Manataba Messenger

Page 6 PLATFORM WOODROW SHARP TRIBAL COUNCIL CANDIDATE SPECIAL ELECTION JULY 6, 2021 Hello, my name is Woodrow Sharp- I have run for tribal council in the past, and some may recognize my name. I am running to fill the vacant Tribal Council seat on July 6, 2021. Unfortunately, I am running to fill the vacancy left by the passing of Councilman Hill; I wish it would have been under different circum- stances that I seek a position on the tribal council. My deepest condo- lences to his family that is mourning his passing. I am the son of the late Joe and Frieda Sharp. I grew up on the CRIT Reservation, went to local schools, and graduated from Parker High School. After high school, I went into the US Army; when I returned home, I began my tribal employment with the CRIT Police department because I wanted a career that would maintain the discipline I learned in the Army. I wanted to make a difference in my community like I still do today. I went on to work in the CRIT Fish and Game Department, and the Tribal Gaming Agency; after that, I took some time off and went to work for myself farming my land growing Alfalfa. I returned to the CRIT Fish and Game department in 2015, where I remain today. During my life here working, I gained valuable experience which has prepared me for this exact moment as a tribal council candidate; I have experience as a Housing board member, which taught me the housing issues that we face as a people, the challenges as well as what the rules and regulations mean for someone trying to comply. I have experience as an Election board member that gave me a deep understanding of the CRIT Constitution and the voting rights of the members; I feel this is very- important if you are vying to represent your people because the election process shapes communities in meaningful ways. As a former Gaming investigator, I know Non-Gaming, Class 2 & Class 3 Gaming Operations as it applies to our Blue Water Casino. The experience in gaming and investigation I feel prepared me for tribal council because I can assist the tribal council in making educated deci- sions regarding the new gaming compact issue coming soon. As a former CRIT police officer, I have a firm understanding of the social issues that our people face due to lack of housing and good infrastructure investment, it all trickles down to issues that in turn make people suffer. I understand what it means to take an oath for your people and put your life on the line for them. I worked hard and obtained training certifications, and networked and cooperated with various agencies like AZDPS, CHP, ADOT, La Paz County, Parker PD, CA Fish and Game, and the US Fish & Wildlife so that I may better serve the people, and some of the relationships I still have today in my current role at Fish and Game. I want to thank my supporters in the previous elections, for your sup- port, for believing in me, and for your vote; I need your continued sup- port now. For anyone who has run for office knows that a lot of work must be done to reach people with your message in a typical year, and in COVID-19 year, it's been almost impossible. I apologize for what may appear as a lack of outreach; reaching eligible voters safely with the pandemic has been so limited. I am getting good at video segments on Facebook. I will continue to use social media if elected to keep the people updated in real-time on work being done and communications. Not all of you may trust me with your vote, but know that I have lived a life dedicated to duty and fellowship if you are reading this. I believe in supporting and making this reservation better for all of us as a core belief. Someone of my character doesn't see the cultural differences in us; but only the things that make us more alike-- like loving and caring for our children, grandchildren and elderly, and being respectful and humane ---we all have the same values and we all want our tribe and people to be well and proper this is what makes us one at CRIT. I encourage you to go to my Facebook page under Woodrow Sharp and see what I am about. I will work hard to win the confidence of all of you, not only now but throughout my term and beyond if elected. My dedication and service to you are life-long, I've proven it by the choices I've made, and I will continue to prove it to you. I commit to a transparent and informative office and put 100 % effort into informing you of what is happening, why it's happening, and when it's happen- ing because if it affects your life, you have a right to know. It is WE, the people of the Colorado River Indian Tribes. And WE deserve accountability. Vote for me July 6, 2021, and you vote for strong leadership, dedica- tion to public services, and transparency. The tribal members have the power to make the change; let me be that change. Thank you. Woodrow Sharp