By Joe Tillman
I humbly announce my candidacy to continue serving the People of the Osage Nation. I am a descendent of Hall and Maggie (Yellowhorse) Goode, Osage original allottees. I am from the Grayhorse District and was born and raised in Fairfax.
I was raised with the influence of very strong, thoughtful, and faithful Osage women. I have also had great influence from many former Osage Chiefs, including my father, Chief Charles Tillman. Those lessons in stewardship and passion for our people are carried with me each day. I am grateful for this opportunity to serve you and I hope to continue my service for another four years.
Osage Sovereignty demands our stewardship. In the great story of the Osage people, my service is but a chapter. We need strong congressional leaders who are going to focus on the difficult subjects: Water Rights, reclaiming our reservation status, reigning in government spending, promoting fiscal responsibility, and demanding accountability.
We must do these things while ensuring our Scholarship continues to provide a future for our students. Our Health Benefit continues to grow and meet the needs of our people, and our Burial Assistance funds remain available when our time on this earth comes to an end.
Two years ago, I asked you to join me on a journey to become Chief of the Osage Nation.
Today, I’m asking you to continue charting a path forward from a different role in our government. I find it equally important to have a well-rounded deliberative process in our Congress. A process that demands compromise and togetherness.
The Osage Nation now numbers 25,732 members and we will continue to grow as we journey into the future. As our next chapter is being written, we must be deliberate about our future and plan accordingly for our future generations.
We also must be good stewards of the offices we hold. This includes the Osage Nation workforce. We have some of the most talented people working in our government. As a Congressional leader, we must continue to provide resources, so they are able to unlock their full potential and identify new avenues to serve you better.
The Osage Nation has seen unprecedented growth as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, CARES, and ARPA. Many of the projects remain on the shelf and have yet to be realized. I plan to be an advocate for the next generation of Osage citizens in this next term so we are better able to build a solid foundation for their future.
My prayer is for the Osage Nation to prosper. To grow in a way that is sustainable and allows each Osage citizen to have a role in their governance. I humbly ask for your vote so we can advocate for this future and realize it together.
Please join me and my family as we gather on the campus on election day. I’ll be sure to save you a plate.
Thank you.
Joe Tillman
Please don’t hesitate to call if you have any questions, 918-277-2538.
Editor’s Note: Candidate statements and announcements are not edited by the Osage News. They are a free submission offered to candidates of the 2024 Osage Nation Congressional Election.