Copyright © 1999 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

TAHLEQUAH, OK - Seven of Joe Byrd’s loyalists on the council boycotted a Special Meeting this evening, Thursday, June 25. Furor has raged around the Cherokee Nation about Joe Byrd and his loyalists on the Council who continue to put their politics above the needs of Cherokee people. Cherokee citizens have complained that Byrd’s councilors continue to rubberstamp his agenda and the results have been two years of unjustified budgets and over a $million in tribal and federal funds missing and unaccounted for. Eight councilors called for a Special Council Meeting that was scheduled at 5 :00 P.M, June 25, 1999 pursuant to Cherokee laws. The Special Council meeting would have allowed legislators to approve a line item agenda without damaging the constitution and ratifying illegal actions already taken . The agenda included a water line and other needed services for Cherokee people which are not in controversy and would have allowed them to go forward.

Chad Smith, a candidate in the upcoming July 24,1999 runoff election for Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation said, "Cherokee people are tired of the current administration playing politics with their lives." Smith continued, "These councilors refusal to attend the Special Meeting is proof of Byrd’s continuing personal agenda."

Council member Paula Holder said, "Cherokee people have complained about Byrd’s lack of accountability and refusal to produce justified budgets for the last two years. His loyalists on the council have allowed Byrd to spend our tribe into debt." Holder continued, "It is about time for Byrd and his loyalists on the Council to put their political agenda aside and do what is in the best interest of the people." (Paula Holder, CNO Tribal Council Member, can be reached by calling, phone: 918-458-9322 pager: 220-2248.)