IRVING — Harold “Beaver” Parker, a business owner and member of the Seneca Nation has announced his independent candidacy for the Seneca Nation Council. Noting his campaign as focused on helping the people, Parker outlined his three-point platform.

“First, I believe in the customs and traditions of our nation,” Parker said. “Particularly the responsibility of taking care of our elders, which today is not being done as they are aging out and having to leave our territory for long term care. We need to establish our own senior facilities to ensure their well-being. Second, our young people need to be better educated about money and finances, so they can take care of themselves in the future. We need to create and support programs that will teach them ways to afford health care and set up retirement funds. Third, we need to create economic development for our people outside of casinos, focusing on providing jobs more than putting up big buildings. As a successful, independent businessman, I have the experience and the know-how to initiate and develop these programs, which is why I am running for the council.”

Parker is the owner of Seneca Billboards, a successful Western New York advertising company. This is his first time running for a seat on the sixteen-person council, half of which are up for re-election and half still serving a two-year term. Parker acknowledges the uphill battle of his unendorsed candidacy.

“If I can reach enough voters to get people behind me, then I truly believe I can be elected,” Parker said. “I will work for the people and stand for those who elect me. Then it will be up to me to find ways to work with my fellow council members to make change. The good news is that a number of the current council members are young and open-minded. With a little bit of talking, I know we can work together to create a good economy and community for our people.”

ABOUT HAROLD “BEAVER” PARKER

Harold Parker is a Seneca Nation Native American and independent business man / owner of Seneca Billboards. Harold was born and raised in Buffalo until the age of three when his parents moved their family to Seneca Nation land in Erie County. From there Harold attended Silver Creek Grade School, Lake Shore High School in Angola and studied engineering at Jamestown Community College. He also attended trade school in San Diego where he learned the craft of plumbing.