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Need tribal candidates who listen, represent membership

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Editor,

The 2013 Tribal Council Primary Election will be held on Nov. 2. Membership, we need to get involved and show up at the polls. We know we have problems within the Tribal government, many of them due to the poorly written CSKT Constitution. Our survival both economically and culturally depends on us making wise decisions in the voting booth. 

So what might we look for in a candidate for the Tribal Council? 

First and foremost, honesty and integrity is a must. We don’t need candidates that make empty promises and then once they are elected to council forget about the membership’s input or wishes on major decisions. Example: The Salazar payout issue. The district meetings held on this issue clearly voiced the majority of the membership’s desire to put this up to a vote, and virtually, this was ignored. We don’t need council members who arrogantly think they, and only they, know what is in the best interest for the rest of us. We need them to not only listen to our input, but vote on issues according to the wishes of the people they represent. They need to be accountable to these members. It is irrelevant what their personal views on issues are; they were elected to represent the membership in their districts. 

However, membership, we need to take some responsibility here. In all fairness, many district meetings, tribal council meetings, and elections are poorly attended. We need to make time to get involved by making our ideas known and gaining knowledge on important issues such as Kerr Dam, and the Water Compact. Equally important is educating ourselves on our CSKT Constitution; many misunderstandings and rumors are a result of a lack of knowledge. (Members can get a copy of the Constitution from the Enrollment Office at the Tribal Complex.) 

The bottom line appears to be these questions for a candidate: will you represent the people who elected you? Will you really listen to what we have to say? Candidates, we need to know where you stand. 

The People’s Voice Media
Donna Orr, St. Ignatius
Joyce Mitchell, Ronan
Joelene Frey, Polson 

 

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