E.O. Smith Jr. Running for Re-Election to Tribal Council

E.O. Smith Jr.

E.O. Smith Jr. is throwing his hat in the ring to keep his position as the Cherokee Nation Tribal Councilor for District 5, a post he has held for the past three and a half years. 

Smith said he is “very passionate” about the job and feels right at home working for the people of the Cherokee Nation. 

Smith said the filing deadline is not until Feb. 5, so there is no one challenging him yet, but that could definitely change in coming weeks. 

When asked about his biggest accomplishments during his time as tribal councilor, Smith discussed his “pet project,” his appointment to the Intertribal Buffalo Council. As the Cherokee Nation’s representative to that board, Smith helped bring in two bulls from Yellowstone, along with 18 more of the animals. He said a set of twin calves were born not long ago and noted that the goal of the project is to feed buffalo meat to the tribe. 

Smith said his four trips to Washington, D.C., with veterans groups were pretty memorable times for him as well. 

But his favorite and most cherished role is working with youths around the area. “I’m very much involved in the schools. We (the tribe) installed a scoreboard at Webbers Falls, re-did the basketball courts at Vian” and more. “I like to be involved with our youth,” he said. 

As for any challenges he may face in the future, Smith said “there are always the haters, but I’m going to try to run a clean campaign. Now I will gladly have a debate. I think I’ve proven myself in this role.” 

“I take calls from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day. If you call me and I don’t answer, I will return your call within 24 hours. I’m always accessible. My number is on Facebook and all my signs.”

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com