Bill John Baker, a Tahlequah businessman and longtime Cherokee Nation Tribal Councilor, today announced he is a candidate for the office of Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.

 “It has been a wonderful experience serving the Cherokee people as their Tribal Councilor all these years,” Baker said. “But I feel I can serve them even better as chief.”

 Baker challenged the current Administration, “After 12 years of one man’s administration, we are stagnant,” he said. “We need new and creative ways and ideas of how to help our people and that will require new leadership.

 Baker says he believes the Cherokees deserve a good education, good healthcare, good housing and decent wages. “I will always put the people and their needs first,” he said. “These are difficult times for our people and I want to do everything possible to remove all the roadblocks to their health, welfare and happiness.” 

 “I look forward to visiting with as many of our people as possible in the next few months to listen to your suggestions and concerns and to learn how we can better serve all the people of the great Cherokee Nation.”

 Baker says his years on the council have been not only a job, but a joy to serve the Cherokee people.

 “Working together, we can build a wonderful future for Cherokees everywhere,” he said. “With God’s help and your support, we can ensure that the best days are yet to come.”

 The election will be held on June 25, 2011.