By Eli Potts
I am humbled to announce my candidacy for reelection to the Osage Nation Congress.
We began this journey together. We believed that if we put the right people in office, we could begin the work of building a better Nation together.
Unfortunately, I believe we have fallen short of that promise. Progress has been hindered due to our leaders prioritizing politics instead of people, personal animus, and questionable investments. In many instances our sacred duty, service to the Osage people, has slipped through the cracks.
I’ve had more legislation postponed indefinitely than others have written in the last four years. I’ve issued more press releases calling for transparency and accountability than any other Member of Congress with little to no response from this Administration. I’ve even been told by another Member of Congress to “go be Cherokee” for suggesting that the Cherokee Nation had a better plan for directly assisting their people during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We all have a place in this Nation and we all need a voice in this government.
We must do a better job of putting people before the politics.
During my time in Congress:
I authored legislation to guarantee payment of health-related deductibles for our elders.
I authored legislation to raise the minimum wage.
I authored legislation to invest the Nation’s funds wisely, which has produced more revenue to the Nation than all of our non-gaming economic development endeavors combined.
I co-authored legislation to directly assist the Osage people during the COVID-19 pandemic.
I believe in a Nation where no idea is too small for our consideration. I believe in a system of Checks and Balances that is fundamental to our Constitution. I believe our Constitution ensures that no elected official holds supreme power over another. I believe in an Osage Nation that inspires students to come home and serve their people. I believe in a government that treats their employees with dignity and respect. I believe in a system that provides for our elders, makes advances in preserving our language, and stands for our sovereignty at every opportunity.
My mother taught me these values and I believe they were given to her by my Osage Grandmothers. Those are the values that inspired her to serve on the National Council nearly 30 years ago and have inspired me to do the same. We are who we are because of our elders and we all have a duty to prepare a way for the next generation of Osages. That’s why I ran for Congress and that’s why I’m asking for the opportunity to continue serving you.
My faith teaches me to serve others and my education taught me how to fulfil that commandment.
We have a lot of work to do as our promise to the next generation has yet to be fully realized.
I hope you’ll visit my webpage and learn more about how we can work together to move the Osage Nation in the right direction.
Thank you,
Facebook.com/CongressmanPotts
www.EliPotts.com
918.949.0354 (C)
Editor’s Note: Candidate statements and announcements are not edited by the Osage News. They are a free submission offered to candidates of the 2022 Osage Nation General Election.
