Smoke Signals
August 1991
pageS
TRIBAL COUNCIL CANDIDATES
focus of programs and services for our elders including the
establishment of a rehabilitation and physical therapy
program justfor elders. In fact, I would like to see a physical
therapy unit with jacuzzi pools added to our proposed
community services center programs. The comfort this
would give our elders is, in my opinion, a small reward for
the many sacrifices they have made for the Tribe over the
years. I would also like to see us establish a feasible health
insurance program for all tribal members no matter where
they live. If you have used the Indian Health Services
programs you know first hand the very limited health care
we get from IHS. We have the financial capability to
provide more for our members, and should. I also believe
we should begin the development of tribal housing within
the next ten months. Housing conditions in Grand Ronde
are not acceptable and we have the resources and capabil
ity, all we need is the focus.
I decided to run for Tribal Council this year for a number
of reasons. Most important among these reasons is that I
have been very concerned with the focus and direction of
our Tribal Council for the past eight months.
I believe that our Tribal leaders began a journey many
years ago to re-establish our tribal community and to give
our people a chance for a better future. We have followed
that journey for many years and our success in the last
decade is proof that our leaders have had the right perspec
tive on governing our Tribe. More recently, though, I
question whether we are still on that journey and whether
we still have the same perspective. I do believe that conflict
and resolution are a necessary part of good government. At
the same time I believe there is a moral and ethical method
to express your disagreement or concerns, even among
council members.
I would like to continue serving the Tribe in future years
and I feel tribal government would be an excellent oppor
tunity for me to help get the Tribe to re-focus on the
important issues that promote and create growth and unity
among our people. I honestly believe this is the key to a
solid future for our community and our children.
It would be my honor to serve the good people of our Tribe
as a representative you could talk with on any issue and with
whom your trust would never be broken. I don't believe
that it is too late to re-focus on the organizatibn's priorities.
We just need to want to do it together. Thank you.
Colleen Kimsey
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members is also another means to educate the public about
Native American concerns as well as individual and tribal
goals. As the Tribe begins to educate outside interests new
avenues will open to aid in achieving desired tribal self
sufficiency. If elected to the Tribal Council, I will perform my duties
in the best interest of all tribal members. The individuals
of this Tribe deserve the opportunity to achieve success
both in the areas of education and economic stability.
Thank you.
Sincerely yours,
Eugene LaBonte
Merle Leno
Eugene LaBonte
Dear fellow tribal members and friends:
My name is Eugene LaBonte. My parents were the late
Alexander Gus and Edna K. LaBonte. I was born and
raised in the Grand Ronde area.
My work experience is concentrated mainly in the auto
motive field and timber industries. I owned and operated
my own trucking company in the eleven western states.
In the past I have represented your interests on the Tribal
Council. During these periods I gained much knowledge
and experience in tribal government. I have participated in
work shops dealing with the Tribal Corporation and the
Tribal Court. Currently I am a member of the Timber
Committee.
In order for this Tribe to attain self-sufficiency and the
desired economic status, we must look beyond the timber
industry. There are many unexplored enterprises that the
Tribe can invest their interests upon. I feel as a qualified
individual I will be able to cultivate new ideas to produce
more outlets in the tribal economy.
The Native American heritage represented by our tribal
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I, Merle Leno, am running for Tribal Council because I
feel that I can provide experience and leadership for Grand
Ronde tribal people. I strongly believe that tribal govern
ment should represent and work towards the betterment of
its members.
My experience with the Grand Ronde Tribe started
before restoration. I served as a member of the Council
beginning in 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 follow
ing committees: As Vice Chairman of the 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 in advising the Council on crucial issues and
concerns of our people. The Health Committee oversees
the contract health, alcohol and drug, senior services, youth
activities, alcohol and drug prevention and social services
programs. These are important programs that help to
strengthen tribal government as well as provide crucial
services to our members.
I also serve on the Northwest Indian Child Welfare
Association, am Chairman of the Advisory Board for
Nanitch Sahallie, and serve as Sergeant at Arms for the
Seniors Committee. For the last five years I have been the
Chairman of the Pow-Wow Committee. We have seen the
annual tribal celebration grow from a one day event that
attracted about 1,000 people, to attracting over 2,000
people for our current two day event.
As an elected official of 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 tribal members with information they need to
make the tribal government accountable. We need to see
more program reports to the general council, as well as
more tribal council planning reports. As tribal members
we need to know what our government and administration
is doing on our behalf. Also I believe our 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 develop
ment begins with Grand Ronde members and must provide
a profitable income and adequate employment for our
people as well as a future for our Indian youth.
I believe the Tribe should move ahead with tribal
housing plans especially housing for our tribal elders. It
is important that the people of Grand Ronde and those
members that wish to return and live here have housing.
We all deserve the best housing available at a cost we can
afford.
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.
Reynold Leno
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Dear tribal members;
My name is Reynold Leno, son of Orville and Ramona