Delegate Candessa Teehee presents $200,000 political‑contribution package; council approves motion to consider recommendations

Members of the e and f PAC sub meeting approved by voice vote a motion to consider and potentially act on recommendations for political contributions after a presentation by Delegate Candessa Teehee.

Teehee told the group the request is the third this election cycle and that the committee is aiming to be strategic in an election year. "Before you is $200,000 as a as a part of this total package," she said, adding the list reflects an approximately 50/50 bipartisan split and that the committee looks at committee assignments, leadership priorities and past voting when making recommendations.

A council member who spoke in support emphasized equity in the allocation process and urged the council not to "choose the winners and losers," saying the goal is fairness across sides. The speaker also noted, in context of federal giving comparisons cited during the meeting, that the Cherokee Nation was described as seventeenth on a referenced federal‑giving list.

Councillor Doug asked whether references to "sports betting" meant app‑based wagering and whether the tribe would pursue a Cherokee Nation‑branded betting app. Teehee replied that the tribe is not opposed to sports betting in general but prefers a different approach on reservation operations and said the specific proposal under discussion required further consideration: "We definitely... don't oppose sports betting... the proposal itself needs further consideration."

The chair called for a voice vote on the motion to discuss and possibly act on the recommendations; members responded "Aye" and no opposing voices were recorded in the transcript. The transcript does not record a roll‑call tally or individual votes by name. Meeting leaders said the committee anticipates returning with additional recommendations before the next fiscal year.

Next steps: staff and leadership will continue to refine the recommendations and return them to the council for further consideration; no dollar disbursements or final approvals were recorded in this meeting.