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AUGUST 1, 2004
Smoke Signals
AUGUST 1, 2004
Smoke Signals 9
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Dotty Dty
Elzlns LaDontc
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1 L
.1 am not afraid to
I am very proud of my Indian heri
tage. I was raised in a large and ex
tended family east of Sutherlin, Or
egon. I grew up learning the old val
ues... love and sense of family, respect
and truth, honesty and morality, for
giveness and humility, dignity and
humor, responsibility and hard work.
My grandmother instilled in me a deep
respect for our culture, and told me to
always be proud of who I am. My great-great-great-grandmother,
daughter of
famous Chief Comcomly and wife of
Chief Kasino was named lichee, which
means moon girl. lichee was better
known as "She who paddles her own
canoe". Her name best summarizes my personality.
paddle my own canoe.
I have been a successful businesswoman for 30 years. As co-owner of
Tyee Communications Contractors I played a part in negotiating with
top officials of the federal government securing military contracts at ICBM
launch sites. As sole proprietor of BJ's Bookkeeping and Tax Service I
worked with IRS auditors and chief financial officers of large corpora
tions. For the past 12 years I was employed as Executive Director at an
exclusive retirement home for elderly women. I worked with state and
federal health officials, DEQ, EPA, and others. I also served in a leader
ship position with many volunteer organizations and commissions. My
favorites being chairman of March of Dimes, and Person's with Disabili
ties Commission.
I made the decision to run for Tribal Council out of the respect for
those who came before me (Our past and present Elders) and out of
concern I have for our Tribe's future (Our children). There are many
issues that I feel need to be addressed; enrollment, per capita, insurance
for all spouses and children of Tribal members, open and honest commu
nications between Tribal and General Council, tribal member employ
ment, housing, and involvement of Tribal members outside the immedi
ate Grand Ronde community in our government.
The first duty of a Tribal Council member is to be a role model to the
rest of the tribe. A true leader. The duties go far beyond that which is
outlined in the CTGR constitution. I believe that heshe should be dedi
cated to the tribe first. Heshe should be mature and well educated in life
experiences have high moral standards, possess a true devotion to our
culture, with continuing self-education as a priority, and have demon
strated successful leadership in a similar position. It should be a priority
of good Tribal Council leadership to promote communications with Gen
eral Council. When I attend council meetings I ask questions and expect
answers. I don't attend to win the door prize and eat a free lunch. I also
believe that at each of these meetings, a monthly financial report should
be made for the purpose of true accountability to the tribe, including
each council member's activities justifying their expense account for the
past month.
I feel that no one should make a career of Tribal Council. The salary
received by members of Tribal Council should not be what motivates
their interest. True leaders in Indian country have few worldly posses
sions because they take care of the needs of the tribal people first, even if
it means personally going without. Elect me to Tribal Council and you
will have a caring, dedicated, experienced leader who is not motivated
by personal gain.
For more detailed information about who I am and what I believe in,
visit my web site, (BETTYBLY.com) or email me at (BettyJBlyaol.com)
I ask for your support in the upcoming election, be responsible and...
VOTE your conscience!
Thank You,
Betty J. Bly
Roll 3544
4 -
My name is Elaine LaBonte. I am
the granddaughter of Esther and
John LaBonte and the daughter of
Lester LaBonte and Nancy Ridlon. I
am running for Tribal Council because
I want to work for You.
I am often told by different Tribal
Councilors that, "Elaine, I supported
your issue but I'm only one voice and
one vote." I will not be one voice, I
will be the Voice of the People. Your
concerns, your issues, your ideas and
your opinions are collectively what will
make us a strong Tribe. And I will
bring your voices to the Council table.
Over 150 years ago, our tribal lead
ers were faced with some tough decisions; decisions that were made only
after considering the impact to the People and to the future genera
tions. Today we are in a similar predicament. Our tribal sovereignty is
under attack (always), our population has grown tremendously and our
finances have surpassed all predictions. Our Tribal Council must make
the decisions that impact us today, our children tomorrow and our fu
ture generations to come. Will there even be a Tribe in another 150
years? Now is the time that we need to consider very carefully what the
needs of our Tribe are. Survey after survey is mailed out and I don't see
where much is done to address the concerns of our Tribal members.
Where I stand on a particular issue isn't as important as where YOU
stand. Our Tribal Council needs to set aside their own personal opin
ions and work towards the greater good of our People. This is what I
will do as your Tribal Councilor.
I am running for Tribal Council because I believe that we need a
more traditional form of government. A government that listens to the
People; a government that welcomes dissention, welcomes conflict and
works towards the common good of all the People. Tribal members should '
not be fearful of voicing their concerns for fear of losing their jobs, for
fear of losing tribal services, for fear of being banned from tribal build
ings or from fear of being evicted from their homes. Likewise for those
brave enough to voice their concerns, those issues should not be swept
under the carpet, but acted upon.
150 years ago our people were brought to the Reservation. There
were language differences, there were cultural differences and there
were political differences. Our ancestors overcame those differences and
formed the Confederated Tribes with a common goal in mind. Today we
have communication problems of a different sort, but they exist none-the-less.
We will always have cultural differences, and our political
problems too often end up in our Tribal Court. We need a more tradi
tional form of government.
We need to bridge the communication gaps, we need to honor our
cultural diversity and we need to agree to disagree. We need to look at
our tribal leaders of the past and honor the values that sustained them
for millennia. Honesty was unquestionable. "Konaway Nayka Tillicum",
All of our relatives were respected. Our tribal leaders conducted them
selves with honor, with integrity and with the common goal of working
for the best interest of all the People. I live my life by these values and
I will represent you and represent this Tribe in an honorable and ethi
cal way.
I will be sending out a letter with my employment, education and
leadership experience in the next week. I welcome your comments, your
ideas and your questions.
Konaway Nayka Tillicum
Elaine LaBonte
P.O. Box 355
Grand Ronde, OR 97347
(503) 843-3759
elaine.labonteviclink.com
Mzrk Mcrdcr
No statement turned in to make
the deadline of Wednesday, July 15
at 5 p.m.
i - v
11
Council Salaries
If the Council had received 5 per year since 1994, they would now
make approximately $37,000 per year. Instead, their salaries are al
most three times what they were in 1994. If elected, I will not vote to
increase my own salary. That's a promise!
My highest priority is to improve communication with Tribal members
near and far, so that everyone can participate in our gover
nance. I support full disclosure of information so that Tribal members
can make informed decisions. Our Public Information Office should
have an editorial board so that an impartial body can determine what
information should be printed and the legal staff will no longer be able
to censor the information that we receive.
I've been in training for this role all of my life. I have a degree in
Public Policy and Administration; I worked for the Tribe for the past 8
years; I've worked with the Tribe's Public Issues Management Team for
the past 5 years; I served as an intern with our Tribe's lobbyist during
the 1999 legislative session and with the Tribe's Intergovernmental Af
fairs Department in 1998.
I believe that my education and background will be an asset to the
Tribe. As a Council member, I will represent you in a way that builds
positive relationships with Tribal members as well as local and Tribal
governments. It is with this belief that I have the courage and confi
dence to ask for your vote.
Anoic Dteckwcll
Angie Blackwell, Roll 1089
www.angieforgrandronde.com
angie.blackwellverizon.net
(888) 391-2511 PIN 5046
Fellow Tribal Members;
It would be an honor to follow in the
footsteps of my mother, Candy
(George) Robertson. After serving 10
years on Council, she set a high stan
dard to meet. I will serve our people
with the same dedication and respect
that she taught me by her example.
The incumbents have served us for
a very long time, and we owe them
our gratitude. Unfortunately, in or
der to bring a new perspective to the table, someone has to be un-seated.
Why do we need a new perspective? Because our Tribe is a constantly
evolving, complex entity, and our leadership must evolve accordingly.
Since new Council members aren't obligated to defend or justify prior
decisions, they can approach issues with an open mind. Most impor
tantly, electing "new blood" reminds all of Council that Tribal members
can, and will, hold them accountable.
Empty Promises
I read several years of candidate's statements to prepare for this writ
ing and I was struck by the promises made. Many indicated they would
support an increase in per capita. Several candidates indicated support
for a mentorship program, and even took credit for creating it. What we
weren't told is that they cut the program's budget after the first year
and eliminated it entirely effective the end of this year. Other promises
included "equal treatment for all Tribal members," and "equal benefits
and opportunities" regardless of where members live. There are several
more examples, including development of a cultural center, but I don't
have enough space to list them all here.
It's time for us to hold Council members accountable. Let's
not allow them to make the same empty promises.
Eligibility Requirements:
When we voted on the 1999 amendment, we were not fully aware of a
clause that prevents enrollment, even for applicants that meet the
new l16th GR blood quantum requirement. The only way to resolve
this issue is for a second vote of the people. Before this happens, every
one should have all the facts so that they can form their own opinion on
the matter and make an informed decision.
Diana George
0
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v : a
Diana George-Daughter of the late
Alberta Riggs George and Lloyd A.
George Sr. (Karok Tribe), Grand
daughter of the late Lena Norwest
Riggs Bobb and Lewis L. Riggs Sr. and
a direct descendant of Chief Solomon
Riggs. I grew up in Grand Ronde and
have remained involved in Tribal af
fairs to serve where I could benefit the
Tribe most.
I believe it is important to know what
qualifications candidates possess to
serve as an effective member of Tribal
Council. My qualifications include:
1975-1976 as a Manpower Counselor
with the Urban Indian Program work
ing with Native American inmates housed in the three penal institu
tions in Salem. 1976-1985 Oregon Women's Correctional Center as the
AcademicV ocational Counselor. 1985-1986 Education Specialist for The
Confederated Tribes Of Grand Ronde, I was responsible for Higher Edu
cation and Adult Vocational programs after restoration. 1987-1989 Aca
demic Tutor for Chemawa Indian School. 1989-2001 Correctional Coun
selor at the Oregon State Penitentiary, responsible for the case manage
ment of 200 plus inmates. Retired in September 2001.
In 1995 1 began my career with Spirit Mountain Casino on a part time
basis when the casino opened, as Table Games Supervisor, in 1996 I
accepted the position of Executive Casino Host and in August of 2001
was offered the full time position of Manager of Guest Services where I
remain today.
My education includes an A.S. Degree in Law Enforcement-Corrections
and advanced studies in Native American Law and Native Ameri
can Studies.
Over the years I have actively participated in Tribal and community
efforts. I have served as a member of the Board of Directors for the
Tribes first Health Authority Board 1999-2001, Spirit Mountain Devel
opment Board 2001-2002, Children Made Visible Board (program for
children of incarcerated parents) 2001-2003, and West Valley Hospital
Foundation Board (Dallas) 2002 to present.
Our Tribe faces many challenges today. If we are to be successful in
meeting these challenges we must be committed to working together,