Smoke Signals July 1990 Page 6
1990 Tribal Council Candidates
Larry Brandon
My fellow tribal members,
I want to share with you my thoughts, ideas and
concerns about our tribal directions and goals. In doing
so I have been active and involved in our tribal affairs
and I am prepared and well informed of key issues that
are important for all of our well-being I have obligated
my time to participate as vice-chair of the timber
committee, secretary of the health and human services
committee and I also volunteer as wrestling coach for
the Willamina Jr. High School. In addition I have
attended the majority of the tribal council meetings
throughout these past two years. I have also established
myself in a small business venture and I have lots of
background in the timber industry. So that I have a well
rounded foundation for decision making and leadership.
You ask what can I offer as a Tribal Councilman?
1. I will present issues that you present to mc before the
Tribal Council.
2. I will continue to address the health care issues of the
Tribe and seek avenues of health services for our
membership who reside outside of the 6 county service
area.
3. Housing development in Grand Ronde will remain a
high priority.
4. I will continue to advocate for the needs of our youth.
In fulfilling these goals I invite you to talk or write to me
at the following address:
(503) 876-3550 or P.O. Box 112, Willamina, Oregon,
973.
I look forward to hearing from you and I appreciate
your vote. Thank you.
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11
Larry Brandon
Wilmadene Butler
Hello, my name is Wilmadene Butler and most of the
people that know me call me Tuff. My parents are
Andrew and Amanda Riggs and my grandparents are
the late Solomon and Jane Riggs.
I grew up in Grand Ronde and attended school there.
Then in November 11, 1954 1 married James Butler and
have been married to him for 35 years, we have one
daughter named Cindy. We now live in Monmouth,
Oregon where we have lived for the past five years.
I have served on the Pow Wow Committee for the past
3 years, worked with the Fish and Wildlife Department
when it is time to distribute fish, I was also the Secretary
for the Cemetery Committee and was appointed to the
Tribal Council in August, 1989.
When I have spare time, I enjoy crocheting, embroi
dery and painting.
I believe that the Council's main goals are to get
housing for the Elders, provide necessary things for our
Tribal youth and hopefully, someday in the near future
have jobs for all our Tribal members.
Eugene LaBonte
Eugene LaBonte
Dear Fellow Tribal Members and Friends:
My name is Eugene LaBonte. My parents were the
late Alexander Bus and Edna K. LaBonte. I was born
and raised in the Grand Ronde area.
My work experience is concentrated mainly in the
automotive field. I owned and operated two body and
fender shops in the Eugene and Springfield area. I also
owned and operated a trucking company in the eleven
Western States 1:
I have represented you in the past on the Tribal
Council. I enjoyed this time on the Council, and I
gained much experience in the area of Tribal Govern- .
ment. In addition to attending regular Council meet-
ings, I also participated in workshop's dealing with thc
Tribal Corporation and the Tribal Court. I .am currently
a member of the Timber Committee. ' :'i '
I believe in order to attain the self-suffiticncy and
economic status desired as a'Tribc, wc must look
beyond the timber industry. The Native American , "
heritage we represent is a tool that can be used ta
educate and develop interests frornoutside our Tribe.
These interests will eventually serve as an economic
benefit to our people.
If elected to the Tribal Council, I will do my best to see
that the needs of our Tribal peoples be met, both in
areas of education, and economic stability.
Thank you,
Sincerely Yours,
Eugene LaBonte
Wilmadene Butler
I, Merle Leno, am running for Tribal Council because I
feel that I can provide the experience and leadership for
the Grand Ronde tribal people. I believe strongly that
Tribal Government should represent the Indian people
and work towards the betterment of Indian people.
My experience with the Grand Ronde Tribe goes back
before the restoration. I served as a member of the
Council dating back to 1976. As a result I gained a lot of
knowledge and over the years I feel that I have always
had the best interest of the tribe and members at heart.
I wish to continue serving my people and will dedicate
myself to the needs of the tribe.
Participation in Tribal Government takes a great deal
of time and devotion. I am willing to accept this
responsibility and have demonstrated my desire by
serving on the following committees:
As the Chairman of Health and Human Services
Committee I have been able to see our tribal programs
grow and develop. I feel our committee has a major
role advising the council on crucial issues and concern of
the people. The programs under this committee
include, contract health, alcohol and drug, senior serv
ices, youth activities, alcohol and drug prevention and
social services. These arc important programs that help
to strengthen tribal government.
I also serve on the Northwest Indian Child Welfare
Association, advisory board for the Grand Ronde Youth
Prevention and Residential Treatment Program (Nan
itch Sahallie), Pow-Wow Committee, and serve as
Sergeant at Arms for the Seniors Committee. My
experience with these committees has been very reward
ing. The committees have always worked to make life
better for the people.
As an elected official of the Grand Ronde Tribal
Council I will work towards the future growth of the
tribe. I believe this takes a strong will and a good
understanding of the tribal needs. I will work towards a
strong government that provides the people the informa
tion they need to make tribal government accountable. I
believe the people need to know what the tribe plans to
do in the area of economic development. All of us need
to know where our money is going and how it is being
spent. Tribal economic development begins with the
Grand Ronde members and must provide a profitable
income, adequate employment for the people and a
future for our Indian youth.
I believe the tribe should move ahead in land acquisi
tion to provide for programs and tribal housing. It is
important that the people of Grand Ronde and those
members that wish to return and live here have housing.
The best housing available at a cost they can afford. I
will work to improve our timber resources and seek to
use the timber in Oregon to build housing and develop
needed jobs for our people.
As a member of the Tribal Council I will provide the
protection that is needed to enhance and strengthen our
resources. I believe I have the experience and skills to
do the best job possible.