Tulsa World: Cherokee council fails to override veto on clinic bill

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Cherokee council fails to override veto on clinic bill

By CLIFTON ADCOCK World Staff Writer
Published: 10/15/2008 2:06 AM
Last Modified: 10/15/2008 2:35 AM

The Cherokee Nation Tribal Council failed to override a veto by Principal Chief Chad Smith on legislation that set a timeline for funding four clinics that would have provided employees of the tribe's newly acquired hospital guarantees of federal employment.

The council's 9-8 vote Monday night in favor of the veto override was not enough; 12 votes were required. Three councilors changed their votes from the body's 12-5 September vote to pass the bill.

The bill would have required the tribe's administration to determine funding levels and sources for medical clinics in Vinita, Jay and Tahlequah and a dental clinic in Salina within six months while also allowing employees at the W.W. Hastings Indian Hospital to remain federal employees if they wanted.

The Cherokee Nation took over operations at Hastings, in Tahlequah — formerly administered by the federal government — Oct. 1.

In his veto, Smith wrote that the only clinic not in the process of being built is the one in Tahlequah. In a statement, he added that hospital employees could choose to remain federal employees.

Before Monday's vote, Smith told councilors that the bill was politically motivated and an attempt to take credit for work the administration had already done.

"I believe the motivation behind this bill is councilmen needed to show their constituents they were going to do something for them before the next election," he said.

Several councilors disagreed that the bill was political and limited tribal health-care options. They said it was intended to stop delays and legislate guarantees that Hastings employees could remain federal employees.

"This is not to get re-elected; this is just right," Councilor Bill John Baker said.

The idea that the legislation and Smith's veto were politically motivated boiled to the surface during the meeting.

Councilor Tina Glory-Jordan, a sponsor of the bill, and Smith sparred over the issue. Glory-Jordan said Smith had asked her to change her vote against the assumption of Hastings in exchange for him not vetoing the measure.

Smith said Glory-Jordan had asked other councilors if there was anything they wanted to tack on to the legislation before its passage.

When the veto override was put to a vote, Councilors Janelle Lattimore Fullbright, Curtis Snell and Jack D. Baker, who all had voted for the bill at the September meeting, voted against it.

Clifton Adcock 581-8462
clifton.adcock@tulsaworld.com

How they voted

Supporting override: Tina Glory-Jordan, Bill John Baker, Jodie Fishinghawk, Joe Crittenden, David W. Thornton, Harley Buzzard, Chris Soap, Meredith Frailey, Chuck Hoskin Jr.

Opposing override: Don Garvin, Bradley Cobb, Buel Anglen, Julia Coates, Cara Cowan Watts, Janelle Lattimore Fullbright, Curtis Snell, Jack D. Baker

By CLIFTON ADCOCK World Staff Writer

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If you see a comment that violates our terms and conditions, please help us by clicking the "Report this Comment" link next to a comment. That will alert the web staff to review the comment. Thank you. -- Web Editor Jason Collington

	Report Comment Cherokee Born, (10/15/2008 11:10:55 AM) There goes Archie Wright (who calls himself the "real" Cherokee Vote...yeah, right!) not posting anything in regards to the topic. Archie...let's hear about your past. Want me to post it here? Chad and the council are working everyday to try to make things better, Archie. What are you doing all day?
	Report Comment Bullhead, Stilwell (10/15/2008 11:57:22 AM) That's just what I was thinking... What does Chad's families have to do with the issue at hand? I'm very confused on this issue anyway. I thought we were building rural clinics and one in Tahlequah.. What's the big hub-bub about?
	Report Comment Cherokee Born, (10/16/2008 11:39:50 AM) From another web site: No, Hooch, they won't let JC post here. The Real Cherokee Vote is the dumb___, Archie Wright. He never discusses the topic here. Just types vile about others. Just like JC.
	Report Comment Cherokee Born, (10/20/2008 9:13:08 AM) Give it up Archie (RCV). Can't believe you haven't figured it out yet. NOBODY cares what you think. You are one big joke to the Cherokee Nation. People laugh at you every single day.
	Report Comment Bullhead, Stilwell (10/30/2008 10:27:38 PM) Archie, I don't think Chad is gay. If you want to be a productive citizen of the CN, get out and help your candidate win instead of sitting here bashing others.

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