidence in the results certified by the commission." The Center also congratulated Baker on his win, and encouraged Smith to accept the results and provide guidance throughout the transition. The report also noted, on the last day of counting, an observer from the Smith campaign excused herself before challenge ballots were counted. "...On the grounds that the campaign had told her that she could leave because her candidate had conceded," states the report. To date, Smith has yet to formally concede to Baker, and on Friday issued a statement about the stipulations provided by a federal court order and an agreement reached with Freedmen descendants. "The Carter Center observed the ballots being cast and counted, and saw that that the election commission did a good job following the ever-changing election rules," said Smith. "But the acting chief [S. Joe Crittenden], on his own, changed the election rules both before and after election day in violation of tribal law and allowed a group of non-citizens to vote. The Carter Center ignored the elephant in the room -- an election held in violation of a Supreme Court decision. And that's what concerns the Cherokee people." Last Tuesday, while CNEC officials were counting absentee ballots, the tribe's Supreme Court issued an order refusing to recognize the federal district court order of Sept. 22, which reinstated Freedmen descendants' citizenship. What remains in play, though, is a Northern Oklahoma District Court case which provides Freedmen the same rights as provided in federal case. Initially, some thought the election could be affected. CN Attorney General Diane Hammons, who was appointed by Smith, said the CN Supreme Court cannot set aside a federal order. She also made it clear Crittenden did not act alone in reaching the agreement made with the Freedmen. "Chief Crittenden and I agreed to the temporary order because is was far less intrusive and suppressive to our tribal government than what the plaintiffs had sought," wrote Hammons. ___ (c)2011 the Tahlequah Daily Press (Tahlequah, Okla.) Visit the Tahlequah Daily Press (Tahlequah, Okla.) at www.tahlequahdailypress.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |