6 Smoke Signals
SPECIAL SECTION - JULY 1, 2001
I I Nil J -Vrf 4
Timothy E. Holmes
Patsy Pullin
I v
Fellow Tribal Members,
My name is Tim Holmes, son of Elmer
Holmes and my grandparents were Abe and
Mildred Holmes. I was nominated this year
by Lonnie Leno for Tribal Council.
Those that know me are aware that I am
not a politician, simply a Tribal member like
all of you, who cares a great deal for our
Tribe. I'd like to thank you in advance, for
your participation in the Tribal election.
Voting is one of the single most impor
tant responsibilities we each have as a
Tribal member. I encourage all voters to
take the time and become well informed about the candidates and
choose their leadership carefully.
Here is a quick look at my background:
I have worked in several capacities concerning many different as
pects of the Tribal government; currently the Chairperson of the Grand
Ronde Tribal Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, served on
the Fish and Wildlife Committee for about six years, President of the
Grand Ronde Community Resource CenterFood Bank, and remain
involved with the Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Office.
I also have experience working with state and federal government
agencies. I recently made several trips to Washington, D.C. in the
capacity as Chairperson of the State Rehabilitation Council to discuss
various disability issues and lack of federal funding to adequately serve
Oregonians with disabilities. During the last four years, I worked within
the Oregon Legislative process in which I made many contacts with
state senators and representatives; - ": v "
I am not going to make promises that can't be kept. However, I am
not afraid to voice an opinion and stand behind my words. I strongly
feel that it is the responsibility of our Tribal government to assist Tribal
members with achieving self-sufficiency.
Per capita, Elder's pension, education, housing and medical cover
age are all programs that assist Tribal members in realizing that goal.
We need to continue to improve the services that currently exist and
expand them as needed. Working towards a balance between com
munity development and responding to the needs of Tribal members
who live out of the area.
Diversifying our economic base will be essential for the future stability
of the Tribe. I have heard that the Tribe has been working recently to
strengthen our non-gaming investments. I believe that it is Tribal Council's
job to monitor progress and look after the well-being of the Tribe.
We, the Tribal membership, need to hold Tribal Council accountable in
their positions. No question from a Tribal member should go unanswered.
Every Tribal member should have an equal opportunity to be heard. If
elected, I will encourage effective communication with the Tribal mem
bership and make myself available to hear your concerns.
Equally important to financial stability, is that we DO NOT compro
mise our cultural values and Tribal identity. We are a diverse people
that see issues from many directions, this can be positive if we re
member to honor and respect one another's opinion. I would like to
hear your questions and concerns, please call me at 503-879-5500
or e-mail me at tholmes5onlinemac.com. I would appreciate your
support.
Thank you!
Timothy E. Holmes
Roll 912
r jfit ) 1
1 ';
Dear Tribal Members:
My name is Patsy Pullin and I am a candi
date for Tribal-Council. Here are a few
things I would like to share with you about
myself plus some of my concerns.
Presently, I am employed with the Tribe
as the Employment and Training Specialist
in the Social Services department. Before
moving here, I worked for a Tribe in Alaska
in employment and training as the T.E.R.O.
(Tribal Employment Rights Office) Officer.
Currently I serve on the Tribal Education
Committee and I am pleased education is
a primary focus of our Tribe. I am a new member of the Regional
Enterprise Board and appreciate the education and employment and
training activities it supports. The National P.L 102-477 Sub-Committee
is another board where I serve. Our Tribe is a new 477 grantee so
involvement is important to our success.
A few of my concerns:
The need for better communication within the Tribal offices. Many
of our members would like to come home and work for the Tribe, but
lack skills or training. If the Tribal programs were included in the up
coming projects, we could prepare members and have them ready for
the next contract, position or placement. " -
I am in favor of a mentoring program to help Tribal members working
for the Tribe or the casino. The Tribe should be able to hire workers via
contracts with training written into the contract. When the contract
ended, the Tribal member would be tested and if passed, placed into
the position. Currently non-Tribal members hold most key positions. ' "
I feel the Tribe has much to gain with T.E.R.O. as a means of securing
jobs for the members. By creating our own Tribal T.E.R.O. Ordinance,
we would have a percentage of jobs in all federal contracts on or near
our lands. This would include federal or state highways, bridge or dam
construction, road repair, etc. And with Tribal construction, we would
be included from the beginning of the contract bids as partners, part
of the team, not as outsiders watching as others get the best jobs.
T.E.R.O. would give Tribal member's on-the-job representation.
I favor the Members Benefit Dividend program and Elder Retirement.
We need to secure our economic base to benefit future generations
as well. The effects of our rapid Tribal growth on our Elders concerns
me, we must take care not to over look their needs. Some of this will
be alleviated when the retirement becomes perpetual.
Healthcare for all members, restoring and preserving our culture,
protection of our lands, current and ceded, are issues I feel strongly
about as well.
Being active with the Tribe is not new to my family or something we
take lightly. Kathryn Harrison, my mother, is the longest concurrent
council member (since before Restoration) and current Chairperson.
My aunt Marie Schmidt has served on the Education Committee for
10 years. Uncle Bob Watson served on the Spirit Mountain Casino
Gaming (SMDC) and the Tribal Housing Authority Board. My brother
Frank Harrison served as past council and several other family mem
bers worked for the Tribe or casino in various positions.
My spouse of 40-plus years and I spent many years in Alaska, but as
a Native Oregonian, it was always my wish to return home. Today, we
live in Willamina and enjoy the timber town atmosphere. My first ca
reer was in the music industry as an entertainer. My husband and I
raised our family playing music throughout the Northwest and recorded
three albums and two singles. My husband Gene still plays the guitar,
but I am retired. I hold an Associate of Art degree in General Educa
tion from the University of Alaska. I also have business experience as
a co-owner of a charter boat business and two cocktail lounges. As
an owner requirement for on-site gaming, my background was investi
gated and I was giving security clearance in Nevada.
Our council members should be educated, business savvy individu
als to help us move into the new millennium and secure our future. I
hope this information will help you with your decision. I ask for your
vote in the fall election and if elected, I will work very hard as your
representative. Thank you.
Patsy Pullin
Roll 238
P.O. Box 148
Grand Ronde, OR 97347
503-876-6444