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About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 1, 2001)
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To the editor: After reading the chairman’s report last month, I am concerned about the omission of several actions of the tribe. First, the omission of the Constitution election results. Thanks to Thomas Siniscal, who reported the election results in his letter to the editor. The chairman’s report should inform us of the results in light of the fact that the proposed amendments were conceived and advocated by Tribal Council in the first place. It is true that only 335 participated in the election that failed the proposed amendments; however, if they had passed, it could have been worse. Then as few as two Tribal Council members could have decided important issues for the tribe. Another omission from the chairman’s report was the Siletz Tribe’s suit against Weyerhaeuser. During the Jan. 6 Candidates’ Fair in Salem, Candidate Delores Pigsley reported that everything happened so fast that there was no notice, even though she drove to Portland to participate in a non tribal media blitz. Another candidate reported that tribal employees were notified on Dec. 20. To date, no notice has been given to tribal members and we have no idea why we are suing Weyerhaeuser. Not giving notice is neglectful of the Tribal Council in consideration of all those tribal members who are employed by Weyerhaeuser-owned companies. Because of Pigsley's focus on national elections and Florida, another omission from the chairman’s report was the importance of impeccable election procedures. In my opinion, to protect the rights of tribal member voters, the poll book must be open to inspection as in every other voting district. If we vote is public, how we vote is done in secret. The ballots should be printed on non- reproducible paper. The mail-in ballots should not be separated from their signature envelopes and handled before the day of counting the ballots. I appreciate reading the chairman’s reports. My concern here is the need for more complete and timely information. I urge Tribal Council to inform tribal members of pertinent information by way of this newsletter and other direct mailings more frequently with actual facts and figures. For instance, what are your plans for the next month, for the next year, where are you traveling to and why, what vote did you cast for the entire tribe at what national meetings, what economic development projects are you promoting, are there any more cuts to services coming up, or are there any services becoming available, how many more lawyers have you hired? Give us the legal impact reports on things like the Weyerhaeuser suit and the NIGC suit. Are we really paying for five Tribal Council members traveling to the Presidential Inauguration and parties, etc? To the editor: I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the ones who made it possible for the Housing Christmas Party, Community Christmas Program, and the Christmas Tree Program for the children. Even though the boys didn’t get what they requested, the efforts are appreciated and I hope they will not have to participate in future years. Christmas is a special time for me and I am thankful for all the efforts. Sincerely, Charlotte R. Noble Sincerely, Cynthia Viles To the editor: To all our relatives and new friends of Siletz, we give our heartfelt thanks for all your help with Richard Graham’s funeral services. Thank you, Carolyn, for being such a good caregiver. Thank you to Beth and Debbie from hospice. Thanks to the elders of the tribe and everyone who prepared dinner for us. Thank you, Kathy Stewart, for your last-minute help playing the piano. Holidays are a hard time to lose a loved one, but with support, it blesses the family and friends. God Bless and Happy New Year. Sincerely, Andrew, Nate Jr., Nora, and Karen Huffman, Dorothy (Cookie) Graham, the Mickelsen Clan (Ron, Debbie, and Johnny) P.S. This is wishing my sister, Karen, a happy birthday on Jan. 16. LETTERS, DEADLINES AND SUBSCRIPTIONS Siletz News, a publication of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon, is published once a month. Our editorial policy encourages input from readers about stories printed in Siletz News and other tribal issues. All letters must include the author’s signature, address, and phone number in order to be considered for publication. Siletz News reserves the right to edit any letter for clarity and length, and to refuse publication of any letter or any part of a letter that may contain profane language, libelous statements, or unsubstantiated statements. Not all letters are guaranteed publication upon submission. Published letters do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Siletz News, tribal employees, or Tribal Council. Please type or write legibly. Letters longer than 450 words may be edited for length as approved by Tribal Council Resolution #96-142. 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 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:_______________________ e-mail: pias@ctsi.nsn.us Phone:( 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 March issue is Feb. 9. 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. )___________________ Change of address: 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.
