Deputy chief of Cherokee Nation sets agenda as interim leader

Friday, August 12, 2011  

After he is sworn in as deputy chief this Sunday, Joe Crittendon will serve as interim chief of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma for about two months.

As interim leader, Crittenden said his first step will be to look at the tribe's budget. He wants to ensure a smooth transition as the tribe prepares for another election for the chief's post.

“I have no preconceived ideas about any major changes anywhere. I want to just see us essentially maintain what we’ve got going and flowing like it has been for our people,” Crittenden, a former tribal councilor, told The Cherokee Phoenix.

Incumbent chief Chad Smith will face challenger Bill John Baker in the September 24 election.

Get the Story:
Crittenden to focus on tribe’s budget (The Cherokee Phoenix 8/12)

Cherokee Nation Supreme Court Decision:
In the Matter of 2011 General Election (July 21, 2011)

Related Stories:
Cherokee Nation to inaugurate Joe Crittenden as deputy chief (8/10)
Travis Snell: Every vote does count in Cherokee Nation election (8/4)
Cherokee Nation schedules September 24 vote for principal chief (8/1)
Cherokee Nation election commission delays action on new vote (7/27)
Cherokee Nation to consider election laws after disputed vote (7/26)
Joe Crittenden wins election as deputy chief of Cherokee Nation (7/25)
Supreme Court of Cherokee Nation orders new election for chief (7/21)
Cherokee Nation Supreme Court to decide fate of disputed vote (7/20)
Recount gives Chad Smith the edge in Cherokee Nation election (7/18)
Cherokee Nation's top court orders hand recount of all ballots (7/13)
Cherokee Nation election chairman resigns amid dispute on vote (7/6)
Bill John Baker 'certified' as winner of Cherokee Nation chief race (7/1)
Cherokee Nation expected to start recount for close chief's race (6/30)
Cherokee Nation candidate seeks answers about election tally (6/29)
Cherokee Nation says Chad Smith wins chief's post by 7 votes (6/28)
Cherokee Nation elects new leader by slim margin of 11 votes (6/27)
Candidates for leader of Cherokee Nation raise nearly $417K (6/24)
Cherokee Nation headed to polls on Saturday to choose chief (6/21)
Pat Ragsdale: Chad Smith is right choice for Cherokee chief (6/15)
Cherokee Nation releases plane logs but costs not reported (6/15)
Candidates for chief of Cherokee Nation debate the issues (6/7)
Opinion: Re-elect Chad Smith as leader of Cherokee Nation (6/1)
Cherokee Nation urges members to vote in tribal election (4/25)
Cherokee Nation chief criticized for ads touting achievements (3/24)
Cherokee Nation set for election for principal chief, deputy chief (3/15)