Comanche Business Committee, Election Board Members Sworn In

On Thursday, July 10, Comanche Business Committee Member No. 1 Hazel Tahsequah and No. 2 Darrell Kosechequetah, as well as newly elected Election Board Members Aaron Nevaquaya, Michelle Nevaquaya and Nancy Nauni, were sworn in at Watchetaker Hall.

Comanche Nation Chairman Forrest Tahdooahnippah said it’s always a good atmosphere at the swearing-in ceremony.

“People have put a lot of effort into running for office,” he said. “There's a lot of anxiety and waiting for results, and especially this year because there was a little delay, so it's really a joyous occasion for people to celebrate their accomplishment of getting into office and to celebrate with their family and friends.”

Tahdooahnippah said he’s excited to have Kosechequetah on the business committee.

“We've been working on over the last year…things like health care, refining some of our ordinances and codes, so I'm really interested to hear what his ideas are for both the things that we have started working on,” he said. “And then to see…what kind of new ideas he has of things that weren't on our radar. So yeah, I'm looking forward to working together.”

Future plans include looking into the health care industry and refining election ordinances.

“I'm wanting to implement kind of more of a priority list, and so I'm hoping to take some of that to the public,” Tahdooahnippah said. “You know, we have a new portal, and I'm hoping that we can start to do more polls and surveys of the people. Because that portal is for members only, and so people sign up for the portal, then we can verify that they're a member and then get their feedback kind of more directly. So, I'm really hoping to use technology to kind of help us guide policy with the input of the people into the future.”

Aaron Nevaquaya said he appreciates everyone who voted for him and looks forward to serving on the election board.

“This is my first time ever being in a position like this, but I think now it's time,” he said. “It's time to get involved. I'm old enough to go to these meetings and, you know, participate and vote. I think it's an opportunity for me to get involved in tribal politics.”

Aaron said he’s no stranger to politics.

“I've been going to General Council ever since I was a little kid, so I think that it's only right, and I'm old enough now to participate in elections and vote,” he said. “So, I think it's not a better time for me to be involved and just start my journey.”

However, Aaron won’t be alone, as his sister, Michelle, will be there by his side.

“I'm very grateful that my sister also decided to run. You know, it makes this a lot easier on me, too,” he said. “We both go over the constitution and ordinance, and we study, and if one of us has a question, we both ask each other, and we go over it together. And…we make sure we're both on point in what we're doing, and we just hope to do this to the best of our abilities and serving our people and not letting them down.”

Michelle said she’s honored to be elected and is thankful for the support she received.

“This is a transformation from being Comanche princess into tribal government, so I'm very glad to get into that part of our Comanche politics,” she said.

Michelle also went to all the General Councils growing up and is happy to be on this political journey.

“So being a part of the election board, I look forward to having, you know, smoother elections, and hopefully, everything just comes out great and no conflicts,” she said. “But I will uphold my oath in the tribal constitution and the election ordinance.”

Charlotte Niyah will be sworn in at a later date.