May 3rd, 2008
The worst of it.....because of mismanagement, the gaming commission could actually force the tribe to sell Greektown. Problem is, the Greektown management board lied to the gaming commission about offers received...makes them in deep do-do.
Someone suggested the board should hire a new qualified board to run Greektown but if the Sault Tribe board is not capable of running it, have let it sink this far, then they are not capable of choosing qualified individuals to run it either.
Some of our directors have had problems that have embarrassed the tribe with drunk driving and assault charges. Alcoholism is a problem among a large percentage of Indians and driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is always the wrong thing to do just as assault is against another human regardless of age, gender or stature.
The drug 'charges', were highly questionable to some because of the hostility of Police Chief Paquin against Todd Gravelle. Gravelle had been a fighter against corruption in this tribe even before his election in 2004 to director of the tribe. The charges were not substantiated and therefore dismissed but drug use is a crime against one's own body and mind. Gravelle with his strong legal background in Indian law, is still the best this tribe has to offer. His efforts have always been for the people and the best interests of the tribe.
One of our candidates for chairman also has had a drunk driving as I am told, and Joe McCoy is frequently seen about town imbibing in the beverages containing alcohol. Recently, while in Greektown he was observed as being "intoxicated and raising hell " but as long as he stays away from the drivers seat of a car, his drinking is his business. However, his association with former chairman Bouschor wraps a red flag around him. His marine business, located along the beautiful shoreline of the St. Mary's river, is the biggest eyesore and embarrassment the Sault area has seen. Thumbs down to Joe McCoy for chairman.
The worst crimes are the crimes committed against the people of this tribe. The lies, corruption, failure of almost all business ventures, and mismanagment that has been part of our business plan for the last 20 years as well as the epidemic proportion of misappropriation of funds, including by our own elected leaders, is far more offensive to me because of the number of people that have been hurt.....those failures and losses can never be recovered.
The federal auditors will be walking into the administration of the Sault Tribe on Wednesday.
Fred Paquin's office was reportedly raided, he was suspended and is being investigated for misappropriation of funds. Someone blew the whistle on his activities and I am told he is now on the run....maybe just a short vacation to wonder why he didn't get away with one more crime against the people.
By the way how do disbursement vouchers get passed for payment, considering the large dollar amounts that were approved for the misappropriations, without question by the lead accountant? This would be Vic Mattson Jr. and why did it take someone other than him to blow the whistle on the police chief?
Sooner or later the feds were going to hear what has been going on in this tribe. Sooner or later they are going to walk in and take over our government because we allowed corruption and greed to take over and did not stand up for our rights or closed our eyes to the truth.
The best thing that could happen is a special election conducted by the Secretary of Interior and monitored by the BIA and FBI. Only then can we be sure that those truly elected by the people sit in the chairs of the board of directors and work for the best interest of the tribe and it's people.
This upcoming election is going to mean nothing. Those voted in or left still sitting may not be there for long. If you think we made the news before, you haven't seen anything yet.
Wind Weaver
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