3
March 1, 1998
Opinion
Letters
Dear Editor,
Having just read the Smoke Signals issue for Feb.
15, 1998 we were pleasantly surprised to note the
Casino is doing so much better than our expecta
tions ($40 million gross1997).
However, there is considerable concern ex
pressed among our family group as to the disburse-.
ment of this revenue. It appears the Tribe is in
vesting considerably in expansion and development
along several fronts (e.g., Casino expansion, ho
tel, retail center). Although we understand that it
is to our benefit if these projects succeed, what if
they fail? We question the wisdom and qualifica
tions of those making these decisions. As we re
member, it was not to far in the past that the Spirit
Mountain Development Corporation (SMDC) made
several poor financial decisions (e.g., Special for
est products loss). It may be noted that several of
the parties involved in that fiasco are still working
at SMDC and although recent projects seem to be
doing well, we question such rapid expansion.
Perhaps SMDC should learn to walk before they
run?
We would also like to point out that just prior to
Christmas 1997 it was proposed at a Tribal Coun
cil meeting that the tribal membership be allowed
to share in this Casino "bounty" with a $500 pay
ment. However, without consulting their constitu
ents, several Council members opposed this propo
sition. These are people we voted to represent us.
Although we are grateful to Council for the ben
efits we currently share and for providing for the
welfare of our Elders, we feel they should con
sider "investing" in their fellow tribal members.
They can do this with increased payments now and
less development, which may or may not pay off
in the future.
In conclusion we wish to express a heartfelt
thanks to the Tribe for all it has done for us and to
Smoke Signals for providing a forum for our opin
ions. Thank you.
The Lancour Family,
Marlena J. Lancour, Roll 733
Novalee J. Lancour, Roll 1645
Ernest H. Lancour, Roll 2377
Joseph R. Lancour, Roll 2376
Corrections
Smoke Signals apologizes for incorrect informa
tion printed in the last issue: at the February Gen
eral Council meeting, the raffle winners were Dana
Leno, Mychal Leno, Lydia Logan, and NORMA
LEE; and Happy Birthday to Kalim, from KIANA
and Caden.
Dear Editor,
We would like to take a moment to
thank the Grand Ronde housing grant
program to make a dream come true.
We have wanted to own our own home
for some time, but it seemed we never
had enough money for a down payment
until we signed up for the down payment
program.
We are very proud to be part of the
Grand Ronde Tribe. We want to send a
special thank you to Bryan Langley, he
helped out a lot. But all in all, the whole
Tribe deserves a great big thank you!
Thank you,
Fred and Robin Weltz and family
Ruby Golden
Prineville, OR
-Vf li! ' ,f' (
Dear Editor,
I read the editorial in the Smoke Signals of Feb
ruary 1 with much interest. After finishing I felt as
if I were in a big cloud of smoke. So I read it again
with the same feeling.
If your worried about paying 12 million stop
spending. Does Grand Ronde need to be a minia
ture Vegas? The old saying goes, "If you want the
wagon to go faster, run the horse down hill." Are
we going too fast?
As for added benefits to members, I for one
would welcome it. It would help to relieve the pres
sure of working six days a week. The benefits we
now receive are a blessing. But I fear they won't
last. For those of you who are so worried, why
not donate your tribal salary to the Tribe?
Not all members can be in Grand Ronde or af
ford to move there. We received nothing for years.
Then we got a Council that worked for all mem
bers. Now I get the feeling we need to shut up and
be thankful for what we have. I have a ancestral
right to benefits from the Tribe's growth past,
present and future.
We receive revenue from the Casino, timber, and
BIA. Maybe the Council needs to take a course on
money management.
Speaking of Council, why are elected members
not attending meetings? Or should I say entering
and then leaving out the back door. They get paid
to be there. Putting fines on those not attending
full Council meetings might help.
Somebody turn on the fans and blow away all
the smoke to see what's burning.
William Kellogg
Box 569
Dighton, KS
(316) 397-2718
Dear Editor:
I want to extend a warm thank you to Tribal Coun
cil and the Tribal Housing Authority for all the help
I received when purchasing my new home in Grand
Meadows. Without this program, my husband and
I would not be moving to the area. I am very thank
ful for the chance to live and work in Grand Ronde.
Everyone went to a lot of time and trouble to help us.
Sincerely,
Louise Coulson
SMOKE SIGNALS
9615 Grand Ronde Road
Grand Ronde, Or 97347
Internet e-mail addresses:
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Editor:
TRACY DUGAN (503) 879-2254
Graphics 6C News Coordinator:
KIM MUELLER (503) 879-2264
1-800-422-0232 FAX: (503) 879-2263
SUBMISSIONS FROM OUR READERS:
SMOKE SIGNALS, a publication of the Confederated
Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon, is
pubiised twice a month. All letters must be received at
the newspaper office with author's signature, address, and
phone number In order to be considered for publication.
SMOKE SIGNALS reserves the right to edit any letter
for clarity and length, and to refuse publication of any
letter or any part of a letter that may contain libelous
statements or personal attacks. Not ail letters are guar
anteed publication upon submission. Published letters do
not necessarily reflect the opinions of SMOKE SIGNALS,
tribal employees, or Tribal Council.
UPCOMING DEADLINES:
Thursday, March 5 and Friday, March 20
f to memory of Pete Grout
The family of PETE GROUT would like to thank all
of our family, friends, staff, and Council members for
the love they have shown us through his passing and the
love they have shown Pete while he was in the hospital.
We appreciate all the food, flowers, prayers, and cards.
We especially want to thank Susie and her helpers for
the fine dinner they prepared after the service. We love
you all and thank you. Pete will be missed so much and
each one of you has made this time a little easier.
Val Grout
Janell and Tim Haller and family
Sharon and Rick Hutton and family
Rick Grout and family
Penny and Lloyd DeLoe and family
Boon Grout
f " T
DAD, and what he meant to me
Pleasure (for mom, won't go there)
Earnhardt (winning, so dad can finally wear his coat)
Tough (on you, if you wrecked the car)
Excited (if he could make you cry)
Good (son, husband, father, grandfather)
Real (he put on no airs)
Outdoor (his joys, hunting & fishing)
Until (he hunted, fished, logged until he passed on)
Teaser (he loved and lived to tease)
DAD, thanks for all the GOOD memories
Love, Sharon