1112 Sky View Drive
Muskogee, OK 74403
(918) 683-1118
E-Mail: dgarvin@cherokee.org
Don Garvin, 1112 Sky View Drive, Muskogee, Oklahoma 74403. I am 13/16 degree of Cherokee and the grandson of Sarah Benge and Ben Garvin. Married in 1959 to Jo Elaine Williamson. Our one daughter Jill is married to John Tipton. We have two granddaughters, Jennifer and Jessica. I grew up on a farm/ranch and attended Central High School, near Sallisaw. I attended Connors and then received my B.S. degree from Oklahoma State University. My masters degree was from Southeastern State University. Also, I completed in the U.S. Infantry Officers training school at Ft. Benning, Georgia. I served in the U.S. Infantry with the rank of 1st Lt. and the U.S. Air Force Reserves with the rank of Captain. I was a mathematics teacher and basketball coach at Alice Robertson Jr. High and a teacher at Sequoyah High School for 7 ½ years. I have been in the Real Estate business and a Home Building Contractor for many years. I am a Deacon at Central Baptist Church in Muskogee and a member of the Oklahoma Education Association and the Oklahoma Coaches Association.
What are your qualifications for this position
I grew up during the depression days on a farm. We had no running water, we had no electricity, no carpet on the floor. We were poor but didn't know it. I have three sisters and one brother. I worked three jobs at O.S.U. and worked my way through College, with the help of my parents. I have had over 25 years of experience in the Real Estate business and as a Home Building Contractor.
What is the role of tribal council in general and in relation to other tribal branches
The most important role of a council member is to represent his/her district. Each Representative must be always on the alert to see that a fair share of the resources go to their district. District four needs to build a new Health Clinic in a central location. The role of the council is an extremely crucial one. They need to represent the Cherokees in a dignified and respectful manner. I believe all things should be done decently and in order. Council members should have character, integrity, respect, and experience.
Why do you believe you can make a difference and what is your top priorities
The Cherokee need someone to serve on the Council that can sit down and talk out the problems that are facing the tribe. I will be a hard worker for the Cherokees. I have the experience and educational training to help lead the Cherokee Nation into the 21st century. My top priorities are (1) education for our youth (2) health clinic in district four (3) a smooth running government (4) Cherokee Nation car tags.
What are the biggest problems facing the Cherokees and the solution(s) you propose
The biggest problem facing the Cherokee people is jobs, education, and health care. We need to bring in more industry to the Cherokee Nation area. We need to train our people for better jobs and better paying jobs. We need to make Sequoyah High School a World-Class High School. We need to expand our Home Health Care Plan. I am retired and have the time and concern to make a difference. I need your support and prayers for the work ahead. I think the Cherokees are number one and deserve the very best.
During the 1999 Elections, a candidate questionnaire was given to the
candidates addressing the following questions:
- What are your qualifications for this position
- What is the role of tribal council, in general and in relation to other
tribal branches of government
- Why do you believe you can make a difference and what are the top
priorities of your campaign platform
- What are the biggest problems facing the Cherokee people today and what
solution(s) do you propose
To see the responses to those questions, please follow this link:
http://www.cherokee.org/TribalGovernment/Elections99Page.asp?ID=e99election