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About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (July 1, 2001)
4 Smoke Signals SPECIAL SECTION - JULY 1, 2001 MARK MERCIER Jack Giffen, Jr. ''"' ; ; p . - ' A Dear Fellow Tribal Members: My name is Mark Mercier, a candidate for Tribal Council. In 1984, 1 was one of nine people who were sworn in as the Tribe's first Tribal Council, shortly after the Tribe regained federal recognition since termination in 1953. At that time, the only piece of real estate the Tribe owned was our local cemetery, the council and staff using a small building for our office. At that time, it was impossible to imagine what the Tribe would have by now. The Tribe has come a very long way by securing our timberland, land for housing and the building of Spirit Mountain Casino and Lodge. The Tribe has some economic development ventures throughout Oregon as well. None of these accomplishments happened overnight. It took a lot of hard work by the Tribal Council to get the U.S. Congress to pass the necessary legislation to accomplish all these milestones to date. It is vital that the Tribal Council continue to work cooperatively with local, state and federal entities to ensure that the Tribe continues to make positives strides in all aspects of Tribal operations for the future. I would like to see the Tribe become more aggressive in pursuing further economic development ventures for our long-term future. Es tablishing economic development takes time and plenty of careful plan ning and analysis to assure that any venture the Tribe pursues will become an asset instead of a liability. My concern is that Congress is constantly looking at ways to tighten federal funding to Tribes who havesuccessful gaming 'withih their communities or reservations. Believe it or not, not only the federal government, but states and local governments are constantly reviewing their annual budgets, attempt ing to balance them out. Over dependence on federal funding could leave the Tribe "holding the bag" if Congress does reduce funding to gaming Tribes. Another form of economic development I would like to see is for the Tribe to explore the possibility of providing some sound technical as sistance to the membership who wishes to establish or enhance their private enterprises. The Tribe should analyze all its endowment funds to ensure that the funding will be adequate for future education, housing and health needs. When these funds were originally established, our member ship was approximately 2,500. Now, it's 5,000 or more. There are a large number of Tribal youth who will need a good education which will enable them to become self-sufficient when they join the workforce in the 21st century. As for housing, the Tribe will need to so some serious planning, since water in the Grand Ronde Community is getting increasingly difficult to secure. To do housing, other aspects in infrastructure development such as roads and sanitary services must be addressed. Furthermore, I would like to see the Tribe look at ways to assist the membership to secure adequate funding for purchase or remodeling of homes, re gardless of where they live. This is possible, now that the Tribe has its own financial resources. Yes, it's true the Tribe has come a long way since 1984. Let's not stop now. Let's work to secure an adequate long-term future for the Tribe. The Tribe has one advantage over other government entities. We have the financial capability to secure a sound future for ourselves. Jack Giffen, Jr. Age 49 Roll 182 Tribal Ancestry: Great-grandparents are Dave and Tilmer Leno, and John and Cecile Warren. Great-grandparents are Frances Houck Porter, and Abe and Maude Warren Hudson. Grandparents are Dewalt and Arvella Hudson Houck. Mother is Arlene Houck Giffen Beck. Education: Brookings Harbor High School College - U of 0 two years Now completing a BS in Business Administration Training: Facilitator, Organizer Oregon Auto Parts Board of Director Employment: ' Co-owner and manager of Auto Parts Business Regional Service Manager for Marlette Homes by Oakwood Millwright Welder for South Qoast Lumber Co. I'm employed by Spirit Mountain Casino. I can't make any specific promises, but one that I will fight to make every Tribal member's welfare and future will be protected and en hanced for years to come. Promote education to young and old, education is the future of Tribal welfare and growth. Promote a communication network for all Tribal members here at Grand Ronde and outside of the Six County districts. Richard McKnight My name is Richard McKnight. My roll num ber is 516. I grew up in Grand Ronde. lam the son of Tom and Elvira McKnight. I have been married to Vivian for 30 years. We have three children: Tom, Leanna and Jacob. We have seven wonderful grandchildren. My Tribal blood comes from my mother's side and she was a Langley. I'm from a family of 13. I graduated from Willamina High School in 1966 and got drafted in the Army and served one and a half years in Vietnam. I was dis charged as E-5 sergeant. I was one of the founders of the Fish and Wildlife Committee. I have been appointed to the council and served two years. I am currently serving on the Fish and Wildlife Committee. If elected, I would work on trying to change the programs so that it would help people that are working hard but need some help at times. I would also like to look into the rumors about the casino and human resources hiring and firing practices and being on council would give me this opportunity. I am running alone because I feel that if you have the support of large families or groups you may feel more obligated to them. Aldhe you are only obligated to the Tribal members. Richard A. McKnight f 4 ; i . 1 ,jl
