Siletz news /, January 01, 2001, Page 11, Image 11

CANDIDATES’ STATEMENTS
Dear Tribal Members:
My name is Lori Higgins and
I am running for a position on our
Tribal Council (TC). I am a
member as you. I have got to do
something to stir the kettle and
unite us as a stronger tribe. I have
Salem, Siletz, Eugene, and other
always been,’’ I fear we will not be
areas warranted) and to include
more members. Each of these
meetings should be lead by a
different TC member, not all nine,
for each quarter. This would allow
a unified or functioning tribe for
long. Already I see us tearing up
each other. We have come a long
way in history and fought many
been reviewing the information that
more members access to participate
and not feel intimidated to talk
battles to reclaim our name as
a tribe. Why is it we persecute
each other?
we receive as tribal members. The
about their concerns or ideas.
My campaign is simple. I am
happenings in our tribe disturb me
Think about it, less than 10 percent
realistic. I know change does not
and that is my motivation to run for
of our tribe goes to meetings and
happen overnight and there are
a seat on our TC. I believe for our
they seem to be non-productive.
eight other TC members I will have
tribe to exist and grow, we need to
Receiving agenda items from you
to work with. But, if I were to be
change our way of thinking and the
before the quarterly meeting will
way we do business.
help with answers. I read the
elected, our tribal welfare is a
priority to me.
The tribe is in financial strain.
Wasteful spending of tribal dollars
minutes. To me, the meetings where
•
Establish goals and plans
concerns and questions are brought
•
Accountability
and
responsibility to our tribe
cuff. Let’s make the TC be prepared
•
with handouts, data, and answers
before the meeting starts. This
Involve all members in choices
affecting all of us
•
Prioritize funding
means the TC will have to study.
Some of the agenda items take time
•
Information, information,
information
to research- Itnqppears to cause
confusion and animosity to answer
•
Expectations from members
needs to stop. Many basic
programs, such as health care, elder
care, and other programs to sustain
or improve the livelihood of our
members, are being cut back and
unavailable to those in need of these
resources. This says to me
something is wrong. So, let us take
a look at revamping the financial
plan and the accountability of the
funds. All financial information
up and then the TC answers off the
(let’s be a tribe and work
together for the good of
each other)
must be available and explained to
off the cuff, three months later at
the next meeting, or never give
a clear answer at all. (Of course
it does.)
all of us members. Allowance
As a tribal member, we must
spending and cost effectiveness
should be a priority. The TC needs
to start this process.
not become dormant. If we allow
things to stay the way they are
and respect, it should not be a
surprise if we do not get it.
Thank you for your
because “that is the way it has
consideration,
Tribal Council members work
for us and must hold accountability
to us. Our input and ideas need
addressing. I propose more meeting
availability. My job prevents me to
attend Saturday meetings in Siletz.
I cannot be the only person this
affects. All of our voices need open
ears to listen to what we need and
want for our tribe. General Council
meetings are to get clear
information. They are to discuss
plans and goals, problems and
concerns, and for coming together
as a tribe and family.
My proposal shall be this: to
gather in a different city (Portland,
We’re responsible for each
other. If we don’t demand fairness
Lori Higgins
If you choose
to vote
absentee,
■ ■ ' ”
remember
that you need
to mail in
your ballot so
it arrives by
Feb. 3,2001.
■f-