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About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 15, 2012)
8 SEPTEMBER 152012 Smoke Signals TdamoyS ddtd tiltoe 2012 eDectiiein) ros ELECTION continued from front page appreciate their support," George said during a break at the Sept. 9 General Council meeting. "Ap proximately 400 people did want a change in a sen.se. ... It was a hard fought race and I appreciate the support locally and in Portland." George cited his youth in Grand Ronde, where he grew up, and his long tenure working in Portland as reasons why he received the third most votes in the election. George said he will work with the other eight Tribal Council members and attempt to make economic di versification of the Tribe's business interests a priority. "For myself, I know that I have to work with eight other people," George said. "For me, it would be very presumptuous to walk in and act like I am going to change everything. "It is about respecting the other eight people that I work with. It's about bringing up ideas, challeng ing ideas and looking at the eco nomic development of this Tribe. ... Just relying on gaming revenue, one cash cow, is not going to take care of the Tribe or how we are go ing to improve." George said he would also sup port examining ways to make Spirit Mountain Casino a destination resort. Tribal voters returned then Chairwoman Cheryle A. Kennedy to Tribal Council to serve her fifth consecutive term. Kennedy led the 13-candidate pack with 480 votes, or 1 4 . 1 7 percent of the vote. "It's always very humbling," Ken nedy said about her re-election and receiving the most votes. "People have to take a lot of initiative to vote." Kennedy said Tribal membership validation of how she is performing her job is always gratifying. "On Tribal Council, we have so many differences of opinion that sometimes I think, 'This is not moving forward' or people are not really listening to what people are saying, and that's important," she said. "But when it comes back like this, it affirms that I am doing the right thing." Toby McClary finished second with 467 votes (13.78 percent) to -: 4-y Photo by Michelle Alalmo Then-Tribal Chairwoman Cheryl A. Kennedy, left, is congratulated by Tribal Finance Officer Julio Martinez after being re-elected to Tribal Council during the General Council meeting at the Tribal Community Center on Sunday, Sept. 9. Results from the election were posted on Saturday, Sept. 8. Kennedy received 480 votes, coming in first place. Watching in the background are Spirit Mountain Casino Human Resources Director Laurie South and casino General Manager Randy Dugger. earn his second consecutive term on Tribal Council. "I am proud and honored to have been elected for another three-year term," McClary said. "It means a lot to me to be in this position. I believe that my hard work, dedication and my motivation to keep our Tribe moving forward was recognized by the membership. "This is a very critical time for our Tribe and will require good leadership. There is a sense of unrest among our people and I can feel that. There are fears of the unknown and I can see that. It will take innovative and forward think ers to find resolve and compassion to reach understanding. I am com mitted to our Tribe and its member ship and will work as hard as I can to fulfill the duties of a responsible Tribal Council member." Other candidates were former Tribal Mentorship & Workforce De velopment Director Denise Harvey, 387 votes; former Tribal Chairman Mark Mercier, 320 votes; former Tribal Council member Andy Jen ness, 293 votes; Brenda Tuomi, 242; Charles Haller III, 196; Lonnie Leno, 194; Jesse Knight, 179; Billy Bobb, 96; Solomon George, 75; and Allen Lane-Butler, 62. Turnout in the 2012 election dropped slightly from 2011 with 32.4 percent of eligible Tribal mem bers casting ballots (1,255 out of 3,867). In 2011, 32.88 percent of eligible Tribal members voted. George becomes the 42nd Tribal member to serve on Tribal Council since Restoration occurred on Nov. 22, 1983. B Official election results of the 2012 Grand Ronde Tribal Election are: Cheryle A. Kennedy. 480 Toby McClary. 467 Jon A. George 397 Denise Harvey. 387 Mark Mercier. 320 Andy Jenness 293 Brenda Tuomi (Jeffers) 242 Charles G. Haller III 196 Lonnie Leno 194 Jesse Knight 179 Billy Bobb 96 Solomon Leo George 75 Allen N. Lane-Butler. 62 Top seat winners TV v - ' Ad created by George Valdez Youth Education 6-12 grade all day program fee and registration changes For the 2012-13 academic year, the Youth Education Department ad opted a $5 fee (per youth) for no-school, all-day programming. The fee will take effect on Sept. 24, 2012. For qualifying families, Youth Education, will offer a sliding fee scale for income eligible families or youth can take advantage of accessing the Youth Education Sponsorship. In addition, Youth Education has updated its parent handbook and application process. This document is available for parents who have or plan to have students in YED programs throughout the school year. Applications (Registration form, Student Agreement, Handbook form & Authorization of Release form) must be complete and submitted no later than Sept. 27 for currently enrolled students. Incomplete applications will result in a delay in services. First-time students accessing Youth Education programming after Oct. 1 will need to submit a completed application five (5) business days before accessing services. For more information, contact the Youth Education Department at 503-879-2101. D Natural Resources has forest passes The Tribe's Natural Resources Department has free annual Northwest Forest Passes available for enrolled Tribal members. .The pass is valid for one year from date of issue. The Forest Pass is valid at day-use sites in Oregon and Washington where "Recreation Pass Required" signs are posted. u. Some examples are Hebo Lake Picnic Site, Derek Road Trailhead, Quinault Rain Forest Trailhead, Tumalo Falls Trailhead, Lava River Cave Interpretive Site, Crane Prairie, Bagby Hot Springs Trailhead, Wickiup Plains Trailhead, Lake Serene Trailhead, Clear Lake Public boating site and West Fork Humtulips Middle Trailhead. The Forest Pass does not cover fees for snow parks, some concession- . aire-operated sites, developed campgrounds and cabin rentals, wilder-. ness climbing and river permits. For more information, contact the Natural Resources Department at 503-879-2424 or visit the Tribal Web site at www.grandronde.orgdepart-mentsnatural-resources.
