Andrea "Tweetie" Lyons Bowen

Education:

• Graduated from Pawnee Public Schools.
• Oklahoma State University and University of New Mexico
  Primary area of study in Business Administration.
• Massey Real Estate College, Dallas Received Certificate of Completion.
• Red Carpet Real Estate School, Enid-Received Sales Associate License .
• Great Plains Area Vo-Tech in Lawton, OK- Pharmacy Technician Certificate.

Professional Experience:

• Pawnee Indian Health Service Clinic Pharmacy Technician
• Red Cross Office, Fort Sill Army Base- Field Accountant
• Pawnee Indian Health Service Clinic- Secretary to Clinical Director
• Self-Employed- Owned and operated a small business in Pawnee
• Forney International, Dallas, TX. Administrative Assistant to 5 project engineers
• Crutcher Resources Corporation- Administrative Assistant/Cash Manager

Political Experience:
Pawnee Nation Business Council- Current 4th Seat holder

Public Service:
Marine Corps. League, Fairfax, OK- Auxiliary member and Assistant Coordinator for the Toys for Tots Program.

Describe how your membership on the Pawnee Business Council will benefit the Pawnee Nation:
“I come to benefit the Nation by voting thoughtfully on major issues affecting the Pawnee Nation. I do not come on the Council to undermine the progress the Council has worked to establish these past two years. I come to help build up the Nation! I will continue to review all issues carefully and see how best to serve the Nation. I come prepared for Council meetings, and ready for rational discussions, without malice. If there is an issue on which I need clarification, I will seek the answer from knowledgeable persons instead of wildly speculating or making misstatements. I do not propose to know everything. This is my approach in solving problems.

My family fully supports the stands I take because they know I come to Council to represent only one interest group, the Pawnee Nation.

A positive attitude is something I come by easily since I pray daily to keep a healthy balance in my life and keep things in perspective. I pray too, to keep an open mind and not be influenced by negativity. I firmly believe that continuity is the key to maintaining stability and success in the PBC as we move forward.

As Secretary, I will ensure enrollment records maintain strict privacy and confidentiality. I will make the Secretary seat a source of information for members and encourage review of Council minutes by making them available after Council approval. I will also produce a Secretary quarterly report on the Council’s progress, available to all members. These are the contributions I bring to the PBC for the success of the Pawnee Nation.

In my professional career, I am knowledgeable about business endeavors, in that I owned and operated my own business. I understand what it takes to write a business plan and institute it. I feel that on the Pawnee Nation Business Council we should have seminars on Economic Development. There are some people that believe grants will do everything for us. In obtaining grants, they are to be used for a certain purpose and they cannot be used to make money. We need to become self-sufficient to develop our own Economic Development. I will continue to work towards the development of our Pawnee Nation in those endeavors that will benefit our people.”

Identify the top three priorities currently facing the Pawnee Nation’s tribal government, and briefly describe how you will address these priorities:
“Number 1: Gaming; Number 1: Economic Development; Number 1: Health. These are all top priorities! None of these three should be ranked number 1, 2, 3. All are top priorities the Pawnee Nation is currently facing and addressing.

Also, each priority is not an issue in itself; each carries a host of byproducts. For example, Gaming promises jobs and employment; but it also addresses the needs of elders; education; childcare; all age group healthcare needs.

Economic development is a top issue. Needing entrepreneurial know-how to succeed; strategic planning; opportunities for business grants; possessing knowledge of business.

Health is a top concern. The issue is always money! Successful Gaming and economic development will bring needed funds to alleviate health problems facing our Pawnee Nation. We will supplement healthcare to ensure our needs are being met. I was on the 2005-2006 Council which was initiating moving toward opening a casino. The Council of 2005-2006 stepped in and ended it all. The returning and current Council of 2007 is again moving and progressing toward establishing Gaming.

I seek Secretary Council seat to ensure continuity in supporting and continuing the progress Council is making in this direction. As Council Secretary, I will issue a quarterly report informing of the Gaming and economic development efforts being made to address these top priorities benefiting all Pawnee Nation members!”

Linda K. Jestes

“Hi! My name is Linda K. Chapman Jestes and I’m seeking your vote for the position of Secretary of the Pawnee Business Council in the upcoming election.

I was born and raised in Pawnee. My parents were the late Henry and Lonie Tatum Chapman but I was raised by my brother, Earl. My husband, Ronnie Jestes, has been the Director, Substance Abuse Program for the United Community Action Program for 29 years. We’re members of the Family Worship Center here in Pawnee. The rest of our family consists of our son Bubba, his daughter, Chrissy and Jimmy Dale and daughter-in-law, Beverly, with Jaime, J.T. and Jaelyn. My family and I are proud supporters of every community/Tribal events.

In 2007 I ran for the position of Treasurer and was defeated by only a few votes. My strong desire to be of service to my people is the incentive to try again. Also, I’d like to follow in the footsteps of my father and brothers-Basil, Tommy, Earl and Robert-who served on the Pawnee Business Council. They were instrumental in the development of many governmental systems and various economic development projects that allow us to enjoy many of the services we have today. I’m proud of their efforts and hope to carry my ‘positive energy’ forward to the good of the Pawnee people.

My Education Consists Of:

• Attended Pawnee Indian School and graduated from the Pawnee Public Schools
• Two years Certified Financial Mgmt. through HUD, OSU and Rose State College
• Child Development Associates Certification through Tulsa Community College
• Various Mgmt. Certifications through National American Indian Housing Council

My Business Experience Includes:

• Member, Executive Committee, Chamber of Commerce
• Vice President, Cowboys for Christ
• Active Supporter, Neighborhood Stabilization Program with City, County, UCAP
• Member, Pawnee Bill Memorial Rodeo
• Cook, Cattle Drive
• Owner, Successful Cattle Operation for 15 yrs.
• Previous Owner, Licensed Day Care for 6 yrs.
• Currently, Executive Director of Housing Authority of Pawnee Tribe (2003 through present)

As stated in 2007, my track record speaks for itself with the Housing Authority of the Pawnee Nation (A tribally designated Housing Authority formed under the State of Oklahoma). Over the past five years, 2003 through 2008, all audits reflected “NO FINANCIAL FINDINGS”.

These accomplishments are due to a ‘positive working environment’ with an excellent staff that enjoys working together toward a common goal- PROVIDING BETTER HOUSING FOR OUR TRIBAL MEMBERS.

Pawnee tribal members owning homes within the Pawnee Nation jurisdiction are at an all-time high. This says a lot for effective home ownership counseling, strategic planning and financial education of our people.

MY VISION FOR THE PAWNEE PEOPLE IS SIMPLY THIS:
1. Existence
2. Existence
3. Existence

1. Existence Through the Education of Our Youth. In order for us as a tribe/people to exist in the future we must always remember where we came from. Developing special high school and collegiate programs geared toward economics, business and Indian law ensure our future existence. Specialized funding for completion of these programs ensures the goals we desire as a Tribe.

2. Existence Through Tribally Developed Short/Long Range Goals for Economic Development. BUT, it must be done with a team of economic experts working with our Tribal staff and Business Council to carefully guide us through this economic maize known as a “Recession”. An economic development project I’d like to see is a Tribally-owned Credit Union. Why not, other Tribes do!

3. Existence through Intense Financial Planning, such as Saving Plan, Supplemental Health Plan, Burial Plan, Casino Revenue Allocation Plan, Retirement Plan for Tribal Employees. The key to financial security is strategic planning…the mechanism to ensure these areas are funded in the Casino Revenue Allocation Plan. All Tribal funds should be guarded at this time of recession and cost effective measures put into place.

These are just a few of my ideas for the Pawnee people. I believe with my business background and positive approach I can make a big difference on the Pawnee Business Council. I seek and appreciate your vote on election day.”