Unhappy? Vote for change
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Editor,
What this CSKT election is really about:
• Councilmen that believe in the member’s right to vote on vital matters.
• Councilmen that follow the CSKT Constitution and bylaws.
• Councilmen that listen to and represent the members from their district first and foremost.
Let’s refresh our memories on just how the present council’s performance has been on all three of these important issues.
The Salazar payout issue is still a very hot topic here on the reservation; 1,448 tribal members signed a petition for this referendum requesting to exercise their right to vote on this issue. Many members voiced their opinions and wishes at district meetings. Our present council essentially ignored these members and consequently the issue has ended up in court for the court to decide.
The referendum petition for changing the constitution to allow members to recall councilmen for misconduct through a voting process, signed by 1,395 members was approved by the BIA. Our present council has once again ignored the membership’s wishes and filed an appeal to force the BIA to reconsider their decision.
Let us not forget the council’s decision to commit $4 million donated, out of your Salazar settlement, to the NARF, a group of lawyers and supposedly a non-profit organization. They chose this donation verses the money going to their own membership, however indebted they felt they were to this organization.
It’s up to you membership. If you rate the council’s performance high on these issues, then vote for the incumbents. However, if you rate the council’s performance as poor, consider voting for change. You may have some doubts about the opposing candidates’ background, but do you really have the facts relating to their background or are you going on here-say alone?
Please think about this. At least with the incumbents, you do have their decision making as a matter of record. If you don’t agree with their decisions related to the above matters, you definitely know that they did and continue to decide against your legitimate requests.
The important thing is that we all turn out to vote. This is a historic election of huge significance to each and every member.
Joelene Frey, Polson
Joyce Mitchell, Ronan
Donna Orr, St. Ignatius
