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About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 1, 2000)
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR/TRIBAL PROGRAM NEWS To the editor: Another election has come and gone, and the bungling and disregard of the election ordinance continues, like tribal employees assisting in mailing the ballots. I thought that was the job of the Election Board. There was no notification or explanation to the members as required by the tribal election procedures. Four hundred twenty-seven tribal members overwhelmingly voted “No” to fringe benefits for the Tribal Council, with only 128 voting to approve it. On Aug. 5, during the General Council meeting, when asked by a tribal L to r: Matt Baker, John Lenssen (Oregon Department of Education Violence Prevention Specialist), Jimmy Williams, and Lisa Brown. member about the “No” vote on fringe benefits, Bonnie Petersen stated, “We’re Youth Conferences Scheduled keeping the 401(k) because the IRS approved it.” What? Then why were we asked to vote? Because their tribal attorney, at a Jan. 14, 2000, meeting, informed Tribal Council members of the unconstitutionality Oregon Team Leadership Prevention Institute Adventures (Camp) Dates: High School - Sept. 23-26; Middle School - Sept. 28-30 For more information, call OSSUM at 1-800-678-7956 or Lisa Brown at 1 -800-922-1399, ext (B33, or 544-444-8333. of receiving fringe benefits without the Halloween Party approval of General Council, as they had Date: Oct. 28 This is an alcohol-, tobacco-, and other drug (ATOD)-f ree event. People suspected of being under the influence of ATOD will not be allowed. Once you are in the door, you stay - no leaving the dance. Food, beverages, and games, plus a DJ with karaoke sessions. First thru fifth prizes for adult karaoke; first through third prizes for youth karaoke, plus best costume prizes. Volunteers are needed. Contact Lisa Brown at 541-444-8238. been receiving 401(k)’s for a number of years from the tribe. And furthermore, since when does the IRS displace the electoral power of the General Council? Apparently, Bonnie Petersen and other Tribal Council members believe the authority of the IRS supersedes the constitutional authority of the Siletz General Council - voting members of the tribe. ATOD Prevention Conference Youth involved in leadership roles are encouraged to attend. Date: Nov. 3-6 For more information, call 1-800-822-6772 or 503-945-5763, or Lisa Brown at 1 -800-922-1399, ext 333, or 541 -444-8333. Their attorney said the General Council must decide - so General Council voted on Girls Summit it and said “No”! This is now a Siletz law: Adults working with young women (age 9 to 20) Date: Nov. 8 Location: Portland Girls Conference: Same date and location For more information, contact Jill Dale, Lincoln Commission on Children Families, at 541-265-4114. “Salaries for Tribal Council members do not include fringe benefits.” Yet Bonnie Petersen disagrees. I don’t think so! Her decision to ignore the vote of tribal members demonstrates absolute contempt. We deserve better treatment. Tribal Council must abide by the vote of the members or resign. Denise Peterson 6 Oregon Peacemakers 2000 Youth Conference Date: Nov. 14 Location: Portland, Springfield, La Grande For more information, contact 503-988-5610 1 -800-922-1399, ext 333, or 541 -444-8333. or Lisa Brown at
