Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 1, 1993)
August 1993 Page 5 THE CANDIDATES SPEAK! Smoke Signals BY TRACY OLSON This month, I interviewed all of the Tribal Council candidates and asked them questions suggested to me by other tribal members, and questions I thought of myself. The purpose of these interviews was not to put the candidates at a disadvantage, but rather to help the general membership learn more about the candidates' interests and goals for the Tribe's future. Itismyhopethattheseinterviewswillassisttribalmembersintheirvotingdecisions. EUGENE LABONTE Eugene LaBonte lives in Sheridan, Oregon with his wife, and is a very active member of the Timber Committee, but says he's "interested in the Tribe as a whole, not just one division." 1 Eugene LaBonte A strong advocate of diversification, Eugene has been saying for years how the Tribe cannot depend solely on timber revenue, so he approves of the decision to open a gaming facility. "I'd also like to see a project or business that would put some elders to work, like a cannery," he said. "A lot of elders like that kind of work and enjoy it." Eugene has been on Council before, and is also experienced in owning and operating his own business. Retired now, he owned a body and fender shop in Eugene, Oregon with his brother. "I was raised in Grand Ronde, but I had to move away to raise my family because the economy was so bad," he explained. "I think we need to develop better public relations with the communities surrounding the Tribe. The Tribe has helped the economy around here, and we need to work together and help each other." Eugene is very concerned about the welfare of tribal elders and providing all people in need with housing and health care. At the same time, he feels the Tribe must work for future generations. "Because the economy is always changing, we need to keep up with the times," he said. "We have to consider the younger generations and what the Tribe will be able to offer them." Eugene says one of the biggest issues facing Native Americans is drug abuse, and he supports many of the community programs. He feels it is important to impress upon kids the dangers of using drugs before they even try it once. "Drugs hit every sector of society; rich, poor, all races. No one is immune. Our Tribe has the ability to send young people this message," he said. It is clear Eugene LaBonte wants to represent all divisions of the Tribe and is concerned about its members. While being interviewed he stated: "If elected to Council, I wouldn't be working for myself, that's for sure." LEON "CHIP" TOM Leon Tom is a current member of Council up for election this year. Without hesitation, he says his main interests lie in education, and even has an idea for a larger library in Grand Ronde where more kids can get involved in reading activities. "IbehevetheTribalEducationDepartmentis giving one hundred percent the their jobs, and I am very pleased with the new Head Start program. That's where it all begins right there. We have to get those children interested in learning and get parents more involved from Head Start all the way up through high school." ( '' Jl rM I i Leon "Chip" Tom Chip believes in teamwork and receiving input from the general membership. "The Council is nine members who make decisions, but everyone really has to work together," he explained. "Making investments and financial decisions should represent the wants of the people. That's our biggest responsibility." Chip was just recently married and lives in Salem, Oregon. He is retired and has spent a lot of time working on tribal issues. He likes to talk with the general membership and encourages their comments. "Tribal members have the right to ask Council anything," he said. "People shouldn't feel intimidated there are nine Council members, and someone should have an answer to a question. I always want to be available to the people I represent." When asked about future challenges the. Tribe will face, Chip mentioned the fact there will be competition within local communities for development, job opportunities, and other types of growth. He said, "Grand Ronde has to improve its work facilities, and educate youth so they are able to compete in this area as the Tribe grows." Chip is in favor of the gaming facility, and advocated the Tribe purchasing more property in Grand Ronde if "it's in a good locale and the price is right." VAL GROUT "Tribal Council has a responsibility to see that the Tribe is run properly," said Val Grout, a veteran Council member, running this year. "They must make decisions that are carefully thought out, and decisions that will benefit all the people." P f . I I ,, -, , m inr V " "Sy 1 r.jv. i , w ..! n. Val Grout Val says her two biggest interests lie in tribal health and education. "I've always dreamed of a drug and alcohol free people," she said. "Without a healthy people, we have nothing else. We also need to educate our youth so that they can come back and carry on the Tribe's work. Val spends a lot of time with the Tribe's elders, who have always been special to her, even before she was one. She supports gaming and other economic development ventures that would enable to Tribe to set up housing for our elders. "A good Council will listen to the wants and concerns of the people, because we are nothing more than a voice for them," she said. Family is very important to Val, who has five children and several grandchildren. Both of her parents were tribal members. She lives in Tillamook, Oregon with her husband and mother, Arvella Houk. Her family backs her up and supports her desire to serve the Tribe as a Council member. She foresees many wonderful things happening in the future. "In the next few years, if we work on economic development and water for housing, everything else will fall into place," she said . " Not only health and housing, but jobs, too. I want to build up our trust funds and watch the revenue closely." Finally, Val wants people to know they should feel free to approach her and talk to her about issues if she is elected to Council. "I have always been a "people-person", and it has always bothered me that some people find Council members inapproachable. I would hope that people would voice their concerns. I will answer all the questions I can, and if I don't know the answer...I'll find out." MARK MERCER Tribal Council Chairman Mark Mercier is up for re-election this year and has been Chairman since the Tribe was restored. He commented on those years, and said, "I would like to see the finalization of the health clinic and housing on the reservation. I also want to see what other economic development projects the Tribe can get into." As Chairman, Mark is currently working on improving the infastructure of the Grand Ronde area; getting better roads and water hook-ups in order to begin building. "It is important to have nine Council members to get diversified input in the decision-making process. Our biggest responsibility is to promote the health and well-being of the membership. I hope, that for the people living outside of this area, someday there will be something for them to return to." Mark lives in Willamina with his wife, Rennee' and their children, but his job mandates much travel to Washington D.C. and other places around the Northwest. Throughouthis years as Chairman he has developed positive relationships with many political figures and state and local agencies. Said mark, "People need to ask themselves if they want a Tribal Council who will make every feasible effort to get some types of employment into this area. And if they want continued on page 9 i
