4 Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Candidates Debate Ahead Of Election

The Cherokee Nation Principal Chief debate, hosted by the Cherokee Phoenix newspaper, opened with important issues including healthcare spending, economy and infrastructure, along with tribal citizenship and sovereignty.

The four candidates are Cara Cowan Watts, David Cornsilk, Wes NoFire, and current Principal Chief, Chuck Hoskin, Junior.

The opening question Cherokee citizens are asking candidates -- where do they see healthcare delivery and infrastructure for the Cherokee nation if they become Chief?

Principal Chief Hoskin said he believes the current administration is headed in the right direction under his leadership.

"That’s why today we got more doctors and nurses working in our system than any time in history. We got more access to healthcare than any time in history," Hoskin said.

Cara Cowan Watts argued Cherokee employees in healthcare are not currently being paid fairly.

"We have not kept pace with the current economy and we are not adequately paying the very healthcare providers that sustain our community and our language," Watts said.

Wes NoFire had a similar response, saying employee compensation is not adequate.

"I know that the contracts are not good enough. They don't pay well enough, but more importantly, we don't establish the art of love and treat out employees with that and with grace," NoFire said.

David Cornsilk said all Cherokee citizens should have equal rights, no matter where they are.

"That means as a citizen living in Tahlequah or a citizen living in Tahlequah, Washington. You should have access to the services that are offered by this tribe," Cornsilk said.

Election day for the Cherokee Nation is June 3. If no one gets more than 50-percent of the vote, there will be a run-off in July.