Mary Kim Titla to run for Arizona Congress

By John Christian Hopkins
Diné Bureau

Mary Kim Titla

SAN CARLOS, Ariz. — Mary Kim Titla, Former journalist and founder of Native Youth Magazine Online, has some news of her own: she has decided to seek the seat in Arizona's 1st Congressional District.

"After much soul searching and prayer, and after being encouraged by voters, I am humbled and honored to inform you I have decided to run for Congress for Arizona's First Congressional District," Titla said.

She is working on a website now, and will soon make an official announcement.

Hear the People
The district needs a change, she said.

"I am ready to be a real voice for the people, and although I am a conservative Democrat, I intend to reach out and better serve all citizens of District 1no matter what party they belong to," Titla said. "I want to hear from the people, so I will initiate a 'Hear The People Tour' when I make my official announcement. I'm listening carefully now."

Born and raised on the San Carlos Apache Reservation in southeastern Arizona, Titla was nearly given away for adoption by her young unmarried parents. Her father, Phillip, only 16 at the time of her birth, lived in a two-room house with no plumbing or electricity. Her parents eventually married and had five more children. Phillip is now a master wood carver and high school teacher; her mother, Charlotte, is a retired social worker.

Until the age of 8, the family lived with Titla's father's parents in the small community of Bylas. They were poor, but Titla said she did not know it until she went to public school. Her father built a family house in San Carlos, and the family finally managed to get indoor plumbing when Titla was in high school.

Titla became active in public affairs while still in school; she served in the student government. She found time to indulge a wide range of interests: Titla worked on the yearbook staff, took part in cheerleading and choir and played volleyball, basketball and softball.

UNITY
While still in high school, she became active with United National Indian Tribal Youth UNITY which is a non-profit organization that promotes youth leadership, community service and good citizenship. Titla spent countless hours volunteering for the organization and in her community; her volunteer service made her the first young Native American to earn the Congressional Award (Gold). The U.S. Congress uses the program to recognize excellence in initiative, achievement and service among young people.

Titla has been an outspoken advocate for children and youth for two decades, and will continue her efforts in Congress, she said.

"I will speak out about quality education for our children and strengthening families," she said.

She hopes her campaign will spark student activism and encourage students to get involved in the political process by volunteering and registering to vote.

The Iraq War also concerns Titla, and she would like to see a plan developed to bring American soldiers back home.

"Other issues I care about cleaning up the corruption in Washington, and making sure your tax dollars are spent wisely," she added.

Her journalism career began while attending Eastern Arizona College in Thatcher, where she worked at the newspaper among her other activities.

Active in the Intertribal Club, Titla was crowned Miss Indian Eastern Arizona College.

Journalism degree
She later transferred to the University of Oklahoma and graduated with a journalism degree. While she was a student, Titla won the title of Miss National Congress of American Indians.

While at OU, Mary Kim met her future husband, John Mosley of the Assiniboine/Paiute tribes. They married in August 1985, and a few months later Titla graduated from Arizona State University with a Master in Mass Communication Degree.

Desperate for a job because her husband had been laid off, Titla was hired as a newsroom receptionist at KTVK-TV in Phoenix. She planned on becoming a print journalist but, there were no job openings in print in the Phoenix area, where the family made its home.

Within two years, Mary Kim worked her way up the trenches to become a production assistant and, in 1987, Titla became the first Native American TV reporter in Arizona when KVOA-TV in Tucson hired her. She worked at KVOA for 6 years, until KPNX-TV hired her away in 1993. She worked there until resigning in late 2005 to publish Native Youth Magazine online.

Over the years, she has earned numerous awards for her TV news reporting and for the E-zine she created. She was recently inducted into the Walter Cronkite Hall of Fame at Arizona State University.

"As a journalist I learned so much about the people of Arizona and their communities. I spoke to them face to face. I was there when good things happened and when tragedy struck," Titla said. "I covered politics and the issues that surface during campaigns. I did my research on the candidates and their platforms. I was passionate about my job. I am now passionate about my journey into politics. I will continue to talk to residents face to face and I will continue to do my research on the issues. Residents already know I am a sound and trustworthy journalist. I will carry those qualities with me as a politician."

To read more about Mary Kim Titla go to http://www.nativeyouthmagazine.com

(John Christian Hopkins can be reached at hopkins1960@hotmail.com or by calling 505-371-5443.)