Below are excerpts from Terry Dillman's coverage of the Candidates Fair. Read the entire article at the News-Times website. I also encourage all the other candidates to submit statements to Siletz.Net and we'll be happy to post them here. Voters still have time to request signature cards and ballots from Election Director Dan Van Otten at (541) 444-8256 or 1-800-922-1399, ext. 1256.
Eleven seek support for tribal council election
By Terry Dillman of the News-TimesIncumbents Loraine Y. Butler, Robert Kentta and Phil Rilatos Sr. hope challengers Frank Aspria Sr., Lisa Brown, Eva Clayton, Cynthia Farlow, Tina Retasket, Sar Richards, Elaine Thomas and Lynette Warren won't overshadow them when voters go to the polls for the Feb. 2 Siletz Tribal Council election.
The candidates emerged at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12 during a meet-and-greet session in the Siletz Tribal Community Center on Government Hill, where they shared their ideas and perspectives about what they believe are priorities for the tribe during the next 52 weeks and beyond. Government accountability emerged as a primary concern, along with economic development, health care, affordable housing, employment and education opportunities for tribal members in their 11-county service area. (...)
...Culture, spirituality, and integrity are watchwords for Lisa Brown's campaign. Her main focus is on accountability, especially in relation to the tribe's gaming enterprises.
“Accountability is core to high-performance government, efficient service delivery, and tribal members' confidence in our elected officials,” she said. “In turn, performance measurement is key to accountability, the good faith effort by our elected leaders that will serve to gain the confidence of the members as a whole.”
Her objective is to “support our government, administrative, and gaming enterprises in their obligation to communicate effectively and openly with the membership.” Toward that end, Brown said she - if elected - would not seek employment with any entity with a direct relationship to any of those enterprises, and would seek feedback from tribal members “to identify areas where possible conflict of interest may occur,” and suggestions for solutions.(...)
...Lynette Warren focused exclusively on openness and accountability, which she said would lead to better financial practices and stop the “wasteful spending” habits of the current council.
“When the tribal government stops spending and speculating beyond its means, we can begin to concentrate our resources on businesses with the highest profit potentials,” Warren stated, whose first priority, if elected, would be to focus on “improving our financial performance, increasing our per capita excess pledge revenue share, and achieving openness in tribal government.”
By Warren's reckoning, the per capita distribution is, by far, “the most equitable means of promoting the general welfare of all the members.”
Beyond that, she wants tribal council to communicate openly and honestly with all tribal members.
“Some in the current tribal government have said that it's necessary to keep our members in the dark for fear that the general public will find out about important tribal affairs and do us harm, but keeping information from the members is costing us dearly,” she noted. “It's time to come to grips with the fact that honest and competent leadership has little to fear from the sunshine of publicity. If our leaders are honest, we can withstand public scrutiny. And if our management is competent, it will survive outside pressure and embrace the challenges of working openly with our surrounding community, recognizing that we are also part of that community.”
Election Director Dan Van Otten certified the candidate list Dec. 26. Absentee ballots and voters' pamphlets were mailed out to eligible tribal members Jan. 7, and Jan. 25 is the deadline to request a mail-in ballot. Election Day is Saturday, Feb. 2, with in-person voting from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the tribal Community Center in Siletz. Deadline for returning absentee ballots is 4 p.m. that day. Van Otten said photo identification is required to vote in person, with no exceptions.
Council members serve three-year terms that overlap, with elections held every year for three of the nine positions.
Tribal council members appointed Kurtis Barker, Felicia Carmona, Rosie Williams and Tracey Worman to the 2008 election board. They and Van Otten will monitor the voting and certify results. The top three vote-getters will take the oath of office at 1 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 3 in tribal council chambers at the tribal administration building in Siletz.
Anyone with questions may contact [Dan] Van Otten at (541) 444-8256 or 1-800-922-1399, ext. 1256.
Terry Dillman is a reporter for the News-Times. He can be reached at (541) 265-8571 ext. 225, or terrydillman@newportnewstimes.com
NCAI TO LAUNCH UPDATED NATIVE VOTE WEB SITE
Indian Country is planning to get out the vote and preparing its citizens to make informed choices when they get to the polls.
A recent scan of the internet showed very little in the way of centralized site or blogs that are providing specific, reliable information about candidates, their position on issues and important ones to Indian Country, and the election process.
On Jan 19th, the National Congress of Amer Indians plan to launch a updated Native Web Site: www.nativevote.org.
The new site will have more than the 2004 site had.
The new web site will have updated information on secretaries of States, new rules for various States, and links to what the candidates and parties are saying about Indian Country. It will have training materials and message boards for people to ask questions and interact.
NCAI hopes the site will become "Campaign Central" for Indian Country.
I for one, was disappointed that our 2008 Tribal Council Candidates Fair was not recorded nor set up on our Tribal Web Site for us to listen and or view our 2008 election candidates on the issues that are important to us. This campaign is about us! We don't even know what was said or aware of what questions were asked of our candidates. We really need our Tribe to get on with it and join the New Internet Age, where you can have much more information available to members scattered all over the Nation. I believe that amounts to over half of our tribe. Here it is 2008, and our Tribal Web site is still lacking basic conventional information. Technology is putting politic in and to us and voters can help set the political agendas. Fairness and political equality means a lot to us. That is also called democracy. High school students can make their own web sites. Why is it taking our tribe so long to do simple updates. The finances are there, a contract was made and we are still waiting for an updated web site that could have been done 10 years ago. The technology is out there for our tribe to use. People are commenting that the Internet is wonderful because there is so much information available. It's too bad I can't say that for our Tribal web sit.
Thanks to the Newport Times for the accounting of the Candidates Fair. It is a welcome site.
Elder guest
Draft - Notes from Siletz Tribal Candidates Fair 1/12/08
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Siletz Tribal Candidates Fair
[NOTE: I apologize for the quality of content – it is EXTREMELY difficult to be a participant on a panel, to listen, and to also take notes… plus be prepared to reply to comments made by other candidates, but I offer this which was done to the best of my ability.] I called Curtis Barker today (1/17), and have scheduled to look at the poll book at 3:15, I asked, “Can I please just take a quick look at the question” Curtis said, “I can’t do that, I have to ask Dan first”, I said, “Oh, and Dan isn’t gong to be in today?”, Curtis said, “he will not be in till next week, I will try to call him.” [Note: Before we post this, I’ll try to get it more accurate… But if there is something specific you’d like to reference, e-mail or call me and we can agree on what it is, and I’ll most likely give my consensus to post what I transcribed. LB
[UPDATE] Have looked at Poll Book, there was a significant number of eligible voters, who did not vote. I spoke to several in person, they said, "the reason why I did NOT vote, was because I didn't really understand what was being voted on, I did not want to make a mistake"....
Also, I mailed letters, corresponding with who actually voted, which I determined by looking at the poll book. I am sad to say that there are an immense number of those that were returned, which means that the Ballot also has been returned !! This is sad, I hope our Tribe cares enough to post those names, so relatives can notify their family members that there is a problem with receiving their ballot.
I will post my list ASAP. Till then, If any one has questions, please call me 541-444-1290 or 541-351-0003 (cell) Lisa Brown
Dan VanOtten, Election Director coordinated the event, with assistance from Election Board members, Curtis Barker, Felecia Carmona (daughter of Sharon Edenfield, “CTSI Business manager/Interim STBC Director), and Tracey Worman (daughter of Darlene Carkhuff, who is the administrative assistant for GM-“central” office).
Audience was invited to submit “fishbowl” questions…. There was some confusion that the questions would be picked by candidates, but instead the election board members sorted… and handed questions to Dan, who then offered them to the candidate.
The candidates fair was scheduled to start at noon to 5pm. Dan asked candidates to select a piece of paper, folded and numbered 1-11, to determine the order for the questions. Nobody drew #1, or #3.
Sar Richards was not present. Lynette Warren had provided info to be read during closing statements, but was not able to be present either (Dan Van Otten closed the fair at 4pm - he offered no option, when I asked him, "We are not allowed to offer a closing statement?" His reply, was, "Nope, it is 4 O'clock".
The candidates fair began with a 5 minute opening statement form each person.
Tina Retasket [TR] was #1 , She said, “Most of my info is in my statement. Her goal was to bridge gaps. She said that she thinks many issues are due to “being caught up in instant gratification”, that long range goals are her priority. She talked about the process to “regroup”, and “work on issues”. She mentioned “impact”… and long range vision as “down the road”. She spoke about her “Siletz city council experience”, and said she hears members who voice their concern of Healthcare as a major issue, and she agreed that it was and is a valid concern. She said there has been discussion, about partnering with the other Tribes in Oregon to address this need.
Nobody dred #3
Phil Rilatos [PR] was #4, he said he has tried to be fair. He has always demonstrated he is open to questions. He hoped that the members believed he has represented them well, and that they will vote for him.
Frank Aspira, Jr., was #__, He stated this was his 3rd time running for Tribal Council. He believes in wind power. He mentioned the Wasco Tribe that is pursuing this as an energy source. He said we also have natural springs around this area. He said water is a becoming very scarce. He would like to see more respect directed towards the earth, and has hopes for plans that consider the use of water and wind.
Lisa Brown was #6, [difficult to speak in 3rd person… I wasn’t able to take notes… as I was speaking], I covered the first section of my candidates statement. I thanked everyone for making the time to be at the fair, and I offered my thanks for the people who served on our council, the standing committees, and the members who made all the resources possible for our Tribal organization. I also mentioned the community, schools and other agencies who were contributors to create the social, academic and administrative opportunities we now have. I stated my goal of “Addressing the needs of our people, that for me, that means reaching beyond a few select individuals – or – those with connections, and hearing the legitimate concerns of the membership that tends to get overlooked. I said, “I can assure you I will work enthusiastically to provide resources and hope for people who don’t have any. I have a passion for creating opportunities for change to happen. My first priority is protection and increase of the Siletz Reservation land base – with due diligence. I take my candidacy seriously, it is my sincere obligation to provide information and answers to questions. I believe the priority of every decision I am involved with should be the “direct benefit” to you the members.”…
I spoke about my education and work experience, and my current service on the health committee, and past on Powwow and Housing Committees. [the 5 minutes went by very quick – I figured I would be able to mention other items of importance during the closing statement] (sadly, Dan VanOtten said we were done at 4pm, and there would be no closing statements – the candidates pamphlet says 5pm)
Loraine Butler was #7. She briefly spoke about her goals and experience. She said she has worked hard to serve on council and “my first three years were a learning experience”. She said she is on a committee for ICW and has worked very hard. to work on the “meth problems” in our community. She said she has attended a few trainings, and that the meth problem is much worse in the Alaskan Islands. She said she has worked for the Tribe for 15 years. She said, “I didn’t write anything… I should have”.. and ended her presentation before her 5 minutes were up…
Elaine Thomas was #8. She said, I appreciate everyone for being here. She shared with the audience who she was, that her father was Elton Butler, and that it was her goal to go back and focus on the people. Her issues were Education, youth and elders. She said, “I’m not really familiar with Out of Service Area needs”…, but she mentioned a “medical card of some kind for insurance”.
Eva Clayton was #__. She spoke about her goals: Education, youth, and her intent to “send them “out” for the education they need. She said she supports Tribal member promotion at the casino. She was thankful to be a contractor on the diabetes project, and spoke about the weather that has presented a challenge. She made a point to talk about her attributes of honesty and integrity.
Cynthia Farlow shared about her family. She spoke about when her dad met her mom… and how in 1962 her dad ran for Governor. She mentioned that in 1962 she moved to California, and worked in the insurance business. She spoke about being a soccer mom, and having a family business, that she married Vance in 1984. She said she is proud of her children, that they are self sufficient, prosperous kids. She said in November 0f 2003 she moved to Oregon, and in 2004 she purchased a gift shop. She said she is the Elders rep on the Elders Council. She works for the Siletz Tribal Business Corporation as an administrative assistant, and that her husband Vance has worked in the facitlies department since January of 2007. Her goals are economic development, to strengthen and solidify accountability to tribal members. She also mentioned “trustworthyness”. [sorry my notes are very brief]
Robert Kentta was #11, he said that our Tribe has suffered some devastating impacts, related to our land base. He said we fact a difficult situation regarding healthcare, expecially for the Northwest region, and that the TC works hard to lobby for a better deal. He spoke about Tribal sovereignty, Fee lands and conversion to trust property. He indicated the problem is with the BIA. He supports economic development and land acquisition. He said that the Tribal Council ethics ordinance needs to be redefined, terms of this ordinance need to be revised. [there was more, sorry I cannot be of more help]
Questions were asked of specific candidates: “Would you increase our percapita”
Phil Rilatos stepped up… looked at the audience, smiled, and said “YES !” , he laughed, the audience laughed.. and he made a comment to say it was a quick and easy answer, and he returned to his chair”…
Frank Aspira, Jr. got a question: Are you in favor of allowing members to see profit and loss statements?
Frank said he is in favor of this, that he believed the Tribal members are shareholders, and they should see this info.
Loraine: Question was about the 20 Million dollar line of credit. She said the action was because “if we wanted to use it, we could, but we have just set it aside, for the casino or hotel, if we need it”… I asked her, “But aren’t there fees attached to this money if you use it?”… she said, “Yes there are fees” but she did not provide the specific details.
Questions were asked of specific candidates: “Would you increase our percapita”, Eva Clayton talked about evaluating the programs, to make it possible for more money to be available for per capita.
Questions were asked of specific candidates: “Would you increase our percapita”, Elaine Thomas said, yes she would encourage a raise.
Questions were asked of specific candidates: “Would you increase our percapita”, Cynthia said Yes.
Questions were asked of specific candidates: “Would you increase our percapita”, Tina was not willing to say yes. She said that it is “based on a formula, TC can set the percentages, but increasing percapita is directly related to the financial success of our enterprise”…. She mentioned that there are some “very necessary programs”… that receive funding.
Questions were asked of specific candidates: “Would you increase our percapita”, Lisa Brown said, “I would increase the percapita. The present percentages are 17% for economic development, 17% for government operations, and 35% for per capita… plus other programs, but considering the decisions made regarding economic development that have used millions of dollars, with little or no profit, plus we just keep paying and paying for administrative fees, salaries, attorneys, etc… it would be my goal to cut that percentage for economic development from 17% to maybe 3 or 5% and adding or using the difference to increase per capita. I wouldn’t keep giving a bank my money if they were having such negative outcomes… I think the same is true for the 17% we now allocate for economic development.
Robert was asked about the Depoe Bay restaurant rental. Robert said it was because of refinancing, balloon payments. That a construction delay caused the business to miss the summer season, and therefore they waived the 6 months of rent.
Phil was asked about voting when a conflict of interest exists: He said, it is best to abstain because “The more you talk the worse you get”. [sorry for lack of content]
Frank Aspira, Jr.. was asked, “Do you believe that our Tribal Court judges should have a law degree?” Frank said, “Yes, I think that you should have a degree, or be an attorney, then that way you would know Indian law”.
Eva Clayton ? – What will you do to protect and promote youth cultural arts for the next 30 years? Eva said, “Education, education, education – send them out”. She said culture camp was a good thing, especially for the socialization that happens.
Elaine ? – What are your thoughts abut Tribal members being promoted at Chinook Winds. She said, “I would like to see tribal member promoted into administrative positions, that they receive the training they need”, she said she remembered the past, when we had the “tent”, and that meetings were held in each area, and members were told they would have jobs at the casino, but that is not what has happened.
Question was asked: Do you believe the General Manager should have authority over all programs for the Tribe?
Robert said he “agrees with the policy”, that gives the GM the authority to act and make these decisions.
[2.015 of the Tribal Plan of Operations]
Tina said, “there are reasons why the GM has to have this authority”.
Loraine said, “It is a good thing ….. ”
Elaine said, “The General manager does need to work with the Tribal Counicl”
Cynthia Farlow said, “ I don’t see the general manager trying to run the tribe. What I have a problem with… [she was referring to Siletz.net.. and adverse comments that have been made by members], she said, “it is appalling to hear”… “you would not hear that from me”.
Phil said that he agreed with the authority the General Manager is given, that it is needed, in order for the job to be done.
Lisa Brown said, “I disagree It is my opinion that it is the duty of the GM to supervise, direct and offer feedback to the program staff. In the case that a staff person is absent, then the GM should step in and make a decision in line with what the staff person had intended”.
Lisa shared the following as an example of micro management that occurs. She said, “I attended a Tribal Council meeting.... Terry Fisher was there, TC was asking him, "Why is it taking so long to put a tenant in the Newly refurbished, [really nice house] that the tribe had recently purchased," Terry mentioned, it was a concern that a tenant be one that would not [trash] damage the home, and he had selected a client and had forwarded his recommendation to his boss.... that Terry had also mentioned how he had forwarded the IHP for submission [with suggestions he had received from Connie who is a consultant for HUD], with specific wording, so as to avoid a "finding" or violation because of the way the policy was worded. He found out Cat Tufts and Brenda had changed the wording [he was concerned].
After this discussion, and Terry commenting that many of his decisions hold no power... Phil Rilatos asked TC members, [and Tina], "So is this an ADMINISTRATION or PROGRAM decision???"
He didn't get an answer.. so he asked again, there were comments from Terry and some TC
members... but then Tina stepped in, defused and redirected the conversation... between Tina and Dee, the subject was changed and no answer was provided for the record.
Loraine was asked to name 3 things she had accomplished during her term. She said, “The rent ceiling for mutual help homeowners”, “the percentage of percapita for, oh what is that called…. [Robert told her garnishment]… oh.. garnishment.. but I don’t want to bring it us, because we’re having meeting on it.
Then she said… “I can’t think right off the top of my head”… [of the next item]
Eva Clayton said one of her biggest goals was the “Interactive website for the Tribe, that it would eliminate the folks out there waiting to cut us up with their razorsharp blades”… [need more clarification as to what question this referenced]
Elaine got a question asking what committees she would apply to serve on:
Her reply: Education, Budget and Health.
She would change the “NINE” county areas, “attending “meetings” at Chemawa Health clinic, would be a conflict of interest, because I work at Chemawa, and I don’t want to jeopardize my job” [she works full time at Chemawa Health clinic”
Question was asked by Mark Pullum, “Do you support creating an Ordinance, that defines very specific reasons, about when meetings will enter into “executive session”? [clearly defined rules, guidelines, policy to identify criteria]
Robert Kentta said, “I think that it needs to remain the way it is… I recall a time when people came to me and said you need to know what’s being discussed. They could have been expelled at that time.”
Frank Aspira Jr., said, “discussions regarding dollars should be shared in open”.
Loraine said, “It is needed, because we are dealing with millions and millions of dollars, that we need to keep secret”.
Eva Clayton said executive session is needed, because of the public and “their big ears”.
Most all candidates were in favor of executive session.
Cynthia Farlow stated she works at Siletz Tribal Business Corporation, and “the hve a new website, that will list all the economic ventures, small business info, licenses and insurances, that will be utilized at STBC and the casino, it will be available on January 15th”, she also said she, “knows that at STBC they note when they go into executive session, and for what”…
Lisa Brown commented, “I disagree with the excessive use of “executive session”, and for the record I would like to clarify, that when Cynthia speaks about STBC “minutes’, that no tribal members are allowed to read or view these minutes, nor are tribal member allowed to attend these meetings, so what good does it do if they write in the minutes what they discuss”?
2008 Candidate’s Fair Questions [Received from Tracey Worman]
1. What would you do to see that our Tribal Veteran’s are honored properly and not just mentioned at Powwow
2. I read letters being put out, how much money have we spent on bad economic business. Can’t (?) economic development if theres none.
3. What about committee meetings? Should they be opened to the membership? Should committee meetings be recorded so the membership can be better informed?
4. Do you think it’s a good idea or a bad idea to have the Tribal Council as the STBC Board of Directors?
5. Are you in favor of increasing the per capita EPR percentage to some amount higher than the present 35%? If so what amount? Do you think it should be lowered?
6. Would you be in favor of allowing members to see the quarterly or semi-annual profit and loss statements for our business such as those for Hee Hee Illahee, Salem Flex, the Stark Building, Siletz Aeroteam, Siletz Mini Mart, etc? If not, why?
7. What committees are you interested in becoming a part of?
8. What about a interactive website for the tribe? Are you in favor of a members only area on the upgraded tribal website with the following?
a. member discussion forum?
b. Posting the minutes from the meetings?
c. Posting a sound file of the audio recordings of tribal council and other meetings?
d. Posting the video file of the General Council meetings so members can see the meeting without having to wait for DVD?
9. What are “3” things you are most proud of that you initiated and passed through council?
10. What could you contribute to reduce the number of foster children in the tribe?
11. No person works alone – How do you plan on being a team player developing the best options for the CTSI people?
12. What can be done to get the city and Tribe to work together?
13. So you believe the General Manager should run the tribe without Council interference?
14. Would you increase our Per Capita? This question was asked (9) times.
15. How would you get equal access to Tribal Health Programs – This for outside service area members?
16. What are your thoughts about Tribal Members being promoted @ CWCR?
17. How would you protect and promote the youth cultural arts? What is your vision for the next 30 years?
18. Who are your people and what is your opinion on the blatant nepotism on Council?
19. Do you believe Tribal members should have to be a graduate from a law school to be able to interview for a position to sit on the bench as a judge? If you explain your decision (we are a sovereign nation).
20. Please defend voting when you have a conflict of interest on the motion?
21. If elected, how do you see yourself maintaining your Admin work as an F/T job? Plus meeting or exceeding Tribal Council duties?
22. A resolution seeking another $60 mm was passed in Dec 2007 – Why? Also notice has been given that a six month abatement of rent for the Depoe Bay restaurant has passed the Tribal Council – Why?
23. Since you all were in favor of taking out a (20 million or any amount) line of credit at the end of 2007, I’m wondering if you could clear up some questions about the pay off of the line of credit
24. Let’s say the tribe elected to use some portion of that line of credit, for example if we withdrew $10 million on the line of credit. Since it was secured by the Hotel/Casino Resort property and done as part of the refinance of the resort, would our payments for the line of credit come out of casino operating expenses? Even if the line of credit money is being used for other *non-casino projects*, such as clinic expansion or cultural center expenses?