Last night (Wed., Jan. 5th) I attended an informational meeting regarding Indian Energy llc. (IE). Sadly there were less than a dozen tribal members present in the audience. Board members present in support of IE were Bernard Bouschor, Deb Pine and DJ Malloy others present Allen Cadreau and Henry Boulley from Indian Energy. Other board members that support IE are Cathy Abramson, Lana Causley, Joan Anderson, Catherine Hollowell and Chairman McCoy.
(Indian Energy) not to be confused with (Inland Enegry) is a privately owned company based out of Newport Beach, California. Presently ownership of company breaks out as follows: Allen Cadreau holds 84%, Henry Boulley holds 1% and Sault Tribe holds 15%.
One of my questions asked: Are all outstanding bills settled and paid in full such as employment suits (3 that I am aware of), Greek town issues? Are we now free from any further lawsuits from Greek town or its parties? Bernard responded by going over the budget constraints over the last 3-4 yrs and how as time has gone by the tribe was able to become a bit more financially stable. DJ Malloy responce was “yes” we still have “bills to pay”, in comparison to making the house payment, insurance and other monthly bills. She also mentioned there is still $177 million that parties attached to Greek town fiasco may take us to court over. Both she and Bernard thought the probability of this happening is very slim. So, were these were YES or NO questions and could have been answered differently…you decide.
Next question: What were the dates and amounts of dollars given to IE so far? Henry Boulley responded with the contract was signed on 12/10th and wire transfer completed on 12/13th, total dollar amount close to $850 thousand. Director Malloy indicated that as of January 4th another $250 thousand had been given to IE, so you do the math on what has been given out in a very short period.
Is it important to keep in mind that all of these actions have taken place after petition against giving monies to IE had been presented at a previous board meeting? When this point was brought out the answer given by Director Bouschor went something like, just because there was a petition submitted did not mean legally the board could not continue on with this matter.
Dennis McKelvie and I each asked at different times so what happens if the resolution that is being mailed out this Friday (Jan. 7th) comes back and DOES NOT SUPPORT INDIAN ENERGY, will we get those dollars back? Answer NO, everything just stops there.
How much control does Sault Tribe have over how those dollars and any future dollars are to be spent? ZERO! The money is handed over to Mr. Cadreau and Mr. Boulley then they will decide how to disperse the money.
I asked why not invest those dollars back into some of the tribes program or how about our employees, what happened to year of the employee? Also asked why not look at investing into some well established small to medium businesses here in Michigan? Such as Restonic Mattress Co., located in Escanaba; HoMedics (known for back, neck and feet massage equipment) and Carr’s Peanuts and Snacks these were just a few off the top of my head I’m sure this is more like Grand Traverse Pie Company (highlighted on Food Net Work). Restonic Mattress, HoMedics and Grand Traverse Pie Company are sold nationally and in Canada with a solid proven business record. Again, why not try and do something here at home first?!
Before the evening ended, I asked Mr. Cadreau and Mr. Boulley if they personally got any of the dollars already given to IE. Mr. Cadreau replied “yes, we each took $25 thousand a piece”. It was then explained the reason for they took that amount was for bills each had incurred such as credit cards on behalf of the tribe.
Throughout their presentation and evening there was a lot of “ifs” spoken. ” If” this works out then it may lead to this…then “if” that does happens…”if”, “if”, “if”!! I know life does come with some “ifs” but these two individual’s are trying to sell the tribe their hope and dreams base on their “ifs”. As I made very clear last night I am all for recycling and going green but not at such a high cost at this time…we need to get ourselves out from under all outstanding employment suits and totally free from Greek town and its parties first, then fix things here at home first. Sometimes like the message used years ago…JUST SAY NO!
Anyone remember the name STEVE MORELLO and how much money he got from us? Well, Indian Energy has appointed him to sit on their advisory board on what is best for IE…where the tribe has NO SAY on how our dollars are to be used!Unfortunately due to time constraints with the resolution being mailed out on Friday, we the members may not be allowed the opportunity to ask more questions. The way the board has handled this whole issue reminds me of how the feds handled the healthcare issue…ram it through because we can!
Chi miigwech for taking time to read my letter…just thought some of you may have some questions of your own that should have been asked.
Respectfully,
Anita McKerchie
No comments:
Post a Comment