OKMULGEE – Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief David Hill vetoed bill NCA 26-071, a law that would raise each MCN National Council Representative’s annual salary. MCNNC Secretary Alicia Stroble confirmed the veto to Mvskoke Media on Wednesday, June 3.
According to Stroble, Principal Chief Hill will not publicly release his veto message on NCA 26-071 but has provided a copy to the council. Stroble’s response reads:
Neither the Constitution of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, the M(C)N Code of Laws, nor the Muscogee (Creek) National Council Rules of Procedures expressly permit or provide for public disclosure of veto messages before they are taken up on the legislative floor at session pursuant to the Rules of Procedures, Rule 116(F). The laws and rules of the M(C)N lead to the conclusion that release is prohibited. Chief Hill has determined not to publicly release his Memo and Veto Message on NCA 26-071. It is his work product and he can control the scope and extent of his desire to release communications to another branch of government. Chief Hill, through his Veto Message, did not issue a formal opinion upon the rights of the Nation – only the legislative branch; therefore, it is not a public record. Finally, Chief Hill’s veto message meets the criteria as a protected record under M(C)NCA Title 37 §9-107, and therefore is not subject to public disclosure, except as provided by law or rule.
Mvskoke citizen Lisa Deere said she was informed of the veto by a council representative. While the veto was the result Deere wanted, she also wanted to read the Principal Chief’s veto message. Deere explained, “I wanted to see what his objectives were. I wanted to see where his objections were.”
According to Deere, a National Council employee told her that a copy of the memo was unavailable and would not be released even if a Freedom of Information Act request were submitted. “I did ask the council for a copy. They denied me. I went to the Chief’s office, who also denied me and said that it was, the veto message was, in the possession of the National Council, but I reminded both officers: it’s public record,” Deere said.
Deere was told that she would have to wait until the message is read at the Regular Session.
Before other legislation to raise council salaries returns, Deere would like to see job descriptions for the council. She also wants the MCNNC to discuss the raises with citizens before voting on them again.
“This piece of legislation was fast-tracked. It was introduced, assigned to BFJ (Business, Finance, and Justice committee), who addressed it May 7, went to the planning session that sets the agenda of Regular Session the following Tuesday, and it was addressed the following Saturday. There was no time for any citizen or community input at all,” Deere said.
Mvskoke Media reached out to the Principal Chief’s office for comment on the veto. As of the time this article was published, a response has not been made. The next MCNNC Planning Session is June 16, and the next Regular Session is scheduled for Saturday, June 20.
Mvto Chief. You are in the position to the financial Crisis we will be facing when Trump starts tearing our tribe apart, dollar by dollar. Besides, trump not wanting to continue federal funds and will cut our funds; his ultimate goal is to take our Casinos.
Our legislative branch needs a Wake Up call!!! Their priority is to the citizens. they should be preparing & planning for a financial crisis that will keep all our services to the citizens intact and employees will be retained.
The Citizens & their bloodline, are who forfeited their gov’t payment(deserve a say in this matter); in order, for the Creek Nation to have facilities & hire Creeks to fill the positions, in order, for us to begin the process of securing federal funds.
Before I vote for a raise for a group of citizens, that do not perform as legislators, I VOTE for a payment from the interest accruing on the money I forfeited and is still supporting our tribe.
Again, Mvto Chief, for taking a stand for the citizens.
My apologies, I did not find an “edit” tool to make necessary changes to my comment. therefore; hopefully, it still makes sense to the readers.
Mvto for the update, MM always does a great job of dissemination of pertinent issues and gives background data that clarifies many questions that all Mvskoke are needing to know. 👍🏾 I see we have some gray areas that good deliberation and legislation can clear up along with knowledgeable citizenry input and consultation.