More Reactions to Stalkin' Tony

I am greatly disappointed in Tony Grondin's behavior.

Tony has failed to show the leadership that he claims to be capable of. His reputation has gone from "watchdog" to "dog to watch out for".

Tony's hounding of Aaron Payment, and others, is despicable. What is left for him? He most likely will be shunned by his community. With no credibility, how will he find a significant role that he so desperately seeks?

His mean spirited, vindictive acts will come home to roost. You teach by example........Who wants a part of anything he is teaching? His BG of the past....... now stands for Big Goof

rickJ

WHY HEALTHCARE REFORM?

Why not? Is it the cost, the taxes, the government interference or the fear that abortions will be paid for from your taxes?

Some say it's the cost while complaining that others may receive free healthcare...like they do now. Some that get free care now do so because they can't afford to pay for it. Others 1. Have better things to spend their money on, 2. Don't intend to get sick enough to need it, 3. Other.

Some don't want to pay more taxes for any of those listed above so:
Should I request a refund for every dime I paid in Social Security and Medicare taxes since it may be bankrupt by the time I am eligible?

Some say they are sick of paying taxes to benefit those who want something for free. Hey parents against healthcare reform...How about no more FAFSA (free money) to your kids for college. Let the parents or kids pay for their own college. I don't have children in school so should I not pay school taxes?

Some say they don't want anymore government interference. Does that mean they don't want the government placing limits on interest rates you pay on loans & credit cards or telling your kids or anyone else when, where and if they can drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, do drugs or how fast they can drive? No government interference means no military, no Homeland Security, no police and fire, no government grants to build and maintain schools and communities but most of all, look at all that money saved with no government jobs. How many of these naysayers received paychecks and benefits as a result of local, state and federal government jobs?

Is the government interference that we hear so much about only related to healthcare, or other issues that mean something to some but not all? When is government interference a good thing? Besides regulating things that could be harmful to individuals, how about those laws that protect us from being sexually harassed, wrongfully terminated, or being forced to work for sweatshops in order to make a living?

Granted, it is good to question the motives of your government, or anyone for that matter, but sometimes we have to trust that most of the people we elected really do have our best interests in mind and that laws offer us the protections we need to remain a civilized country including the right to life that I trust will be protected under the Executive Order of the President of the United States.

Helping others is part of who I am but for those who don't want to help others, don't expect me to want to help you.

Lynne Weaver

Angry Members Speak Out Against Tony Grondin

"This guy also got his SSI cancelled because he was caught, by Fred no less, for doing work on his house when he was supposed to be disabled. He has a history of being dishonest, a thief and a crook! That is what really pisses me off about these holier than thou characters!"

Anonymous
Since Grondin sent out another letter stalking Aaron Payment at his new place of employment, members have been emailing with angry comments. In the interest of space, I will post those that reflect what most have to say.

Reminder:

Write these dates on your calendar...April 15, 20th and 27th....Fred Paquin's days in court in Marquette, Mi.

TONY BALONEY

"You should have mentioned that Tony is a convicted thief, and was found in possession of stolen property Grondin can never run for office or get a Gaming license because he has a criminal conviction for possession of stolen property. He is known in the community as being dishonest and a political opponent of Payment. Don't you find it ironic that he is attacking Aaron when Aaron turned him into the FBI? He also endorsed Paquin in the last election!"
Anonymous

GRONDIN STALKS AGAIN!

Grondin sent out yet another stalking letter regarding Aaron Payment in an attempt to get him fired from his new job. It's time this stopped and if I were Aaron Payment I would file a stalking complaint against Tony Grondin.

This isn't the first time Grondin has harassed and stalked tribal members and it won't be the last unless he is stopped. It's happened to me and several others as well. His nutty letter was sent to numerous news agencies, elected U.S. representatives and select tribal members. In the past, Grondin has even sent such letters to the President of the United States.

I wonder how much Grondin was paid for stalking Aaron Payment, but maybe all it took was a sit down with the King and a free cup of coffee to make TG feel important...which is really what he is looking for. He wants some sort of recognition, something that validates his existence...no matter what he has to do to get it.

By the way, yesterday I and many others received an email from Grondin stating this: "Humiliation is one of the Seven Grandfathers I have accepted long ago, you might want to try it on." Yes Tony...you have humiliated yourself over and over but that is not one of the 7 Grandfathers. Long sigh.....

Lynne Weaver

To the Anonymous Anti-Healthcare Reform Poster

If you want to discuss how stupid you think anyone who supports healthcare reform is, register with http://lynneweaver.findtalk.net so your rants can be addressed or responded to. Using name-calling to burn off your hostilities might be your way of dealing with your issues but what good is it if no one knows how you feel. Stop wasting time and internet space. You can use an alias on www.lynneweaver.findtalk.net so your identity is safe.

MARCH 21. 2010...HISTORIC!

What an historical presidency this has been for Americans! The first black person elected as President also managed to do what past Presidents hoped to achieve for decades but didn't, couldn't, or wouldn't. From FDR to Bush, both Democrats and Republicans have agreed that national healthcare was needed but none were as brutally persistent as President Obama. It's unfortunate that the plan is lacking the complete expertise of both parties although there are a few hundred amendments written by Republicans in the plan.

Social Security and Medicare, although riddled with its own problems, once was characterized as the undoing of democracy just as the healthcare reform that passed today was labeled by anti-reformers. Half the people in the U.S. are madder than hell while the other half are cheering over the passing of the healthcare reform bill.

If you want to express your opinion on the healthcare bill or any other issues you have, register with http://lynneweaver.findtalk.net/ and blow off steam. It's easy to register and just takes a minute of your time. If you are still having problems, click on FAQ for help or email me at weave977@yahoo.com.

Note: Obscenities, racial comments or personal attacks against other posters will not be tolerated.

HEALTHCARE REFORM...IS TODAY THE DAY?

Presidents Truman, Eisenhower, GW and GH Bush, Ford ,Kennedy, T Roosevelt, Clinton and even Nixon were among the former presidents calling for healthcare reforms in this country.

Universal comprehensive national healthcare plan are words that have been used in numerous combinations by those brave enough to bring it up. For decades, former presidents knew healthcare reforms were necessary fair and just, but were stopped by those that would see profits decrease if it passed. All failed to get it through but only one president is not giving up and President Obama has put healthcare above his chances for reelection.

The best part about the bill, the Public Option, that would make it the most affordable for most Americans was beaten down but maybe that will come later. For those public option opponents, I ask why? Anyone who has tried to purchase health insurance on their own is aware of the cost. Working for an employer that provides part of the cost is where most of us hope to be. Public option was explained to me as nothing more than affordable 'Group Insurance'. 'Group'...that's what makes it cheaper, sort of like buying in bulk.

Today is the day that the decision will be made to level out the playing field for those of us who are uninsured. It's time that the we had a say in our best interests and today could be the day that history is made in our favor. It's about time.

OUT WITH INCUMBENTS

Every time I hear on the news that some want to end term limits for elected offices I wonder if they have really given it a lot of thought, but likely it is those closest to elected officials reaching term limits who are bellying up to the bar to state their case. Experience and knowledge certainly are admirable qualities to have in an elected representative but in the case of the Sault Tribe, those two attributes have been useful only to those seeking ways to fatten their own wallets.

Such is the case of Fred Paquin whose lengthy career as Sault tribe police chief and director has given him plenty of opportunity to use his considerable knowledge of thievery and experience in assault to posture himself as the all powerful and most feared policeman-about-town.

Other directors have shown their loyalty with promises of firing anyone they can in order to secure that dream job for 'special' constituents in return for votes. Thousands of concert tickets confiscated by one board member, for his personal use, were handed out like cheap candy canes at Christmas in exchange for loyalty. Cost to the board member...priceless....because he didn't pay for them but did use them for personal gain. The cost to members...far too much since we only need to look what we have had to give up because of such abuses of power.

Another board member optimized her presence as an incumbent by insisting that she be the one to hand out the free Sugar Island ferry tickets while misleading recipients into believing that the cost was out of her pocket.

Experience to operate a successful business operation like a tribe? There might be a couple able-minded on the board but for the most part, the experience is all about how to screw over the tribal members while getting rich and not getting caught.

Lynne Weaver

Join Tom Biron and others in discussion with the upcoming election. See what respected tribal member Tom Biron has to say. Sign up by registering with http://lynneweaver.findtalk.net/portal.htm

WAKE UP AND STAND UP

Don't drink the tea...coffee's better!
March 13 Is National Coffee Party Day!

MISSION: The Coffee Party Movement gives voice to Americans who want to see cooperation in government. We recognize that the federal government is not the enemy of the people, but the expression of our collective will, and that we must participate in the democratic process in order to address the challenges that we face as Americans. As voters and grassroots volunteers, we will support leaders who work toward positive solutions, and hold accountable those who obstruct them.

http://www.coffeepartyusa.com/
Join them on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/coffeeparty

2010…Off To An Eventful Year In Sault Tribe History

Former Sault Tribe Police Chief, Fred Paquin, has resigned his position….nice of him. By resigning, it can be assumed that he has broken his contract which relieves the tribe from having to pay him to get out although getting out and going straight to prison won’t likely be an option for the ‘Fredator’.

Also, the board should soon be prepared to vote to uphold the decision of the members which was to NOT allow Bernard Bouschor to run for the directors seat. Recall that the tribe’s appellate court did not have the authority to erroneously insert their opinion and disregard the referendum in which nearly 80% of Sault Tribe voting members said NO to allowing Bouschor to run for a board seat.

It will be interesting whether any board members will take a chance by voting no to any decisions necessary to vacate Bouschor’s seat. Several directors are already in hot water with tribal members for supporting Paquin and Bouschor during their long record of illegal activities involving the tribe.

With the two biggest power abusers out of the way, will the trend continue to provide the tribe with the cleansing it so badly needs? 2010 may be the most memorable year yet for the tribe.

FREDDIES BIG DAY IN COURT

"The federal case against the former Chief of Police for the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians and his daughter will be going to trial in April.

According to the U.S. Attorney General's Office, Frederick Paquin and Mary Cullen face multiple charges for allegedly conspiring to defraud the United States be a dishonest means.

Among the offenses, Paquin allegedly paid Cullen as a full-time employee of the tribe after she was no longer working as a full-time employee. They will be tried together.

The initial pretrial in U.S. District Court in Marquette is set for April 15 with a second pretrial scheduled on April 20, and the trial would be held on April 27 unless a plea is entered.

If convicted, both could be sentenced to several years in prison."
http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/news/story.aspx?list=194550&id=427175

Just in...

Sault Ste. Marie, Mi...Chairman McCoy is seeing to it that the membership will soon be receiving emails from the tribe. Staff has found a way to regenerate an email list of tribal members, he says, and it will be used to email out positive news to the membership. At the same time the membership will be invited to applaud the good work that the board is doing on their behalf.

It's going to be wonderful...

Director Miller indicates that tribe is still in the owner's seat where Greektown is concerned. He fails to mention that the tribe's proposal to emerge from bankruptcy as the casino's owner was turned down. What director Miller is telling members is a half truth at best...the creditor group whose proposal was accepted has only to be licensed, and they will own the casino. Barring that, other proposals will likely be submitted and then and only then and only after licensing will tribal members know who owns that fabulous casino.

Director Miller has mislead the membership...tsk, tsk...

Director Eitrem says voting yes on the CEO/ Chairman referendum will provide a separation of powers. In a pigs eye, the board will hire the new CEO. It will be a separation until the first time the board and the new CEO lock horns over an issue.

Director Eitrem needs to review what a balance of power is. It isn't a balance that melts away to nothing leaviang one party left with empty pockets after a major disagreement.

Director Petoskey made an honest comment on the big raises for the doctors and dentist. She said the wage studied revealed many healthcare facilities paid their doctors and dentist more than the Sault Tribe's...but, there were many others paying their doctors and dentist a lot less,

Director Abramson, of course, reported on the positive aspects of the doctors and dentists raises. After reading it, members may feel indebted to the board. After all, the raises were given out to protect the healthcare of the membership, and, because of them, those services are now secured into the foreseeable future.

Wow, you just gotta love the board for that...

Director Hoffman...well, he did a good job of balancing out his campaign ad. Just think, all of those practically numberless accomplishments and they counted out to an even number...and balanced out perfectly up and down the sides of his ad.

Now that in itself is quite an accomplishment. Do I detect a little pie in the sky in the director's report...naw, couldn't be...

Director Massaway...he usually says little. Like director Rickley he's a minimalist. He keeps a low profile, says as little as he can get away with and takes home his big paycheck. Both of these director work full time at other jobs. The word is...director Massaway is even looking to run for a state representative seat.

Director McKelvie..missing in action! The members haven't heard from this director is several months. What's going on here. Perhaps he's been out fishing with director Bouchour and Causley, as none of them had the time to write a report, or at any rate, the inclination to do it. Or did they? Have they, too, been too busy with other things. What's the story here....

Thank you, Charles Forgrave

BERNARD BOUSCHOR SAULT TRIBE'S BIGGEST LIABILITY

A legal opinion regarding the tribe’s appellate court decision to allow Bernard Bouschor to run for a position on the board states that the action was illegal. The appellate court did not have the authority to erroneously insert their opinion and disregard the referendum in which nearly 80% of Sault Tribe voting members said NO to allowing Bouschor to run for a board seat.

The order by the Appellate court that allowed Bouschor to run should be immediately vacated and the seat that Bouschor holds on the Sault Tribe Board of Directors should also be vacated immediately. Bouschor could recuse himself from his position but that would make it too easy for the members of the Sault Tribe which is something Bouschor has never been willing to do.

Bernard Bouschor has proven time and time again that he is a huge liability to the Sault Tribe. Bouschor, you have worn out your welcome for the umpteenth time….Step Down.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT FOR RECALL

Work long ago completed on a new constitution for the Sault Tribe went the way of other best interests of the tribe...to the trash. The big excuse was the expense to enact the changes, but currently there is an amendment to remove the chairman position as CEO.

We can change the way our tribe operates one amendment at a time and the cost of an election to amend the constitution is absorbed by the BIA so cost to conduct an election cannot be used as an excuse.

Wording for an amendment for recall of elected officials is the first step followed by the petition for the amendment to go before the board. Moving forward will be based on interest in the project and if you wish to be part of it or be informed of the details, you must trust enough to provide your identity in order to maintain the integrity of the project.

Anyone interested in getting involved in the process can log into http://lynneweaver.findtalk.net/. Private messages are possible thru findtalk or email me at weave977@yahoo.com.

Lynne Weaver

CLEAN ENERGY COALITION

The Clean Energy Works coalition, which includes Repower America, Sierra Club, National Wildlife Federation, 1Sky.org and a total of 60 organizations across the country are setting up a phone bank to contact our elected representatives on March 2nd, 3rd, and 4th.

It is absolutely vital that we contact our legislators and ask them to make sure Clean Energy and Climate legislation is a priority this year which may not be part of Congress's agenda this year. It's a steep hill, but we have to fight and move forward.

Kevin Numerick of Repower America would like to meet with anyone who has questions or would like to help get the word out. We will be meeting in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. in the very near future so if you would like to find out more about Repower and have a chance to talk about the issues or to be involved please contact me ASAP so we can arrange to have Kevin speak about what Clean Energy will mean for you.
lynneweave@gmail.com

YOU'RE FIRED!!!

Sault Ste. Marie, Mi...By the time the board meeting started, there wasn't standing room left. 36,000 tribal members had packed into the Grand Ball Room at the Sault Tribe's flagship casino in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Many attendees quadrupled their height by adjournment time, and in the process became as skinny as a fence post.

Don't let the good ole' boys or girls on the board fool you folks, when they have provided enough room for every one to attend board meetings, maybe then, just maybe, they can harp at you for commenting on them. Not only haven't they provided the room for all tribal members to attend their meetings, they no longer broadcast them on public t v.

These corporate types like to turn things upside down on you, folks. Criticize their behavior and they'll intimidate you, if they can. If they can't they'll discredit you and discount your work, and then they will ignore you. In the worst case, they will have you fired.

But always remember, despite it all, they work for you. It's your money they are spending and because it is, they answer to you, not the other way around. If anybody has any right to set any rules as to who can say what about tribal politics, it's most definitely you and not them...

...in the final analysis, it's you who can do the firing at the ballot box.

Thank you, Charles Forgrave

STILL...

According to Crain's Detroit Business, Greektown had the greatest gains over last year among the 3 competing casinos. Why are the Greektown revenues still topping the other 2 when the Sault Tribe management couldn't make a dollar off it when they were in control?

Greektown Casino L.L.C., which is exiting bankruptcy, reported the largest month-over-month revenue gain at $28 million in January, up from $24.3 million a year ago.

MGM Grand Casino L.L.C. reported $47.4 million in January revenue compared to $45.7 million a year ago.

Detroit Entertainment L.L.C.’s MotorCity Casino saw a decline in January revenue: It took in $35.9 million compared to $36.8 million in the same month in 2009.

The total state waging tax collected from the three casinos was $10.1 million in January versus $9.6 million a year ago.

Can you run a tribe by referendum?

Day to day affairs must be managed by trained personnel "Policy" must have oversight But the problems with the Sault Tribe run deeper. You have a generation of corrupt leaders and those "elected" have an heir of entitlement. This is compounded by an overwhelming degree of apathy on the part of the voter. The "calvary isn't coming"............. It is every citizen's responsibility to watch over and correct the behavior of government. You have criminals running your business....get the evidence..call the FBI...get rid of them and start all over.
rj

Sault Ste. Marie, Mi...

Federal and state governments routinely post the income of their civil service workers. As a matter of fact, it is a part of the job posting. In the Sault Tribe, this is far from case.

As a matter of fact, it's a big secret. Tribal members don't know what they pay their dentists or their medical doctors, or their other healthcare professionals.

So now we have a proposals to raise the tribe's top individuals pay...without any idea of from where to where we're going to raise it. The number being bandied about will cost us $700,000.00. Why all the big secrecy about it? If the federal state governments can routinely post this kind of information, why can't the tribe. Is there something about the tribal membership, that their leaders feel they have to keep this information secret?

Isn't this part of this whole communications problem with this tribe?

It's politically correct to assume right away that healthcare providers have a raise coming. Members understand it's always been a problem to attract doctors up to the U.P. and then to keep them here. On the other hand, there was nothing in the tribal paper outlining the severity of the problem, or even simply describing it. Members have no idea whether we have doctors leaving our employ because they felt underpaid, or whatnot.

If they haven't left for that reason, then there's not a big money problem. As president Reagan would have said, let them vote with their feet. Or in other words, have they been leaving because of the low pay, or haven't they? And just how big of a problem is it? Can we afford to compete with other clinics, let's say the Petoskey Clinic for example?

Tribal members have no idea. They're left to blindly trust their unit leaders, who just happen to be politicians. Now just how undependable is that, it's not dependable?

So let's backup. Do something about the secrecy surrounding the income of tribal civil servants...doctors, division heads, directors, administrative assistants, whomever. Define the problem..will the free market straighten it out, or won't it? Are doctors voting with their feet, because of the low pay, or aren't they? Quit being secretive about it?

All of this secrecy nonsense is an integral part of the overall healthcare problem...

Thank you, Charles Forgrave

Murkowski Amendment Jeopardizes Public Health

As the debate over climate legislation intensifies in Washington, a new proposal by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) seeks to undermine the Clean Air Act, one of the most successful public policies in recent memory. This Dirty Air Act is being drafted in secret by Washington lobbyists working for big polluters to dismantle 40 years of progress that has greatly reduced pollution and its harmful health side effects. It also is a diversion from the real task before the Senate: to pass comprehensive clean energy legislation.

Despite recent polling showing overwhelming support among American voters for policies that limit carbon pollution and invest in clean energy sources, this proposal delays action needed now to minimize the hazard pollution poses to the health and safety of all Americans. Those who support this misguided scheme would have you believe they want to protect the air our children breathe and the water they drink.

Yet at the same time, the policy they propose will gut the very law that provides such safeguards. Three years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court mandated that the government determine whether or not greenhouse gases pose a danger to human health. After intense research, scientific debate and public hearings, it has become clear that carbon emissions do in fact pose a danger and must be curbed to protect the public. Murkowski’s latest action is trying to block the Clean Air Act’s authorization and prevent lawmakers from moving forward on legislative solutions. It only delays action that must be taken now to minimize the damage of carbon pollution.

Michigan and American cannot afford to be held hostage by partisan obstructionism. Experts warn that this misguided proposal will put even more Americans’ health at risk. Pollution in the air and water has dangerous side effects that have been documented for decades. A broad group of public health organizations have come out in opposition of this measure, because they know of its dangerous consequences. That’s why lawmakers created these safeguards in the first place – to protect Americans from harmful contaminants in drinking water and air. Nobody’s health should be held hostage to big polluters’ profits, and this scheme would do take us in that direction.

Instead of looking for ways to delay much-needed action, Senators need to work together on comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation to address the threats before us. Bipartisan frameworks already exist to help America transition to a clean energy future, and with strong support from the public.

It’s time Senators listen to doctors, scientists, researchers and medical experts who know the dangers that will occur if we turn back the clock and dismantle the Clean Air Act. The Murkowski proposal must be defeated so lawmakers can constructively work together to address the threat of carbon pollution. The health and well being of Michigan’s residents and abundant natural resources hangs in the balance.

Senator Debbie Stabenow does not support the Murkowski Amendment. Where does Senator Levin stand on this issue?

Can you run a tribe by referendum?

Day to day affairs must be managed by trained personnel
"Policy" must have oversight
But the problems with the Sault Tribe run deeper.
You have a generation of corrupt leaders and those "elected" have an heir of entitlement.
This is compounded by an overwhelming degree of apathy on the part of the voter.
The "calvary isn't coming".............
It is every citizen's responsibility to watch over and correct the behavior of government.
You have criminals running your business....get the evidence..call the FBI...get rid of them and start all over.
Anonymous

ANOTHER KNEE-JERK REACTION FROM BOARD PROMPTS MEMBER REFERENDUM

Millions lost because of Bouschor's Greektown fiasco with more than $60 million in legal fees alone, millions more in legal fees spent to sue Bouschor for the return of tribal funds and, now, who is proposing a raise for 40 employees of IHS at a cost of $750,000.00 after the elderly have had their benefits cut?

Sources have reported that at Tuesday's February 2nd board meeting, a resolution was passed to raise the salaries of 40 employees while all other tribal employees have been denied increases. With so few available doctors and dentists employed by IHS, it's clear that raises could be in order to retain and attract new qualified medical professionals but are there 40 professionals employed by the tribe? Who are they? Would Cathy Abramson's husband be on that list and why is she voting on giving her household a raise?

Tribal employees and members are outraged and ready to take action against another irresponsible spending spree by the majority of the Sault Tribe Board of Directors, especially after the loss of the Sault Tribe's largest revenue generator, Greektown Casino. A petition to generate a referendum against this action is said to be in preparation. According to the ST's constitution, members have 30 days to gather the required number of signatures in order to force a referendum. Your signature and participation to continue the successful take-down of the notorious spenders of your money is necessary to finish the job. Remember, the two most empowered individuals, who together have cost this tribe untold multi-millions, have been brought to their knees and those two are of course, Bernard Bouschor and Fred Paquin. Now is the time to double our efforts to fix what we thought couldn't be done.

Get ready for another successful round of removing tribal corruption. This is yet another example of board members enriching themselves at the expense of the members.

GREEKTOWN DEAD...FUNERAL HELD IN SECRECY

The lifelines keeping Greektown alive for Sault Tribe members were disconnected yesterday at a meeting of the Detroit City Council.

.

This was the last hurdle the Sault Tribe had to face in order to reclaim Greektown, but the failure of the Sault Tribe board to convince anyone that they had a viable plan to bring Greektown out of bankruptcy drove another nail into the coffin.

For a mere $19 million, the new owners will be taking over in June. Ted Gazarro's, who had paired up with Bernard Bouschor in the early years of Greektown, pressured the Detroit city council for greater ownership but ended up with a big fat zero.

Although the Sault Tribe board remained confident that they would come out on top, it couldn't have been farther from the truth. The only entity they are on top of is the Sault Tribe membership and they will continue to collect their 67K salaries plus benefits and expense accounts until the last dime is gone.

On the bright side, this is the 3rd strike in as many weeks, against a board majority, who protected the recently arrested former police chief Fred Paquin as well as Bernard Bouschor who, according to the Michigan Supreme court, is being held personally responsible for the payout of 2.7 million plus in June of 2004. We may have lost Greektown but the satisfaction of seeing the two most empowered come crashing down is reassuring that all is not lost.

THE HOUSE OF CARDS IS COMING DOWN

For almost three decades several tribal members were relentless in trying to bring justice to the Sault Tribe and the names of those who never hesitated to speak against the corruption is endless.

During this long process, several tribal members lost their jobs for their part and many suffered financial devastation in the name of ‘Retaliation Against Whistleblowers‘.

Through the years, fearless tribal members and employees continued to protest against Bouschor and his questionable acts of greed and corruption which included talks with the FBI on numerous occasions. The rumors that money was being sent to locations such as the Cayman Islands, Netherlands, Canada and even Las Vegas continued to flow through the tribal grapevines. Some would talk but were fearful of going too far only to be discredited by the inability to produce necessary documentation to back up their claims and the price for blowing the whistle was not something that anyone wanted to pay.

Although we can’t forget those who put everything on the line to expose the corruption, it wasn’t until the election of 2004 that we got our first big break. Aaron Payment and Todd Gravelle teamed up to run for seats on the board. During the election, Gravelle called on an acquaintance to assist the tribe. Steve Morello brought with him Ernie Walker and the new team put together a plan to ensure a fair and honest election. For the first time in years, the Sault Tribe had a new chairman, but while the votes were being counted Bernard Bouschor was preparing the final plans to rip off the tribe for 2.7 million dollars to pay off his team of key associates.

When it was discovered that checks written against the Sault Tribe were clearing, Morello advised specific actions to take place that started the infamous 2.7 plus 2 lawsuit against Bernard Bouschor. At a meeting, Gravelle, whose hope was to bring the tribe back to its roots of helping each other, made the motion to sue Bernard Bouschor and the 7+2 to retrieve the 2.7 million taken from the tribe. Another attorney, William Horton, filed the necessary documents and took on what seemed to be the impossible…taking down Bernard Bouschor and bringing justice to the members of the Sault Tribe.

This team fought the majority of the Sault Tribe board who fought back with every conceivable corruptive act they had up their sleeves. Payment and Gravelle lost in an election that most feel was corrupted, as usual, and Morello and Walker were also forced to leave. But the weight of the corruptive forces holding the Sault Tribe members hostage never left their resolve to bring justice to the tribe.

Today, thousands of Sault Tribe members have something to cheer about. The promises have been kept and the lawsuit that many board members wanted to drop is now almost over. First the corrupt police chief, Fred Paquin, has been arrested and now Bernard Bouschor will be held personally responsible for at least 2.7 million but likely a lot more. Two and half times plus legal fees could now be the final knockdown for the Bouschor House of Cards.

Finally, there is justice for the Sault Tribe and its members and a celebration will follow in due time.

MI Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Plaintiff – Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians

January 28, 2010

In case of Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians v. Bernard Bouschor; and Miller Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C.; Daniel T. Green; Paul W. Shagen; Joseph M. Paczkowski; David E. Scott; Jolene M. Nertoli; James M. Jannetta; Daniel J. Weaver, jointly and severally

C/A Case No.: 276712 – L/C Case No.: 04-7606-CC

Lansing, MI – Today, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians in the so-called 7+1+1 case which was originally filed in Chippewa County (50th Circuit Court) but presented to Judge Charles Johnson, 57th Circuit Court, in Emmet County as visiting judge when Judge Lambros recused himself.

At the lower court level, Judge Johnson ruled back in 2007, that the defendants were not terminated, that Bouschor did not have the authority to grant severances (in the amount exceeding $2.66 million), and that contrary to Bouschor’s claim, Bouschor did not hold ‘executive immunity’ a status typically held for State Governors or the President of the United States. This latter filing by Bouschor is what qualified the defendants for an automatic appeal in the Michigan Court of Appeals and has delayed the case since the initially filing in 2004. At that level, the MI Court of Appeals threw out the legal malpractice and conspiracy claim.

The MI Supreme Court’s ruling today reinstates the Sault Tribe’s complaint with regard to malpractice and may qualify the Sault Tribe for injunctive relief to recover not only the amount Bouschor and defendants conspired to take on election night of 2004, but also ‘treble damages’ which is up to three times the amount. Given the Tribe filed jointly and severally, once a final judgment is granted (possibly via a summary disposition given there now appear to be no facts in dispute) there may not even be a need to go to trial at the district court level. Judge Johnson could, instead, rule in the Tribe’s favor and award damages and legal fees.

In the Supreme Court’s ruling, the justices ruled that Bernard Bouschor did not have executive immunity and as such, reinforced Judge Johnson’s earlier ruling that Bouschor is individually liable in this case. If Judge Johnson does not grant a summary disposition judgment, the case will go to trial in the 50th Circuit Court with Judge Johnson presiding as visiting judge. In a prepared statement, former Chairperson Aaron Payment said,

“With all of the legal wrangling by Bouschor and the defendants over the last 5 ½ years, it is no wonder tribal members are dispirited. The rulings by the MI Supreme Court and the prosecution of Paquin give tribal members hope that the rule of law will prevail and justice will be served. Those who would steal from their own people, need to be held accountable. Maybe 2010 will be the year of tribal justice!

SUPREME COURT RULING HERE

Update on Elderly Tribal Member

Recently a 92 year old Sault Tribe elderly lady whose mobility is confined to a wheeled walker and wheelchair had her Sault Tribe caregiver removed by the Elder Care director, Holly Kibble. According to the Elder, Kibble also threatened to terminate the worker if the employee's sister continued as the woman's only other caregiver but no logical reason was given to the Elder for the action that left her in extreme danger. Just a couple of months ago the Elder had fallen and spent the better part of a long night on her bedroom floor and she has been twice hospitalized since then.

The caregivers sister (who was not an employee of the tribe) did quit to protect her sibling from termination of her employment with the Sault Tribe, and a new caregiver that is not employed by the tribe has been hired to care for the woman but the woman is very concerned that her long-time caregiver will be fired by Kibble. What does Kibble have to gain by her negligence and unfair treatment of this tiny little woman with a heart of gold?

The responses to the decisions that placed this elderly person in danger have been heartwarming but the question remains why Kibble and the Sault Tribe Chairman and Board of Directors put this Elder's life in jeopardy. How many more failures and how much more unfair treatment can members of the Sault Tribe take?!

Plan for Greektown bankruptcy approved.

Jaclyn Trop / The Detroit News

Judge OKs move that ends tribe as casino owners.

A plan approved Friday to lead Greektown Casino out of bankruptcy protection will repay most creditors and strip ownership from the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.

Judge Walter Shapero of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Detroit confirmed the plan, pending state and city approvals on other issues that must be obtained by June 30. The plan, the third proposal since Greektown filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May 2008, was approved by creditors last week.

"Greektown Casino is now approaching the finish line for its exit from bankruptcy," said Charles Moore, the casino's lead restructuring adviser with Conway MacKenzie Inc. in Birmingham.


From The Detroit News:

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