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.
Jason Rogers is running for the position of Executive Committee Member at Large. Check out his responses to our questions below:
What is the most important issue for your platform in this election?
To give the voice back to our general council.
What do you believe qualifies you to be elected for this position?
I am an operations manager for an international lift manufacturer. It is my job to make sure the company runs smooth, maximize our profits, and deal with any issues that may come along the way. I care about the Catawba Nation and where we come from. I'm willing to do what needs to be done and that's stand up for the rights of our people, help when needed and make sure there is complete understanding of what's being asked for.
What do you feel you can do for the Catawba Tribe?
Be a voice. Be honest. Stand up for our citizens and bring back their voice. I will put forth my best efforts in making us a family again. I will do my part to make sure our investments recieve the highest returns possible. I will make sure our departments get the consideration and responses in a timely fashion for grant submission. I will make sure the full view of opportunities are explored in order to provide worse and best case options for the citizens to make a decision.
What steps would you take to build Citizen trust in Catawba institutions?
Be active and open as possible.
What do you believe is the best way for the Executive Committee to stay in touch with Catawba Citizens?
Social media, house to house visits, open meetings, and all communication from zoom or teams to telephone calls and letters. I do not believe it's possible to only use one method of communication due to every citizen has different situations.
What's one policy or project you would work to implement during your time in office?
I would like to focus on all of them, but one that is near and dear to my heart would be increasing activity from our seniors to our youth and young adults. Have time teaching more about our past and making sure our true culture is never forgotten.
What is your favorite food?
Ah, im a big guy so its hard to limit to just one but i will have to say a good old steak and baked potato is hard to pass up.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
It's time to set the bar my fellow citizens. We have been neglected and muted for far to long. There is not one of us that makes the catawba nation but all of us. It's time to build some financial freedom. It's time to maximize our finacials from all points from grants, to public events, gaming, ect ect. We need to stand together and make some changes. From a popularity stand point a lot of you may not know me, and that's ok, I'm an open book and willing to talk with anyone of you. I ask you to vote this time not off of who you know but who is the best fit and is willing to get the changes, be transparent and do the best job for you. I ask you to give me a chance and I will prove to you I will do a great job.