Joining the race for a congressional seat is a decision which I have not entered into lightly. I have studied, researched, prayed and interviewed Osage voters, employees, and leaders for guidance in making my decision. I am committed to the journey and realize it will take your trust and commitment to fuel my endeavor. Our current congressional members have worked tirelessly building a nation and have set the base. Now is the time to reseat the congressional chairs with candidates who are dedicated to serve all Osages with fresh focus and new ideas of expanding and designing the Nation.
I am in favor of closely examining the economic development arm of the Osage Nation. There are hard decisions and due diligence required right now in Congress to investigate closely the current model. Is this model working for the Osage people? We are a GREAT NATION we should think BIG, creating industries fashioned for our Nation, by Osages, in the place we live, for the benefit of the Osage people.
My focus on Nation building will include work to strengthen and better define our governing documents: the Constitution, rules and regulations, and policy and procedures. We need to evaluate accountability measures for budgetary issues, and examine the implementation measures present in our laws. Both issues need to be set firmly in place.
I will work toward an open dialogue between the executive branch, congress, minerals council, and the BIA for the purpose of clarifying the issues of governing the minerals trust and it’s standing as it pertains to the 1906 Act and the Osage Nation Constitution. This conversation has never been fairly addressed between the concerned parties at a tribal level since the implementation of the constitution. I believe it is a dialogue long overdue and critical to the health of the nation and the minerals council.
My name is Maria Whitehorn. My home is Hominy, OK. My family has occupied the Osage since my great grandfather Ki-He-Ka-Nah-She came down from Kansas and scouted the area before the purchase. My father Dudley Whitehorn and my grandfather Sam Whitehorn are my models of Osage Tribal public service (both serving on Council). For twenty-five years I was an Osage living in Texas and can empathize with Osages living outside tribal boundaries. I met my husband Randy Powell and started my family while attending Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas . We have two awesome and talented sons Mason, 16, and Andrew, 14, and have been home schooling since 2004. When we moved back to the Osage in 2002 we bought our first business expanded the customer base and sold it. Currently we own GoForth Transport which delivers oilfield equipment and Thunder Ammo a manufacturing company.
My life is full and for the past three years I have involved myself in the business of Osage government attending meetings, reading, and researching, because I care to know the course to our future. Now, I wish to help shape the future, I will serve you well.
Please visit VoteWhitehorn.com.
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Press Release
Original Publish Date: 2012-04-09 00:00:00
