4 Smoke Signals
SPECIAL SECTION - JULY 1, 2001
MARK MERCIER
Jack Giffen, Jr.
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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
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