A message from June 2010 candidate Raymond Red Corn-Nov.

By Raymond Red Corn, Osage Nation Congressman seeking re-election

Every Osage legislator faces the challenge of solving problems collectively and establishing solutions through legislation. In that effort we can concentrate on issues or personalities.

When legislators concentrate on issues, government works as it should and the people benefit. When elected leaders focus on personalities, the improvement of the Nation and its people are no longer the focus of government. When people realize their elected leaders would rather fight than work together, they become disillusioned.

Judging from recent constituent email, that’s exactly what’s happening to the Osage Nation.

We need fewer words and more action, less rhetoric and greater vision. We need to establish a course and move this Nation forward. And we need a team of optimistic but pragmatic leaders to accomplish that.

We have the resources to be a great success story among tribal nations, but we will never get there fighting each other. Leaders can compromise without compromising their principles; our nation’s leaders must compromise and cooperate to move this nation forward.

Differences of opinion will always be with us. Resolving those differences in a productive and professional way is the challenge. I’ve met that challenge, and request your continued support as I seek election to the second Osage Congress.

What kind of nation do we desire? This question should be asked, and asked again over time. Without goals, we drift aimlessly from one piece of legislation to the next with no coherent plan or structure.

The Osage Nation Strategic Plan has been both helpful and controversial. Put in perspective, however, it is much easier to embrace than to ignore.

When a truly controversial bill or issue comes up, a congressperson may receive 15-20 emails and/or phone calls from concerned constituents. Measure that against the 300 Osages that showed up from all over the country for the plan’s finalization, plus the estimated 2000 participants. While the plan still has its detractors, I know of no stronger or emphatic expression of the will of the Osage people than the Strategic Plan.

Finally, I want to talk about the resources of the Osage Nation, and how they may be used. We are blessed with millions in surplus funds. How can we use these funds to secure our future?

First, we need increased investment in our holding company, Osage, LLC. This nation has but two significant sources of income; the Federal government and gaming. Neither is considered dependable long-term. Diversification, the hallmark of my first campaign, is still a must.

Second, we need a reserve account for long term liquid assets, but need to move beyond instruments bearing less than 2% interest. That’s how people (and tribes) with millions invest.

Last, we need to plan out our benefit packages for sustainability. Our tribe is growing rapidly, and new members are applying for benefits. We need studies of our growth rates to develop plans of how to make benefits sustainable.

I welcome questions. To reach me, or to subscribe to my periodic Updates, please write me at rredcorn@gmail.com or call 918.287.7400.

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