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San Carlos, AZ—Mary Kim Titla, San Carlos Apache, has announced she will run for Chairman of the San Carlos Apache Tribe. Titla, who was born and raised on the San Carlos reservation, moved back to her hometown a few years ago and is employed there. “Numerous people encouraged me to run. They don’t like what they’ve seen in the last four years. They want change. A lot of thought and prayer went into my decision. I understand where the people are coming from. I’ve lived in similar conditions. The San Carlos Apache Reservation is my home. It always has been and always will be. I care deeply about the people, especially the youth, and I’ll work hard to make improvements. It's time to take a stand,” said Titla, who is of the Te’nolzhage’ (Descending into water in peaks) clan, born into the K’ainchiidn (Red Willow) clan. Running for public office is nothing new for Titla. In 2008 she came in a strong 2nd to Ann Kirkpatrick out of four candidates in the primary race for Congressional District 1. The former TV News Reporter has worked over the past two years as a substitute teacher and now as Communications Officer for the San Carlos Unified School District. She also serves as Tribal Liaison for the Gila County Board of Supervisors. In addition, Titla is publisher of Native Youth Magazine online, a website focusing on the talents and lifestyles of Native youth. Titla has held a few meetings with supporters and she is already going door-to-door asking people to help round out her platform. Protecting sovereignty and making sure the federal government lives up to its trust responsibility are top priorities for Titla. “There are obvious concerns such as lack of jobs, lack of housing, more services for our elderly, veterans and youth, and language preservation but I want to hear directly from the people to make sure I am focusing on the right things,” said Titla. She is conducting a survey as she goes door to door, which promises to provide valuable insight during her campaign. “ “There are so many ways to stimulate our economy. Forstarters, I plan to explore more grant opportunities so we can better address economic development, train our workforce and create jobs. As a Tribal Liaison I pushed for the improvement of government-to-government relationships with our neighbors so we can better address the needs of our area. As a journalist, I strived for fairness and I asked the tough questions. As a youth advocate I testified before Congress and lobbied our congressional representatives asking for more money for youth programs and educational support. I know what it takes to get things done. I will work hard to find solutions,” said Titla. “I’ve sat on the boards of national and local organizations,which involved managing budgets in the millions of dollars. I’ve helped raise about $1 million dollars for a national native youth organization. I’ve scrutinized budgets and I’ve proven my ability to look for and raise needed funds for good causes,” Titla added. During her run for Congress Titla was ableto raise $250,000. About 70 tribes around the country donated money to her campaign, unprecedented for a Native American congressional candidate. She is a past or present member of the following organizations:United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc., National Indian Education Association, National Congress of American Indians, Native American Journalists Association, National Native Women’s Political Caucus, Gilson Wash District Economic Enterprise Board, Point of Pines Cattle Association, Eastern Arizona College Alumni Foundation and the Arizona State University Alumni Foundation. She also serves as Lead Advisor to the San Carlos Apache Youth Council. Titla has a Master of Mass Communications from Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Oklahoma. She is married to John Mosley, Assiniboine/Paiute. They have three sons. Her soon-to-be launched campaign website is www.votemarykimtitla.com. Contributions can be sent to: Mary Kim Titla for Tribal Chair, PO Box 1075, San Carlos, AZ 85550. ### |
