Smoke Signals
SPECIAL SECTION - JULY 1, 2001
5
4
Bob Haller
Val Grout
Dear Tribal Members,
My name is Bob Haller and I have served
on Tribal Council for a total of about six
years now. When I was first elected to Tribal
Council in 1994, many important decisions
faced the Tribe that would affect all of us
for the years to come. I was involved with
I J I laying the groundwork for such programs
' -o I as Flriflrs Pension Trihal nteahilitv Ftanefits.
and Down Payment Grants for ALL Tribal
members. I was also a strong advocate
for medical benefits for Tribal members, no
matter where they live. When I first ran for
Tribal Council, I promised that if the casino were to be successful, I
would support per capita payments to Tribal members. I kept my prom
ise and fought the political opposition against per capita distribution.
Today, I feel that my decision to support and vote for these programs
was in the best interest for the Tribe. I have seen what a positive
impact these programs have made on Tribal families who live locally
and out of state.
Overall, I can see that the Tribe is on the right track, but I believe
that there is still much room for improvement. As our government
grows and finds more success, we should increase the benefits to the
Tribal membership. Some people avoid making promises, but I prom
ise to continue working hard to protect the Tribes' interest and help
improve the quality of life for ALL Tribal members.
I have promoted the idea of a "mentorship program" for Tribal mem
bers from the beginning; the Tribe is now seriously considering the
concept. I support the implementation of any program that will pro
vide an opportunity for Tribal members to obtain higher paying jobs.
As you know, the Tribe has been making efforts to diversify our fi
nancial holdings. We need people on Tribal Council that will ask ques
tions and stay informed so they can provide answers to the Tribal mem
bership. After all, it is your money that we are responsible for. .
Since my first day on Tribal Council, I have maintained an open door
policy to all Tribal members. I would like to thank everyone, candi
dates included, for participating in the election. Voting is one of the
most important things that a Tribal member can do, it's a chance to
voice how you really feel. Give me a call if you have any questions or
suggestions after 5 p.m. at 503-879-3792.
Sincerely,
Bob Haller
Roll 226
Dear Tribal Members,
My name is Val Grout, and I would like to
begin by saying I am honored to be a can
didate for Tribal Council elections.
First a little family background, my grand
parents were John Houck and Frances Por-ter-Houck,
and Abe and Maude Hudson.
My parents are Dewalt and Arvella Houck.
I feel that I am very blessed to still have
my mother who Just celebrated her 92nd
birthday.
My late husband Pete and I have five chil
dren: Sharon, Janell, Richard, Penny and
Boon; 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
I can't make any big promises, but what I can promise is honesty,
integrity and 12 years of experience serving as Tribal Council. As a
self-governing Tribe we have regained authority and control over our
own affairs to carry out our Tribal government responsibilities for our
people - socially, economically, politically and culturally.
I supported the recent Social and Economic Assessment that the
Policy and Planning office and the consultants recently completed. This
is a way for you all as the members of this Tribe to have a voice in the
future of the Tribe. I also think this serves as a very valuable tool for
council to use in making decisions for the future.
I also believe that we as a government can be more creative with
Tribal monies in the planning programs that will serve all members
regardless of where they live. As I have said in the past, Elders, edu
cation and health are very important to me, and I'm sure they are to
all Tribal members.
I strongly support expediting the full funding of the Tribe's endow
ments to ensure that these services will be able to sustain these pro
grams indefinitely.
I fully support economic diversity, and I personally feel that we need
to build our Tribal homelands economically, as well as looking for other
forms of revenue, other than casino revenue.
Some other areas that I will lobby and support are as follows:
1. ) More programs for non-member spouses and children.
2. ) I will strive to have more state, federal and private grants to
provide services to our social programs and then use the Tribal mon
ies to develop more programs for middle income families.
3. ) More affordable housing (section 8, Tribal rentals, single family
dwellings, etc.).
4. ) Traditional Native medicines and cultural practices (more infor
mation in Smoke Signals and also workshops).
5. ) Primary elections for Tribal Council.
6. ) Council candidates meet minimum qualifications (background
checks, drug and alcohol screen, etc.).
7. ) Public transportation.
I care about the future of the Tribe and make decisions in the best
interest of all Tribal members, with this in mind I would like you to
consider me for Tribal Council.
I have set up a toll-free number that you can reach me for ques
tions, concerns or just find out a little more about me. Feel free to call
me at 1-866-251-5605.
Thank you,
Val Grout
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