Tulsa World: Chief vetoes Cherokee clinics measure

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Chief vetoes Cherokee clinics measure
He cites political showmanship and limiting health options as reasons.

By CLIFTON ADCOCK World Staff Writer
Published: 9/24/2008 2:08 AM
Last Modified: 9/24/2008 3:05 AM

He cites political showmanship and limiting health options as reasons.

A measure passed by the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council last week that would have created four new health clinics has been vetoed by Principal Chief Chad Smith.

In his veto message, Smith said that although he supports the construction of the clinics, the measure was political showmanship, wasn't based on sound judgment, and limited the tribe's options to improve health care.

The measure had passed the council by a vote of 12-5.

The legislation required the tribe's administration to determine funding levels and sources for the medical clinics in Vinita, Jay and Tahlequah and a dental clinic in Salina within six months.

Smith wrote that the only clinic not in the process of being built is the one in Tahlequah and that the legislation restricted the tribe's options for creating a clinic. A proposal would turn the W.W. Hastings Indian Hospital building into a walk-in clinic, which would be next to a new hospital building.

"By closing the door to all but a very few options, the sponsors of this bill only limit the kind of health care the Cherokee Nation can provide in the future," Smith wrote.

"Instead, this law was simply political grandstanding so that some council members could proclaim they did something for their district."

Smith also issued an executive statement Monday stating that employees at the newly acquired W.W. Hastings Indian Hospital, which had been operated by the Indian Health Services — a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human services — could choose to remain federal employees if they desired. He cited the executive order in his veto.

A measure was included in the legislation that would have allowed Hastings employees to remain federal employees if they wanted.

In a statement, council member Chuck Hoskin Jr., who supported the measure, wrote that he was disappointed in the chief's veto and believes that the legislation was sound.

"When the council asserts itself as an equal partner in our health-care policy, I suppose it is a bit unsettling to the administration," Hoskin stated.

"But the provisions in the act would have done nothing to harm health care. Just the opposite is true, because it would have set real-time targets for determining funding levels for these important projects, which brings us closer to meeting goals shared by both branches."

The legislation will go back to the council, which can override the veto with a supermajority of at least 12 votes. It will be considered during the October meeting.

How they voted

Councilors supporting the proposal: Tina Glory Jordan, Bill John Baker, Jodie Fishinghawk, Joe Crittenden, Janelle Lattimore Fullbright, David W. Thornton, Harley Buzzard, Curtis Snell, Chris Soap, Meredith Frailey, Chuck Hoskin Jr., Jack D. Baker.

Councilors opposing the proposal: Don Garvin, Bradley Cobb, Buel Anglen, Julia Coates, Cara Cowan Watts.

Clifton Adcock 581-8462
clifton.adcock@tulsaworld.com By CLIFTON ADCOCK World Staff Writer

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	Report Comment Mr. Larry Still, (9/24/2008 9:49:05 AM) Sounds like the council took a plan and tried to take credit for it, the oldest political trick in the book. I guess the chief called them on it, but it sounds like they are going ahead with the plan the chief came up with regardless of who tries to take credit. If the idea is more health care options, then congrats to the Chief and hopefully the council can work with him moving forward on it.
	Report Comment WHAT???, Tulsa (9/24/2008 10:30:49 AM) Glad to see that Smith is starting to call the council on some of their bull!
	Report Comment Cherokee Born, (9/25/2008 2:39:27 PM) Archie Wright, you are a sick man. Does your cuz McCain know about your past?

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