Meet the 2023 Catawba Nation Election Nominees: Patricia Leach
"As Assistant Chief, I will work with the General Council as a partner to repair issues and accomplish shared goals."
Update (May 10, 2023): This and other articles has been updated to reflect the title of “nominee” rather than “candidate”. Sources from the Catawba Nation Longhouse have advised that the final list of candidates may not be available until late May 2023.
Editor's Note: Catawba Future is publishing these statements word for word as received through our Catawba Nation Election Candidate Survey - no edits have been made. Our goal is to provide transparent insight directly to Catawba Citizens from Catawba Nation election nominees independent of the Catawba Nation tribal government. The nominee responses have been verified by phone to ensure they are straight from the source. The responses of the candidates represent their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or opinions of the Catawba Future team. This article is not intended nor should be interpreted to endorse any specific nominee or candidate.
Patricia Leach is running for the position of Assistant Chief. Check out her responses to our questions below:
What is the most important issue for your platform in this election?
Giving the people their voice back and moving forward together. “WE” the General Council, as the governing body of the tribe should not be left out of any conversations.
What do you believe qualifies you to be elected for this position?
As Assistant Chief, I will use my graduate level education, thirteen years of experience working for the tribe, and my servant heart to help our tribe continue to grow expeditiously. Growing up on the reservation and still living here, I personally know some of the key areas that need some work. Also, having seen issues that have arisen in tribal business, the importance of having a high level of reading comprehension and the ability to make informed decisions quickly are clear. We have attorneys that can look over documents for us, but they are not always available for quick turnarounds. I will never sign anything without thoroughly reading it.
What do you feel you can do for the Catawba Tribe?
As Assistant Chief, I will work with the General Council as a partner to repair issues and accomplish shared goals. I will always advocate for our people. I will never make a decision on behalf of our people that could be detrimental. I will always put our tribal people first in every decision I make.
What steps would you take to build Citizen trust in Catawba institutions?
Building trust starts with authenticity. It is more than just saying that I will be honest and transparent. It is living and breathing that in my daily life. Our people are so smart and can see through any facade that people try to show them. I believe that anyone that has a one on one conversation with me can see that I live and breathe authenticity. I truly love our people and only want the best for them. Not what I or anyone else thinks is best for them, but actually working with our people to help implement what is really best for them.
What do you believe is the best way for the Election Committee to stay in touch with Catawba Citizens?
Multiple forms of communication are important, because we are all different and respond to things in very different ways. I have learned that social media and text alerts work great for a broad population; however, some people still rely on paper mail. In the future, I would love to see us with our own app and helpline.
What's one policy or project you would work to implement during your time in office?
Currently I am working with the Economic Development Department to create a strong partnership with the state for Workforce Development. This is something that is going to happen whether or not I am elected. I say this because I am not doing it to get elected. I have made a great name for myself with various government agencies, especially within the state. I thrive at networking and with every new contact I am always advocating for our tribe. I have a lot of plans and they all involve working with the General Council to prioritize needs and develop an action plan for each need.
What is your favorite food?
Home cooked southern food centered around the best baked mac and cheese.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
As a tribal citizen, I believe in helping our people first. When you help your tribal people, you are also helping yourself, and your family. No one person or family should ever be put above another. I believe in absolute true fairness across the board. I have always been someone who wants to see everyone succeed and in helping people grow with you through a hand up.