The Mississippi Free Press sent the following questionnaire to Choctaw Tribal Council candidate Betty Allen, who is running to represent the Standing Pine Community in Leake County.
We present her responses with no edits. Other candidates can respond to our questionnaire at this link.
Which schools have you attended and which degrees have you earned?
Neshoba Central High School (Diploma) & East Central Community College (Applied Science Degree)
What previous work experience/knowledge/skills will you bring to the Tribal Council?
Casino experience: various departments and positions; Self-Employed: Retail shop & travel sales; Choctaw Legal Defense: Receptionist/Lay Advocate.
What are the most common issues you hear about from constituents in your community? Are they similar, Reservation-wide, or specific to your community?
Housing issues, Food, gas & mercantile prices too high, too low of wages, complaints of the current Councilman/woman.
What do you believe is the state of education within the Choctaw Tribal Schools? Can you name some highlights? Have the parents told you of any room for improvement within the tribal school system and the Tribal Scholarship Program?
The Tribal school needs more college readiness. Their academic program doesn’t meet the college levels.
There is always room for improvement in every department. It seems Tribal Scholarship may need more advisors. Each advisor seems to be overloaded.
What do you believe is the state of health care on the reservation? This question can be applied to the Choctaw Health Center, its referring clinics/hospitals, the Choctaw Residential Center, or elderly assistance. Can you name any highlights with any of the named programs? Do you know of any room for improvement?
The hospital has come a long way from years ago. I would say patients are more comfortable seeing a Nurse Practitioner than a doctor. The Practitioners are more caring, approachable and willing to listen to the patients.
The outlying clinics seem to be ‘better’ for the patients than the Health Center. I think mainly because you never know ‘who’ you will be seen by upon checking in. Clinics, you see ‘one’ person.
What are your views on the casino industry? Should the tribe expand the resort further or explore other business opportunities?
Honestly, we need to better care for what we have. But, also explore other business opportunities.
Are you closely watching the current Trump administration and some of the actions or language toward Indian Country? As a Tribal Council member of just this one tribe, what are some ways you can protect MBCI’s sovereignty?
Yes, I have seen and heard some. We need to educate our Tribal Members to understand the State and Federal Governments. Many of them do not utilize their civil rights to vote. Without their votes, we don’t have a voice. As Native Americans, all tribes may have to come together and ‘stand’ and ‘fight’ for what is rightfully ours, without being stripped, again. Lots of talks and negotiations are needed.
Choctaw voters, including those registered who do not live on reservation lands in Mississippi, will also be facing a vote on the marijuana referendum on June 10, 2025. What are your views on this issue? If you are an incumbent, what are some ways, in your opinion, the Tribal Council would, or should, regulate marijuana on MBCI lands should the tribal members approve of this measure?
We have to protect our people. I do not see ‘decriminalizing’ marijuana. People are going to push limits, regardless. It’s one more problem that we DO NOT need.
Share any other comments you’d like to make to the Choctaw electorate.
If elected to Tribal Council, I will work with due diligence, dedication, honesty and transparency for the people in my community, as well as all people of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. Yakoki! (Thank you)
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