The flight logs date from 1999 to present, and include record of the multiple flights taken by Councilor Bill John Baker in addition to the plane’s use by Chief Smith and others.
In responding to Councilor Baker’s challenge, Chief Smith hand-delivered the flight logs to Baker, noting that Baker could have accessed the logs months ago pursuant to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act. The flight logs are public record, and can be accessed by any interested party.
“Councilor Baker’s negative attacks are nothing more than Washington D.C. style ‘gotcha’ politics,” said Chief Smith. “Mr. Baker is a classic negative campaigner, and I don’t believe this is the kind of debate the Cherokee people want to have. I think Cherokee Nation voters want to hear an honest discussion about the important issues facing our people. Mr. Baker’s attempt to distract from my proven record of creating 5,000 jobs and growing our health care budget from $18 million to $288 million simply won’t fly. I look forward to a healthy discussion on the important issues.”
*flight logs show Bill John Baker flew on CNB's plane 04/25/08 and 07/27/08
