Tribal Council approves three reappointments to commissions and editorial board

The Cherokee Nation Tribal Council on Monday approved three reappointments by voice vote, confirming John Sparks to the Cherokee Nation Gaming Commission, Linden Emberton to the citizen committee on compensation, and Clarice Doyle to the Cherokee Phoenix editorial board.

Councilor Kendra McGady moved to reappoint John Sparks to the Gaming Commission; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. John Sparks, identified in the motion as the Gaming Commission commissioner, thanked the chief and council and said he would remain available to answer questions. Councilors praised Sparks' responsiveness and leadership during discussion.

Councilor Johnny Kidwell moved to reappoint Linden Emberton to the citizen committee on compensation. Emberton was not present for the meeting. The motion received a second and passed by voice vote, the chair announced.

Councilor Kevin Easley moved to reappoint Clarice Doyle to the Cherokee Phoenix editorial board. Clarice Doyle thanked the council and highlighted the newspaper's reach, saying the Phoenix "continues to do a fabulous job" and that its social-media engagement has grown substantially. She referenced Elias Boudinot's description of a paper as "a vessel of human intelligence, of Indian intelligence," and said that remains true today.

All three motions were adopted by voice; the meeting record shows no roll-call tallies. The council also approved the minutes from its Sept. 15 meeting by voice vote early in the session.

Councilors who spoke in support commended the appointees' service and availability to the council. The chair noted John Sparks would not need to appear at rules later that afternoon.

The reappointments conclude on the floor of the Tribal Council; no additional formal conditions or amendments were recorded during the votes.