Paul Jeffers-Mayhew
Candidate for Council At-Large

Dear Tribal Community,
 

 I am honored to announce my candidacy for the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribal Council at Large position. Having spent most of my life on Martha’s Vineyard and in Aquinnah, I am deeply connected to our native homeland. My time away from home was dedicated to enriching my knowledge, culminating in my graduation from the University of Massachusetts Boston with honors in Criminal Justice and Political Science, focusing on public policy.

Currently, I work in social services for our administration, where I am witnessing the pressing needs of our community. I believe that my skills and experiences can be best utilized through service on the Tribal Council.

Some urgent issues I aim to tackle include:
1. Updating Policies: Revitalizing outdated policies is crucial for our community’s progress. I have already worked on improving programs such as childcare and emergency assistance, and I am committed to continued advocacy for the needs of our members.
2. Recruitment of Qualified Members: I will prioritize attracting talented and qualified tribal members for key administrative roles to ensure our leadership reflects our community’s strengths.
3. Strengthening Relationships: Collaborating with the Town of Aquinnah and other communities such as the City of New Bedford is essential for expanding our service network. By rebuilding these relationships, we can create new revenue streams and reduce dependency on government funding, fostering economic independence through initiatives like more tribal housing and a tribally operated daycare.

I am dedicated to serving with integrity and transparency and invite your support in this journey. I will hold office hours after 4 PM for in-person discussions, and you can reach me at PHJM1209@gmail.com for any concerns. Together, we can shape a brighter future for our Tribe.

Thank you!