Siletz news /, January 01, 2000, Page 6, Image 6

CANDIDATES’ STATEMENTS
Tribal Members
•
Keith Taylor
My name is Bensell Breon. I served on the Council
Member of the
from 1991 until 1997, during which time the Health Clinic was
Confederated
opened and expanded, we built and opened a new
Tribes of Siletz
Administration Building, built more Tribal Housing and built
Indians
and opened Chinook Winds in Lincoln City. The Government
of Oregon
to Government agreement signed with the state in 1996 is
Candidate For
now beneficial to our tribe. Tribal Court has expanded and is
Tribal Council
getting more money in the budget. The Tribal Cop is now a
Year 2000 And
reality, Tribal Members can now get assistance in starting their
Beyond
j own business, the water agreement with the city provides
water for the Tribe and land purchases such as the Dickenson
property are providing more Tribal Housing.
We have achieved a lot of progress in the 22-year
I have for the past twenty years, demonstrated a
rebirth of our Tribe. We still need to look at improving Health
commitment to the “people” of our tribe through my involvement
Care, Schooling and Job Training Opportunities for Tribal
in council meetings, volunteer participation in pow-wow
Members, Helping Tribal Members and the Tribe start a
committee(s), the tribal law enforcement ad hoc committee
successful business to prepare for when gambling runs out,
and tribal court.
securing more land, getting our hatchery operating and in
particular protecting Tribal Sovereignty at all levels.
One thing of special importance is seeing that Tribal
Members and our children learn our culture and language.
I have been an advocate of fair treatment and equal
opportunity for members of our tribe as well as those employed
with the tribe. I have always tried to stand up for the “people,”
to ensure we are free to live, as we will, in harmony.
In my opinion, Tribal Government does not owe me a
We have made significant progress, since restoration
living. What Tribal Government must do is set up opportunities
and I believe that we can continue to move forward to ensure
and programs that help us, the Tribal Members, improve our
a stable future for our children’s children and beyond.
own lives, so that we do not endure extreme hardship
and suffering.
I am a descendant of Chief George Harney and the
son of Ms. Aggie (Baker) Pilgrim. I firmly believe we must
A little about myself for those of you who do not know
incorporate the wisdom of elders to maintain our link to our
me. I have been a logger, an Oregon School Teacher, a ranch
past and we must invest in our children to provide the bridge
hand and range rider, and for the past 20 years my wife and I
to our future.
have owned our own ranch.
My training and experiences and my business
Your support for my candidacy as a member of the
Tribal Council is requested, in the year 2000 and beyond.
knowledge will help me again successfully serve my tribe if I
With Respect,
am elected. The most important thing of all is that Tribal
Keith Taylor
members vote for someone.
Thank you,
Bensell Breon
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