Even though Elder benefits have been cut, Sault Tribe seems to have the funds, or investors, for another casino. Millions were lost in Greektown because of bad management and, likely, a lot of 'skimming' from the top. The proof is in the profits realized once the tribe was out of the picture. Can we trust the Sault Tribe leadership to make the right decisions as well as honest decisions? Who is at the helm and are all the facts on the table and when will they be?
Real estate deals are touchy and often held in confidence to prevent the greedy from upping the price of land when they discover where the money is coming from. That should never be the case when it comes to the profits. Who is going to profit? After what happened to Greektown, members should be asking this question of their elected representative.
The best way to prove that the profits will support member services is to include them with each casino built. Include a full service health and community center and a Midjims in the plan. Include jobs and housing to qualified members as part of the initial plan instead of a promise that never sees the light of day.
The tribe is more than a corporate entity. It is a community made up of real people and the person you elected to act on your behalf needs to be reminded of that. Call your representative and demand they do their job which is to act in the best interest of the tribe and that means YOU! No more casinos unless they can prove that the purpose and profits is to place member services at the top of the list.
Lynne Weaver
