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
Monday, February 22, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, February 15, 2010
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
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
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
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
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?
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?
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
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
"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
Saturday, February 6, 2010
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.
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.
Friday, February 5, 2010
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.
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.
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