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TAHLEQUAH, OK - The Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma held a forum for Cherokee County’s Sheriff and County Commissioner candidates on Thursday. The Cherokee Nation will not endorse political candidates, but hopes to work cooperatively with all elected officials. All candidates were invited to attend and speak to the crowd of nearly 200. Those who declined were Delena Goss and Shane Ellis, who are running for Sheriff, and Ronnie Smith, who is running for County Commissioner.

Candidates were each given 5 minutes to address the audience, then each candidate responded to a set of questions. Here are comments made by candidates at the forum:

Darrel Scott, candidate for Sheriff: "I recognize and support the sovereignty of the American Indian tribes. I also would honor commitments made to tribes by the U.S. Government as long as they were fair treaties and laws. I very strongly encourage tribal/state compacts and cross deputization with the Cherokee Nation because the more united we are, the greater success we all will have."

George Kirk, candidate for Sheriff: "We must continue to honor our commitment through extensive cooperation between the Cherokee Nation and all citizens of Cherokee County. It is imperative that we identify and recognize the sovereignty of the Cherokee Nation. I believe cross deputization of Cherokee Nation Marshals is unquestionably necessary to ensure public safety. Anything short of cross deputization should be considered negligent."

G.V. Gulager, candidate for County Commissioner: "As a tribal member and an elected official I have always supported tribal sovereignty. Throughout my service to the county, this has been evidenced by my inclusion of the tribe in all projects my office entertains which would have an impact on tribal members or employees."

Bobby Botts, candidate for County Commissioner: "I, as a Cherokee citizen, take great pride in our Cherokee sovereignty. It is our greatest asset as an Indian Nation. Any business the County Commissioners ever have which concerns the Cherokee Nation should always be governed by all treaties that are in place."

A.G. "Al" Atkins: "I am part Native American and I also have a grandson that is a registered Native American. One of the things that I intend to do when elected is to work at the up most to see that there is a disaster plan in the county that works well for all residents. I am interesting in safety and law enforcement."

The Cherokee Nation will host candidate forums for candidates in Sequoyah County and State Senators and Representatives races August 10, 3:30 - 5pm. The Sequoyah County candidate forum will be at the Redbird Smith Clinic in Salisaw. The State Senators and Representatives candidate forum will be at the tribal Council Chambers in Tahlequah. The Cherokee Nation encourages all citizens to be registered and to vote in the upcoming primary races as well as the general election.