Smoke Signals
August 1991
page 7
TRIBAL COUNCIL CANDIDATES
Wilmadene Butler
Hello, my name is Wilmadene Riggs-Butler. I was born
and raised in Grand Ronde, where I lived with my parents
Andrew and Amanda Riggs, until my marriage to Jim
Butler in 1954. We now live in Monmouth, have one
daughter, Cindy, who also lives in Monmouth. I came from
a large family and have many relatives who are behind me
one hundred percent in my work and concerns for the
Tribe. I also worked for years as a volunteer for the Tribe,
as did my husband Jim.
I was appointed to the Tribal Council in 1989 and served
through 1990. During that time, we accomplished many
good things for the future of the Tribe and made some hard
decisions. We set up several trust funds which will insure
the continued operation of the tribal government, and the
future of our people. We also began long term planning for
the Tribe, which included the community center to be
constructed this year. We also worked on the master plan
for the tribal homelands which will include an administra
tion center, health clinic, pow-wow grounds and especially
housing for our elders and families. I was very proud to be
a part of this planning process, and would like to again
participate in the good work being accomplished by the
Council.
I believe that a council member should be involved,
honest, and work for the good of the Tribe, and live by the
rules which they put in place. This is why I am asking all of
you to stand behind your Council, and let them know how
you feel about what they are doing. This will help them in
making decisions and living by them, knowing that you
support them.
I would like to continue my part in the good work which
was started during my time on Council and that is why I am
asking for your support and vote.
Sincerely yours,
Wilmadene Butler
Ellen Fischer
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Ellen Bean
Fischer. I was born in Grand Ronde, and lived here until
1958. I attended Willamina High School until my junior
year, and I know that there is little for teens to do, so I know
that they can end up in trouble. If I am elected as a member
of Council, I will work for a recreation program for our
youth.
I;
I have worked at Chemawa Indian School for the last eight
years; as a home living assistant, a special education
teacher, and a vocational trainer. I have also been the
treasurer for the Federal Employees Union for two years,
and was the shop steward for a year.
I was on the original health board from 1983 to 1984, and
spent long hours designing the guidelines for the health
care of our Tribe. I will continue to work towards improv
ing the health plan.
I will work towards getting better dental and eye care for
the seniors, and will also try to get transportation; both for
the seniors and the low-income, so that they can get to some
of the bigger towns.
Housing is a major concern of out tribal members, and I
will work on expanding the existing program.
I firmly believe that our tribal members need jobs, no
matter where they live, and I will work on this problem.
I feel that tribal members who don't live right here in
Grand Ronde have a right to information on the day-to-day
operations of the Tribe. I would like to promote more
communication between the different tribal departments,
and would also like to see more communication between
tribal employees and people that they work to provide
services for.
I am available for travel and further training, and I am
anxious to do whatever it takes to serve my Tribe.
Please feel free to contact me, either in person or on the
phone. I will be available to answer any questions.
Address: 7740 Ford Rd. Grand Ronde, Or. 97347
Phone Number: 879-5497
Victoria Hunt
My name is Victoria Jane Ramoz Hunt, and I will be
running for Council in the up-coming election and I would
like you to know about me and what I stand for.
I am the daughter of Betty Jane Riggs-Rogers and the
Grand-daughter of Andrew and Amanda Riggs. I was born
in McMinnville and lived in Grand Ronde until I was six
years old. I moved to Salem for three more years. After
that I lived in Canby until I married. I now reside in West
Linn, Oregon with my husband Richard and our two
children Deana Renee and Sean Michael. I also work here
in West Linn as a hair dresser and have for the past nine
years.
I don't have any major promises to make only that I will
do the best job I can, which includes being honest, straight
forward, and willing to listen to every person's opinion and
take those ideas to make a decision for the people. I hope
to be able to do the best for the people and that is why I feel
I could make a difference by being on the Council and I
hope you feel so too. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely yours,
Victoria Hunt
Colleen Kimsey
. H i"J r-rA U
Hi, my name is Colleen Kimsey. I was raised in Grand
Ronde and have resided there most of my life. Like many
other tribal members, I have developed a strong attach
ment and commitment to the tribal community and am very
interested in the continuing development and prosperity of
our Tribe. I would like to contribute more directly to our
efforts to be a prosperous community and to reach our
many other goals.
Over the past year and a half I have worked for the Tribe
and have had the opportunity to experience the operations
of several programs and committees. The most enjoyable
part of that experience has been working with the people.
I have found tribal members to have very positive attitudes
toward tribal development and activities, and to be very
supportive of our program efforts. More importantly, I
have gained a lot of respect for our cultural heritage
through interaction with our tribal elders.
Some important interest areas of mine are; the creation
of a youth center here in Grand Ronde, the establishment
of a child care center in Grand Ronde and the continuing