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About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (March 1, 2001)
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR/TRIBAL PROGRAM NEWS To the editor: Hello, it’s good to be writing again. The power of the pen can wield a mighty blow and one should respect that power. I try to look at every bend in the road not as a vacant comer, but a curve of opportunity with limitless possibilities. Opportunities are around every corner. Opportunities to better self. This strengthens family, adds to the community, and flows beyond. Watching a flower grow while lovingly watering it, waiting for its radiant colors is a nurturing thing, a family thing, and a community thing. Possibilities are a stone’s throw away. Flat rocks skipped across a pond create ripples that intrigue, mesmerize. A sense of power. The possibilities, only the horizons within your mind. Opportunities, possibilities are like falling stars. The twinkle, a breath away. We need to reach out, grab a handful, and hang on. If you’re serious enough, challenged enough, you’re in for a ride. Eva E. Clayton To the editor: I would like to thank everyone who supported me in the election. Although there were lies spread about me, I had corroborating evidence to prove they were all false. In spite of the untruthful accusations and personal attacks, you believed in me, and for that I am truly grateful I do wish to publicly congratulate Lillie Butler for her successful campaign. Now, I believe there are two Council members who put the needs of the membership above their own. At this point in my life, I’m going to concentrate on some personal issues that I have put on hold. Because of your encouragement, though, I will continue to point out any injustice or inequity within our tribe. It is my belief that each and every tribal member has the right to question Tribal Council actions, even though my questions have never been answered. For example, the “editor’s note” in last month’s paper disputed the $2,000,000 spent by Tribal Council, information gained from tribal documents. Nonetheless, there were no actual figures given, why? And, if the loans were included in the budgets, how was the additional $1,404,000 paid by the casino in government fees spent? If you will recall, Craig Dorsay denied a letter that I had submitted to the editor. Since then, all I have done is ask questions so that my letters would be printed. Other unanswered questions are: How much did it actually cost (and I estimate approximately $10,000) for five Tribal Council members to attend the Inaugural Ball, including the table at $2,000; dinner tickets at $100 each, and hotel rooms at more than $200 a night? 2) Why were the 1998 and 1999 net revenues for health and education of almost $800,000 moved to an “expendable” account rather than being spent to meet the needs of our members? Remember that our Contract Health care benefits were virtually stopped in October; these funds were moved in September (Resolutions 2000-300 and 2000-301). 3) How much is it costing our tribe to fight the National Indian Gaming Commission? Are gaming net revenues being used to pay the attorneys? And, will we ever see the actual comps at issue? 1) As a tribal member, ask yourself if our tribe has contributed to a better way of life for you personally, especially since the opening of our casino. I’m sure the vast majority of you will say no. It doesn’t have to be this way. Contact the Tribal Council and request that they curtail their spending in favor of increased services and benefits to the membership. Sincerely, Pat Duncan 4 □ Siletz News □ March 2001 To the editor: A special thanks to the quick response team at Chinook Winds Casino. You were there immediately when needed recently. We are sincerely grateful for your actions. From the Siletz Tribal Elders Women’s Transitional Living Center We need you! If you are a clean and sober woman with a sympathetic ear and caring personality, we need you at our TLC. If you could spend a night at the facility, just one night a month, you are a hero. If you would like to be a volunteer, please contact Joyce Retherford, TLC coordinator, at 541-444-8238 or 1-800-600-5599. Become part of the solution. Little Creek Apartments $$$$$$Save$$$$$$ Newport’s finest apartment community offers a $50 discount on all two-bedroom apartments to tribal members and employees of Chinook Winds Casino and the tribe. We also have three-bedroom/two-bath apartments available. Call Little Creek Apartments at 541-265-2663 or stop by 365 NE 36th St., Newport. USDA Food Distribution Siletz Warehouse Proposals Due for Royalty Crowns The Pow-Wow Committee is now accepting proposals for the 2001- 2002 royalty crowns. The crowns are for Miss Siletz, Jr. Miss Siletz, and Little Miss Siletz. All proposals must include a proposed design, size, and cost. You may submit a proposal for as many crowns as you would like. Send your proposal(s) to the committee by March 30,2001, at the following address: Siletz Pow-Wow Committee P.O. Box 549 Siletz, OR 97380 If you have any questions, contact Craig Whitehead, pow-wow coordinator, at 1-800-922-1399, ext. 230, or 541-444-8230. Monday, March 12 Tuesday, March 13 Wednesday, March 14 Thursday, March 15 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Salem Warehouse Monday, March 19 Tuesday, March 20 Wednesday, March 21 3:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 9 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. 9a.m.-5 p.m. USDA will distribute to clients on days that are not listed above if you call in advance. We will not be able to distribute on some days due to administrative duties and we will not be able to distribute after 3 p.m. at the Siletz warehouse. Thank you for allowing us to serve you. You may call us in Siletz at 1-800-922-1399, ext. 279, or 541-444-8279, or at the Salem warehouse at 503-391-5760.
