An evening with D.J. Battiest: candidate for Chief of the Choctaw Nation

With less than 30 days remaining before votes are cast for the office of Chief and the council seats of District 11 and 2. This election is being closely watched by many Choctaws since the names of other candidates were revealed in a special insert of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma headquarters official paper. Through social media, revelations from the former Senior Executive Director trial for corruption and bribery, disturbing details emerged and Chahta citizens began demanding a reform in their election process, transparency and accountability, along with campaign finance reform and changes to their constitution to assure checks and balances. When Choctaws asked for a public forum with the Chief, he refused saying he would only meet one on one. The Choctaw Nation claims to have over 200,000 citizens, thereby making close door meetings privately unweildly and impractical.
Through this discontent and distrust of the election system, two persons stood to run for the office of Chief. The incumbent Chief, Gary Batton quickly moved to disqualify both candidates, Sherman "Bo" Miller and Deborah "D.J." Battiest Tomasi, including another candidate for District-2 council, Alicia Seylor Nevaquaya. Miller and Nevaquaya were disqualified by Choctaw Nation attorney and the election board, both parties are appealing the decision.
For many Chahta's, all eyes and ears are on D.J., with hopes that she will bring openess and fairness within their Nation. Eaglemanz: Chahta Nation invites everyone to tune in Friday evening 7:30 PM (Central) and hear from D.J. If you are in the Broken Bow, OK area, come and meet her at the District - 2 Candidates Forum at McGee Chapel. Potluck starts at 4PM. and forum begins at 5 PM.
In the remaining month, we would welcome all candidates for office within the Choctaw Nation to come on and discuss their views. Contact the host through this site for details