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About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 1, 2000)
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To the editor: It goes on and on and on... My people, Me again, with just a few little tidbits for you, things that our “present” Council doesn’t deem to let you know. In answer to Wanda Milton’s letter slamming the “last Council,” the only “hole” we were ever in was the casino costs. We never had any money to do anything with. Our efforts to make the people responsible for reporting program and administration costs were never answered. And isn’t it odd that only days after the illegal recall, money started pouring in from everywhere. And Wanda, ask your “present” Council about the resolution they passed 9-0 to take $100,000 per month out of our timber investments for “administration” costs. This is on top of the casino money. Speaking of casino funds, why is the money that was allocated ($1,600,000) in 1999 to the five branches of our tribal government still sitting in special bank accounts? I know our education program sure could use those funds. I see the tribal elders voted to not help our southern relatives in Rogue River. Funny, none of the elders remember that vote. But the Tribal Council decided not to help them get recognized. Did we not have help from other tribes when we started our restoration efforts? Interesting how the Tribal Council is trying to pass a constitutional change that would let the Tribal Court overturn any legislative or administrative decision. Didn’t they already allow the court to do that with the appointment of five Council members? By allowing the Court to issue a “declaratory judgement,” sounds impressive but it certainly did not legally allow what happened. In closing, look for the “Commotion at the Ocean” boxing program to lose money for the tribe big time. Not that the figures will ever be disclosed. Don’t forget to get your registration cards updated and be sure to vote! Thank you, I remain C.W. Case, Sr. 2 To the editor: In regards to the elections and incoming ballots... The old ballot box that was used for years became unusable so the Council decided to store them in a fireproof safe. Only the election director had access to the safe. He is not a tribal member and has a spotless reputation. Why worry about the ballots now? A few years ago, they were freely passed out to certain people by the then- Election Board. Some of them were your friends and perhaps relatives, Ms. Peterson. The ballots are opened and counted in public. You have been there so know the process. No one else has complained. The mess this tribe got into is pretty well squared away now by the present Tribal Council. You and the others who were recalled should hide your heads in shame. Time sheets were jacked up, expensive lawyers were hired, competent employees were fired, plus many other infractions occurred, but the tribe is recovering and moving ahead for the good of all and our families. Dan Fisher To the editor: Thank you to Chinook Winds, Siletz Tribal Charitable Donations Committee, Chinook Winds Casino and Convention Center, an enterprise of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon. On Dec. 4, 1999, I received $1,200 from the committee to be used for elders and children for each area office Christmas party. Three hundred dollars is for the elders and $100 is for gifts for tribal youth. A special thank you to the committee for remembering our elders and children. Your donation makes it possible for us to provide the parties. Also, a special thank you to all the individuals who work so hard to plan the gatherings for us at Christmas. I know the planning and time you put into it. We appreciate your thoughtfulness. Yours very truly, Shirley B. Walker LETTERS, DEADLINES AND SUBSCRIPTIONS All letters received will be printed except those that are slanderous or racist. Please type or write legibly. No profane language will be printed. The Siletz News and tribal government accept no responsibility for statements made in these letters. The opinions expressed are those of the individuals writing them. Letters of excessive length may be edited for length as approved by Tribal Council Resolution #96-142. All letters must include your name, address, phone number, and signature. Send letters to: Siletz News P.O. Box 549 Siletz, OR 97380 541-444-8291 1-800-922-1399, ext. 291 Fax: 541-444-2307 e-mail: pias@ctsi.nsn.us Please note: The general manager of the Siletz Tribe is the editor- in-chief of Siletz News. Editor-in-Chief: Brenda Bremner Editor: Diane Rodriquez Deadline for the February newsletter is Jan. 10. Photos are encouraged. Everyone loves to see photos of events, tribal members, and especially babies. Don’t forget those birthday or anniversary wishes for loved ones. The newsletter is free to enrolled Siletz Tribal members. For all others, a' $12 annual subscription fee applies. Fill out this form and mail it with $12 (make check payable to Confederated Tribes of Siletz) to Siletz News. Name:___________ _ _________ _____ Address:__________________________ Phone: (____ )__________________ __ Change of address on your newsletter: Tribal members call Lisa Norton, enrollment clerk, at 541-444-8258; all others, call the newsletter office at 541-444-8291 and leave your new address with the editor.
