Tuesday, June 28, 2011
MOTION TO APPOINT TABLED
At a regular meeting of the Sault Tribe Board of Directors held at Kewadin Casinos in Sault Ste. Marie, a motion was made by Tom Miller to appoint Joe Eitrem to step in as Chairman of the Sault Tribe.
For whatever Deb Pine's reason to make the motion to table it, the remaining directors agreed. Joan Carr Anderson, Unit 5 director,was absent from the meeting and would have left that Unit short a vote. All in all, it was a good decision to table, but on the other hand it is not good for the tribe's stability to continue this for much longer.
A rumor has been circulating that there will be a motion to appoint DJ Hoffman to fill Joe Eitrem's empty director's chair if Eitrem is appointed to fill the chairman's seat for the next year. Tribal members have mixed feelings because of Hoffman's record while on the board. He did, after all, go out of his way to protect and support Fred Paquin, the former police chief who is now serving time in federal prison for a number of crimes including embezzlement of tribal funds.
He was also a walking nightmare for many tribal employees who were threatened with the loss of their jobs should they not please the former director and he threatened tribal members with lawsuits who spoke out in disagreement against his actions.
But what was also interesting is that he seemed to have fallen out of favor with Bouschor and his close supporters. It would be interesting to know the reason behind that but it is not likely we will ever know....unless DJ Hoffman himself chooses to tell us. Either way, Hoffman might have a chance to make amends with tribal members and employees if he is appointed, doesn't allow the position to go to his head and does the right thing this time around.
Maybe the next scheduled meeting will start the tribe on another path....hopefully a better one that will allow some positive actions to take place for a change.
For whatever Deb Pine's reason to make the motion to table it, the remaining directors agreed. Joan Carr Anderson, Unit 5 director,was absent from the meeting and would have left that Unit short a vote. All in all, it was a good decision to table, but on the other hand it is not good for the tribe's stability to continue this for much longer.
A rumor has been circulating that there will be a motion to appoint DJ Hoffman to fill Joe Eitrem's empty director's chair if Eitrem is appointed to fill the chairman's seat for the next year. Tribal members have mixed feelings because of Hoffman's record while on the board. He did, after all, go out of his way to protect and support Fred Paquin, the former police chief who is now serving time in federal prison for a number of crimes including embezzlement of tribal funds.
He was also a walking nightmare for many tribal employees who were threatened with the loss of their jobs should they not please the former director and he threatened tribal members with lawsuits who spoke out in disagreement against his actions.
But what was also interesting is that he seemed to have fallen out of favor with Bouschor and his close supporters. It would be interesting to know the reason behind that but it is not likely we will ever know....unless DJ Hoffman himself chooses to tell us. Either way, Hoffman might have a chance to make amends with tribal members and employees if he is appointed, doesn't allow the position to go to his head and does the right thing this time around.
Maybe the next scheduled meeting will start the tribe on another path....hopefully a better one that will allow some positive actions to take place for a change.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
MUSIC SPEAKS FOR KIDS
| Time | Friday, August 19 at 5:00pm - August 21 at 7:00pm |
|---|---|
| Location | Our Paradise Bed and Breakfast 2441 East M-28 ( 7.4 miles east of 28 and US 41 intersection) lake side... Marquette, MI |
| Created By | Shane Murray |
| More Info | A three day Music festival, Benefit for (Music For All Kids) with and endless amount of music! Bands you know, Solo acts you love. Plus MUSIC For All Kids and And kids taking lessons! perform for you. A list of artist coming soon! |
Friday, June 10, 2011
SAULT TRIBE ASSETS FROZEN IN ERROR
Director Malloy also stated that, "I always think that what you fail to tell people can better be made up via speculation and rumor... I would rather tell you what I have been told than have someone else make up a better story and then have to "react" to it.
In a later response to tribal member questions and concerns Director Malloy said, "The lawsuit stemmed from us not utilizing the garage in the way we had intended. And apparently there was a clause that allowed for the owner to recoup over 2 million dollars if we did not make the planned improvements to the garage. In the course of several signings of this contract, a waiver of sovereign immunity was missed and signature attached to the document creating a liability for our tribe. The tribe has argued that the employee had no authority to sign the document (via resolution or motion) and furthermore, the tribe was immune from suit. We lost on both counts. This is an old situation and I may not have all the fact straight but I am giving you all what I understand to be the case."
For those of you who might be wondering who the tribal employee is that signed the agreement it was Vic Matson, Sault Tribe's CFO. Where else, other than the Sault Tribe, can an employee cost the members so much money resulting in a loss to member benefits and still have a job?!Lynne Weaver
Thursday, June 9, 2011
STAY THE COURSE
Originally posted in the Sault Tribe Guide
By Tom Biron
Every new effort provides results. The representatives on the board who are actually fighting for us cannot act unless we make it clear what we want them to act on. The corrupt group will act if we dont tell them not to, so we must continue the process until we get it right.
I think we need to say what it is that we are seeing - straight out - and what it is, is the corrupt group are not good politicians. They are good corruptors so they will take what we offer and corrupt it the best they can. Is that what will bring them and us success? No. But it provides evidence of their incompetence to lead and we can use that as we build our base of support for the board members who are fighting for our rights. We have to stay the course. Not too much longer folks.
The Sault Tribe Guide is a Facebook group started by Nathan Wright. Join us in some productive discussions. Open a Facebook account, if you don't already have one, and look for us..."Sault Tribe Guide"
Lynne Weaver
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
6 ON TRIBAL BOARD MAKE A MOCKERY OUT OF MEMBERS RIGHTS
A motion was made at the Sault Tribe meeting to TABLE a Special Election until AFTER the General Election.
Yes, you read that right....NO decision on a Special Election until AFTER the General Election. Bernard Bouschor took the night off from this meeting. My guess is that he didn't want his Yes vote to table the special election on record.
This is the list of TRAITORS who voted to TABLE the decision to hold a Special Election:
CATHERINE HOLLOWELL
DEB PINE
PAT RICKLEY
KEITH MASSAWAY
JOE EITREM
And voting to break the tie to table the decision to take the tribal chair decision away from you so she could hold onto that seat was LANA CAUSLEY....a clear conflict of interest. If anyone thinks the group above didn't hold an illegal meeting to discuss tabling the election before hand, it's time to wake up.
The five directors who voted NOT to table a special election to determine who will replace Quitter McCoy were:
CATHY ABRAMSON
DJ MALLOY
TOM MILLER
DENISE CHASE
JOAN CARR ANDERSON
An added note: In a recent telephone conversation (if you can call Hollowell's shrieking a conversation), Cathy Hollowell said she could care less if she's reelected. She made it clear that her agenda was not her constituents but instead she supported Bernard Bouschor, Deb Pine, and Lana Causley.
Prior to the election, both Pat Rickley and Catherine Hollowell misled many of those who voted for them or who spoke favorably to others about them. They lied to you - fooled you and now they laugh in your face. They both play a large part in the mockery that was once known as the members right to vote and I will repeat what many say now..."What was their price?"
One more added note: Aaron Payment had several questions related to the hiring of the new general counsel, who isn't a tribal member. He wanted to know the procedure that was used to eliminate other candidates. Clueless Causley did everything she could to stop him from asking by falsely claiming that Payment's questions couldn't be answered because it would violate personnel confidentiality policies. They were general questions and general questions can be answered without violating polices. If Causley doesn't understand simple personnel policies than what the hell is she doing running the tribe?
Yes, you read that right....NO decision on a Special Election until AFTER the General Election. Bernard Bouschor took the night off from this meeting. My guess is that he didn't want his Yes vote to table the special election on record.
This is the list of TRAITORS who voted to TABLE the decision to hold a Special Election:
CATHERINE HOLLOWELL
DEB PINE
PAT RICKLEY
KEITH MASSAWAY
JOE EITREM
And voting to break the tie to table the decision to take the tribal chair decision away from you so she could hold onto that seat was LANA CAUSLEY....a clear conflict of interest. If anyone thinks the group above didn't hold an illegal meeting to discuss tabling the election before hand, it's time to wake up.
The five directors who voted NOT to table a special election to determine who will replace Quitter McCoy were:
CATHY ABRAMSON
DJ MALLOY
TOM MILLER
DENISE CHASE
JOAN CARR ANDERSON
An added note: In a recent telephone conversation (if you can call Hollowell's shrieking a conversation), Cathy Hollowell said she could care less if she's reelected. She made it clear that her agenda was not her constituents but instead she supported Bernard Bouschor, Deb Pine, and Lana Causley.
Prior to the election, both Pat Rickley and Catherine Hollowell misled many of those who voted for them or who spoke favorably to others about them. They lied to you - fooled you and now they laugh in your face. They both play a large part in the mockery that was once known as the members right to vote and I will repeat what many say now..."What was their price?"
One more added note: Aaron Payment had several questions related to the hiring of the new general counsel, who isn't a tribal member. He wanted to know the procedure that was used to eliminate other candidates. Clueless Causley did everything she could to stop him from asking by falsely claiming that Payment's questions couldn't be answered because it would violate personnel confidentiality policies. They were general questions and general questions can be answered without violating polices. If Causley doesn't understand simple personnel policies than what the hell is she doing running the tribe?
Monday, June 6, 2011
SAULT TRIBE MEETING AGENDA FOR TUESDAY, 6-6-2011
Note the sections marked with **'s. I hope to see a lot of support for the members, by the members. If you don't have much time, try tp stay long enough for the "Amending Ch. 10 -Special Advisory Election".
For those who are employed by the tribe...note that there are proposed changes to employment policies.
SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. - The Sault Tribe Board of Directors will hold a regular meeting Tuesday, June 7, beginning at 6 p.m., at the Kewadin Casino and Convention Center in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. The meeting will
be preceded by Matters from the Membership at 5 p.m.
Resolutions under consideration are:
Child Care Development Fund,
OVCFY 2011 SANE-SART Program,
US Homeland Security THSGP,
Adoption of National Incident Management System,
Approving Lease JKL School,
National Congress of American Indians,
**Amending Ch.10 - Elections -Special Advisory Election,**
Amending Ch. 20 - Waishkey Bay Closure,
**Amending Attendance Policy,**
**Enactment of Hiring Process No Show Policy,**
**Amending Appeal Policies and Process,**
**Amending Bereavement Policy to Funeral Policy;**
Budget modifications for:
Remote Community Alert System, Legal Special Projects, Legal Tribal Attorney; and budget modifications for Health Center Maintenance Improvements/Cap Outlays, Radiology, Optical/St. Ignace Clinic, Medical Nursing, Traditional Medicine, and Laboratory and Education - Self Sufficiency.
Under New Business, the board will consider committee resignations and appointments.
For those who are employed by the tribe...note that there are proposed changes to employment policies.
SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. - The Sault Tribe Board of Directors will hold a regular meeting Tuesday, June 7, beginning at 6 p.m., at the Kewadin Casino and Convention Center in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. The meeting will
be preceded by Matters from the Membership at 5 p.m.
Resolutions under consideration are:
Child Care Development Fund,
OVCFY 2011 SANE-SART Program,
US Homeland Security THSGP,
Adoption of National Incident Management System,
Approving Lease JKL School,
National Congress of American Indians,
**Amending Ch.10 - Elections -Special Advisory Election,**
Amending Ch. 20 - Waishkey Bay Closure,
**Amending Attendance Policy,**
**Enactment of Hiring Process No Show Policy,**
**Amending Appeal Policies and Process,**
**Amending Bereavement Policy to Funeral Policy;**
Budget modifications for:
Remote Community Alert System, Legal Special Projects, Legal Tribal Attorney; and budget modifications for Health Center Maintenance Improvements/Cap Outlays, Radiology, Optical/St. Ignace Clinic, Medical Nursing, Traditional Medicine, and Laboratory and Education - Self Sufficiency.
Under New Business, the board will consider committee resignations and appointments.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
NO SPECIAL ELECTION FOR THE SAULT TRIBE
Voting NO to a special election were the following:
1. Deb Pine,
2. Cathy Hollowell,
3. Bernard Bouschor,
4. Pat Rickley,
5. Keith Massaway,
6. Joe Eitrem, and
7. Lana Causley.
Although several suggested that some had their own special agendas for wanting a special election, others said this wasn't about any individuals hoping for a place as tribal chairperson. One of the few directors not to voice an opinion was Bernard Bouschor but he had his nephew, Bill Bouschor, speak for him to oppose a Special Election.
Cathy Abramson had several comments to make in support of the membership chosing the next chairperson and DJ Malloy had several questions for the legal department as well as pointing out that a simple amendment (an action that takes place frequently) to the code would allow for a Special Election while some opposed making an amendment to serve a specific purpose.
Hollowell performed her usual double-speak that we have come to know her so well for. She disputed a comment with words that said exactly the same thing as the person who spoke them in the first place, as several around me also noted.
As one tribal member responded to the board, "Rumor has it that you guys already decided that Joe Eitrem will be appointed to Chairman (which would explain why he so vehemently opposed a Special Election) and that DJ Hoffman would be appointed to the board to fill Eitrem's vacant seat." Audience members were equally divided as to whether they opposed or would approve a Special Election.
However, one thing was made very clear:
Regardless of the direction of the election, the acceptance of the results and the appointment would be at the pleasure of the board. In other words, just as you voted in previous elections, it doesn't mean a thing if the same 7 people on the board vote to disapprove your vote. I guess that explains why those same 7 continue to dispute the cost of an election....because they aren't going to listen to you anyway.
1. Deb Pine,
2. Cathy Hollowell,
3. Bernard Bouschor,
4. Pat Rickley,
5. Keith Massaway,
6. Joe Eitrem, and
7. Lana Causley.
Although several suggested that some had their own special agendas for wanting a special election, others said this wasn't about any individuals hoping for a place as tribal chairperson. One of the few directors not to voice an opinion was Bernard Bouschor but he had his nephew, Bill Bouschor, speak for him to oppose a Special Election.
Cathy Abramson had several comments to make in support of the membership chosing the next chairperson and DJ Malloy had several questions for the legal department as well as pointing out that a simple amendment (an action that takes place frequently) to the code would allow for a Special Election while some opposed making an amendment to serve a specific purpose.
Hollowell performed her usual double-speak that we have come to know her so well for. She disputed a comment with words that said exactly the same thing as the person who spoke them in the first place, as several around me also noted.
As one tribal member responded to the board, "Rumor has it that you guys already decided that Joe Eitrem will be appointed to Chairman (which would explain why he so vehemently opposed a Special Election) and that DJ Hoffman would be appointed to the board to fill Eitrem's vacant seat." Audience members were equally divided as to whether they opposed or would approve a Special Election.
However, one thing was made very clear:
Regardless of the direction of the election, the acceptance of the results and the appointment would be at the pleasure of the board. In other words, just as you voted in previous elections, it doesn't mean a thing if the same 7 people on the board vote to disapprove your vote. I guess that explains why those same 7 continue to dispute the cost of an election....because they aren't going to listen to you anyway.
SAULT TRIBE MEETING TONIGHT
Will there be a decision tonight on whether to appoint a chairperson or hold a special election? Try to attend if you can and show support for what you believe is the right thing to do.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Friday, May 20, 2011
ACCEPTING RESUMES FOR CHAIRPERSON.....APPLY WITHIN
With so many members of the tribe who have displayed integrity and intelligence in the way they live their lives, why settle for anything less to sit in the chairperson's seat of the Sault Tribe. If you are interested in holding a seat and would like to expand on your qualifications and principles, send a letter to weave977@yahoo.com and I will post it here.
Below is Aaron Payments desires for the Sault Tribe.
I support a separation of powers and granting the Membership standing in Tribal Court to bring a cause of action against their government if our Constitutional rights are violated. Some are easily fooled by the smokescreen that a separation of powers is the 'white mans' way but a separation of powers originated from the Iroquois Confederacy.
I support elected judges who must be Sault Tribe Members and have law degrees with experience in Indian law. Once elected, the only cause for removal of judges should be for malfeasance and not because the board or chairperson threatens your job.
I support a separation between the board and chair functions but since the people have already decided that issue, I would support the Chair being a facilitator between the administration and the Board to ease operations and for immediate decision making.
In our day an age, gaining a consensus before acting is easily accomplished. I support enhancing the democratic principles of the Members to weigh in on all decisions of the elected body. Again, with technology like Survey Monkey or other on-line survey instruments, we can at least ask the members for direction before making major decisions.
Any appropriations over $500,000 should be ratified by the Membership. The Board or Administration should be prohibited from spending new money until after the referendum period has passed.
One big thing missing is any semblance of labor rights within our employment. I support enacting tribal labor law, conferring irrevocable jurisdiction to an independent tribal court and an administrative procedures act to provide all employees a right to their jobs. If we do this right, employees won't need to unionize. The 2% raise for employees over three years is shameful.
Finally, I support both term limits and a recall provision to allow Members to decide more timely if someone on the Board (or Chair) is violating the principles of democracy. Of course, these items would need to be scrutinized by the people and yes, voted on by the people.
Respectfully,
Aaron Payment
Below is Aaron Payments desires for the Sault Tribe.
I support a separation of powers and granting the Membership standing in Tribal Court to bring a cause of action against their government if our Constitutional rights are violated. Some are easily fooled by the smokescreen that a separation of powers is the 'white mans' way but a separation of powers originated from the Iroquois Confederacy.
I support elected judges who must be Sault Tribe Members and have law degrees with experience in Indian law. Once elected, the only cause for removal of judges should be for malfeasance and not because the board or chairperson threatens your job.
I support a separation between the board and chair functions but since the people have already decided that issue, I would support the Chair being a facilitator between the administration and the Board to ease operations and for immediate decision making.
In our day an age, gaining a consensus before acting is easily accomplished. I support enhancing the democratic principles of the Members to weigh in on all decisions of the elected body. Again, with technology like Survey Monkey or other on-line survey instruments, we can at least ask the members for direction before making major decisions.
Any appropriations over $500,000 should be ratified by the Membership. The Board or Administration should be prohibited from spending new money until after the referendum period has passed.
One big thing missing is any semblance of labor rights within our employment. I support enacting tribal labor law, conferring irrevocable jurisdiction to an independent tribal court and an administrative procedures act to provide all employees a right to their jobs. If we do this right, employees won't need to unionize. The 2% raise for employees over three years is shameful.
Finally, I support both term limits and a recall provision to allow Members to decide more timely if someone on the Board (or Chair) is violating the principles of democracy. Of course, these items would need to be scrutinized by the people and yes, voted on by the people.
Respectfully,
Aaron Payment
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Lovelorn Grondin's Blind Desire for Lana Causley
I received the email below from Tony Grondin today and it makes me ill the extent that some people will go to in order to promote their political favorites and fantasies. The suggestion that Aaron Payment had anything to do with Fred Paquin's crimes are nothing but slanderous untrue statements. When Aaron Payment received information that Paquin was involved in the embezzlement of government funds, he assisted and worked with the FBI during the investigation of Paquin. I also received information regarding Paquin's fraud and embezzlement that I supplied to Aaron Payment and Todd Gravelle, who in turn supplied such to the federal authorities. If anything, Aaron (and Todd) were responsible for the successful conviction of the former Sault Tribe police chief.It has been said that Mr. Grondin has a long standing lovesick infatuation with Lana Causley and will do or say anything to support her. The email (below) that I received, with its blatant lies intended to promote Causley's appointment, confirms it for me. I normally ignore Grondin's nonsense but this letter calls for an immediate response to dispute such blatant and inflammatory lies.
I, for one, have had it with this tribe being run on lies and misinformation. The lovelorn Grondin should realize by now that the object of his desires only purpose for him is to perpetuate a continued string of deception.
Grondin wrote:
"To all concerned tribal members,
It is apparent that there may not be enough time to have a special election before the term of Joe McCoy's Chairman's seat is up. It is even more apparent that Aaron Payment is getting nervous as he is concerned Vice-Chairman Lana Causley may be appointed Chairperson for the remainder of McCoy's term.
We must remember that Aaron Payment was part of the administration that allowed Felon, Fred Paquin, now serving a year in federal prison, to abuse his power and steal from the Federal Government. There is a real possibility that Aaron Payment will be the target of a federal investigation for abuses of the office of Chairman of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
Time and time again I hear that we need to let our ELECT officials make decisions we elected them for. Those decision include appointing a chairman if the seat is vacated before the term is up. In one of our recent tribal news publications ex-chairman Joe McCoy chastised the membership for asking for a referendum because of the expense.
We now have another ex-chairman, Aaron Payment, urging our elected officials to spend more money on a special election to fill the chairman's seat that will be decided by the membership anyway in little over a year. History tells us that ex-chairman Aaron Payment, has little regard for spending money as one of his first directives as chairman was to put a private shower in his office.
It's time our elected officials make responsible decisions. We have an ex-chairman, Aaron Payment that has been out of the loop. wanting to come back for a little over a year and make decisions on things that our sitting board knows more about right now. There are 12 sitting board members to choose from to fill the chairman's seat for the remainder of the term."
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
THE PLOT
Hypothetical scenario...
1. Spread the rumor that the Chairman wants out.
2. Plan the timeline---must be accomplished at the right time to eliminate the possibility of a Special Election.
3. Review the election code with a fine tooth comb.
4. Prepare the letter of resignation but leave the date blank for now.
"Damn those tribal citizens really screwed up the plan with all their stupid petitions."
"Crap...the letter of resignation includes the CEO position."
"There's no time...just cross it out."
And we all know what happened next.
The PLOT thickens...to be continued....
Friday, May 13, 2011
CAN YOU HEAR US NOW?
Since the news of Joe McCoy's sudden announcement to resign as Chairman of the Sault Tribe, the response from citizens of the tribe overwhelmingly call for a Special Election. For proof, all one needs to do is read the comments on the various web-based news providers that ran the story, this blog and on Facebook.
As a result of a search of all available links to the story, I was able to compile a consensus from those who took the time to voice their opinions. Right or wrong, but definitely not indifferent, it appears that by an overwhelming majority the citizens want the return of Aaron Payment and also by an overwhelming majority, do NOT want Bernard Bouschor or Lana Causley appointed to hold the top position in our tribe.
It's clearer than a bell or in words written in gold across the sky, clearer than the water of Lake Superior and clearer than the bluest sky....citizens of the Sault Tribe do not want an appointed Chairperson, but they do want a Special Election. Some feel that since Payment was the runner-up in the last Chairman's election that he be approached to finish out McCoy's term.
Whether there is a Special Election or the runner-up from the last election is chosen, those are the only two options that represent the voices of the citizens of the Sault Tribe. A vote to do otherwise by any members of the Sault Tribe Board of Directors will surely seal their fate as not representing the will of the people and will therefore by ousted from their cushy little board seat as soon as their name comes up next to an oval that needs to filled out with blue or black ink. Are the directors listening? Can you hear us now!
As a result of a search of all available links to the story, I was able to compile a consensus from those who took the time to voice their opinions. Right or wrong, but definitely not indifferent, it appears that by an overwhelming majority the citizens want the return of Aaron Payment and also by an overwhelming majority, do NOT want Bernard Bouschor or Lana Causley appointed to hold the top position in our tribe.
It's clearer than a bell or in words written in gold across the sky, clearer than the water of Lake Superior and clearer than the bluest sky....citizens of the Sault Tribe do not want an appointed Chairperson, but they do want a Special Election. Some feel that since Payment was the runner-up in the last Chairman's election that he be approached to finish out McCoy's term.
Whether there is a Special Election or the runner-up from the last election is chosen, those are the only two options that represent the voices of the citizens of the Sault Tribe. A vote to do otherwise by any members of the Sault Tribe Board of Directors will surely seal their fate as not representing the will of the people and will therefore by ousted from their cushy little board seat as soon as their name comes up next to an oval that needs to filled out with blue or black ink. Are the directors listening? Can you hear us now!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
From the Sault Tribe website....
LATEST NEWS
Sault Tribe Chairman Resigns
Written by Communications Department
Tuesday, 10 May 2011
Sault Ste. Marie, MI - Sault Tribe Chairman Darwin "Joe" McCoy on Tuesday night announced his immediate resignation as the elected leader of the 39,000-member Tribe.
His brief resignation letter to the Sault Tribe Board of Directors provided no specific reasons for his decision to resign other than "circumstances beyond my control."
McCoy had served for nearly three years as Chairman after being elected by members of the Tribe.
Under the Tribe's Constitution:
1. Board Vice Chairperson Lana Causley will serve as interim Chairperson until a successor is appointed or elected.
2. The Sault Tribe Board will decide as soon as possible whether to either appoint a successor, as specified in the Tribal constitution, or call an advisory special election to fill the seat under Tribal law.
All Board members pledged a smooth transition to the new chairperson.
McCoy Resigned as Chair?!
Apparently Joe McCoy resigned as Chairman of the Sault Tribe tonight stating personal reasons. That's the news but no confirmation yet.
SUCCESSFUL TRIBES ARE RESHAPING GOVERNANCE
Successful Tribes Are Reshaping Governance
By Mary Annette Pember
"The problems of some Indian communities were cemented in old governmental structures, set up by the US Department of the Interior 80 years ago. Now many tribes are rewriting their rules of governance, for greater transparency."
Read the full article...copy and paste link in your browser.
http://www.dailyyonder.com/successful-tribes-are-recrafting-government/2011/05/03/3308
By Mary Annette Pember
"The problems of some Indian communities were cemented in old governmental structures, set up by the US Department of the Interior 80 years ago. Now many tribes are rewriting their rules of governance, for greater transparency."
Read the full article...copy and paste link in your browser.
http://www.dailyyonder.com/successful-tribes-are-recrafting-government/2011/05/03/3308
Sunday, May 8, 2011
A SPECIAL MESSAGE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE LOST CHILDREN
Happy Mothers Day Ladies but there is a special group that always comes to mind on Mother's Day and this is for them:
Author Unknown:
I was thinking of you today,
And how painful it might be,
To have lived through the death of your child
When that was never the way
You saw their life to be.
On this day when children honor their mother…
Though they are not here to tell you,
Always their mother, you shall be.
For though your child has died before you,
So painful to imagine
The light of your child will always
Return to touch you;
And in a quiet voice, whisper words of love.
This is not a mother’s day you ever planned.
That sorrow and loss, I respect.
Words do not say enough.
My thoughts are with you on a day
Of sadness and memories,
For you, their mother.
Author Unknown:
I was thinking of you today,
And how painful it might be,
To have lived through the death of your child
When that was never the way
You saw their life to be.
On this day when children honor their mother…
Though they are not here to tell you,
Always their mother, you shall be.
For though your child has died before you,
So painful to imagine
The light of your child will always
Return to touch you;
And in a quiet voice, whisper words of love.
This is not a mother’s day you ever planned.
That sorrow and loss, I respect.
Words do not say enough.
My thoughts are with you on a day
Of sadness and memories,
For you, their mother.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Co-opted Board Members
Sault Ste. Marie, Mi... The Sault Tribe is fortunate or unfortunate; however, you want to view it to have several Tom Delay's on the board. Mr. Delay met newcomers to Washington at the steps of the nation’s capital. He opened their car doors and if they needed a pack of cigarettes, he had it for them. If they needed a valet, there was someone available. If they needed help with anything at all, he was Johnny on the Spot.
Over the years, Mr. Delay became one of the most powerful men on the hill. His competitiveness and pay to play and fund raising activities made him one of the most sought after men in Washington.
Some tribal board members are like that: directors Abramson and Bouchor and Causley welcomed directors-elect Hollowell and Pine with open arms. They did everything they could to make them feel at home on the board. They ingratiated them to the point where they won their support on an issue of utmost importance to them... board secrecy. An issue that just happened to co-opt them and put them at odds with most of the membership and on another issue, ignoring the results of referendums, after which their having voted upon they were no longer representatives of the people, but…directors, belonging to the system.
Directors...not civil servants but corporate directors…who reviewed reams of information absorbing countless facts and who ultimately overlooked all the tribe's activities, both governmental and entrepreneurial. Who belonged to the ruling clique that controlled the board now, who were thus in a position to control legislation and peddle influence and strike fear into the hearts of those who defied them.
Suddenly these newly elected directors knew a great deal more about what was going on in the tribe than those who elected them. Having no one to answer to when they didn’t feel like it and with the tribal newsletter available to spout their views in, they now looked forward to the support of their counterparts at election time. Coached in the mechanics and strategies of retaining their newly won seats, having gained a position allowing them to dominate the very people who elected them, they had, so to speak, turned the tables.
Whoever would not play by their rules now, they would have very little to do with if anything at all. Members worked for them now, rather than the other way around. They were directors...conscriptions to a board culture and in doctrinaires to a system, who wouldn’t need the general membership again until the next elections…and then only for a short while.
Thank you, Charles Forgrave
Over the years, Mr. Delay became one of the most powerful men on the hill. His competitiveness and pay to play and fund raising activities made him one of the most sought after men in Washington.
Some tribal board members are like that: directors Abramson and Bouchor and Causley welcomed directors-elect Hollowell and Pine with open arms. They did everything they could to make them feel at home on the board. They ingratiated them to the point where they won their support on an issue of utmost importance to them... board secrecy. An issue that just happened to co-opt them and put them at odds with most of the membership and on another issue, ignoring the results of referendums, after which their having voted upon they were no longer representatives of the people, but…directors, belonging to the system.
Directors...not civil servants but corporate directors…who reviewed reams of information absorbing countless facts and who ultimately overlooked all the tribe's activities, both governmental and entrepreneurial. Who belonged to the ruling clique that controlled the board now, who were thus in a position to control legislation and peddle influence and strike fear into the hearts of those who defied them.
Suddenly these newly elected directors knew a great deal more about what was going on in the tribe than those who elected them. Having no one to answer to when they didn’t feel like it and with the tribal newsletter available to spout their views in, they now looked forward to the support of their counterparts at election time. Coached in the mechanics and strategies of retaining their newly won seats, having gained a position allowing them to dominate the very people who elected them, they had, so to speak, turned the tables.
Whoever would not play by their rules now, they would have very little to do with if anything at all. Members worked for them now, rather than the other way around. They were directors...conscriptions to a board culture and in doctrinaires to a system, who wouldn’t need the general membership again until the next elections…and then only for a short while.
Thank you, Charles Forgrave
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Quip Pro Quo vs. the New Constitution
Sault Ste. Marie, Mi...There's a feeling of foreboding in the air. Director Bouschor is trying for a comeback. He's trading on his success in beating the payout rap and the metals awarded him by hanger's-on and other, scratch my back I'll scratch yours' leaders in the community. Director Bouschor operated in the wings of the Payment Administration and successfully obstructed the implementation of the new tribal constitution. With the help of his henchmen on the board as well as those employed in various governmental departments, he successfully blocked reforms the Payment administration worked hard to put in place.
Director Bouschor resents Aaron Payment for turning on him after mentoring him for years. What's he missing here: Payment renounced his quid pro quo style of government. He decided there had to be something better and he went on to graduate school and earned a Master Degree in Public Administration. He studied governmental systems and learned things that his mentor didn't know.
Quip pro quo...it's when public officials, in a position to make a difference, peddle that influence to turn a dollar for themselves. In exchange for an order with a vendor, they ask him to pay part of his campaign expenses. If a construction firm wants to work for the tribe, they have to pony up. Lawyers have to divvy up for tribal business sent their way. Constituents have to blindly support them for putting their children to work or helping with financial aide for college or admission to a trade or business school.
Board members as well as constituents often point out that director Bouschor signed the contract for Greektown without lawyers or anybody else present...just him and the Greeks. Many believe he got a check in the mail every month as a result of that deal. Payment isn't quip pro quo. At a public meeting in the JKL Building several years ago, he attuned to his constituents for his mentoring by and his following in the ways of director Bouschor for several years.
Bouschor is out to restore his standing in the tribal community. He's out to make a name for himself again. He has no interest in the new constitution or in better government. He refers to those things as revolutionary. He sees himself as a tribal chief and tribal members as his subjects. He wants their blind support. With his imperialistic style of leadership, he dominates the very people he claims to work for. He's a failed businessman who has a desire to be a corporate leader. He's all about money.
Since the nineties the tribe hasn't seen one business success. Bouschor accrued all his medals in the monopolistic years of setting up tribal casino on trust land across the Upper Peninsula. With that market saturated, economic development in the tribal community stopped. Without the tax breaks of trust lands and a monopoly in the market place, the Bouschor people weren't able to compete. In the ensuing years since then the tribe has lost tens of millions of dollars: with some estimates being as low as $80,000,000.00 and others as high as $1,500,000,000.00.
All of the tribal slush funds (self-sufficiency funds) have been used up. The elders are told they have nothing to complain about because the tribe is paying them 12% on their land claims fund...which doesn't exist any more and once amounted to $29,000,000.00.
The trouble here is the question it raises: Is director Bouschor mentoring Chairman McCoy? It doesn't look good. Chairman McCoy broke his campaign promise to separate the chair and the CEO roles of tribal government. He's exercising the authority of tribal CEO despite last summer's referendum separating those two positions. Like with director Bouschor himself, this reflects the little respect he has for the will of the people. Even under the articles of the present tribal constitution he's clearly a rogue chairman.
There is an answer: it's in the articles of the new constitution. Quit selling your souls for a few dollars more. Pull your hand back and say no to a handout from tribal officials. Educate yourself and find your own job, be it with the tribe or elsewhere. The Bouschor Regime is the worst thing to ever happen to the tribe. It's corrupted the heads of many of our large familys and has establish corruption as the only way of doing the tribe's business.
Don't mistake or underestimate director Bouschor. He's the tribe's dapper don...a master manipulator and a behind the scenes operator. Nothing good will ultimately come from activities on the board.
Appreciate it: the Payment Administration, whether you liked it or supported it or not, called together a committee of community members and they, with the help of two constitutional lawyers, wrote a new constitution for the tribe. The answers are in it. Study it over. Support it.
All the tools for doing cleaning up government and changing the way it does business are in between the covers of that document.
Thank you,
Charles Forgrave
Director Bouschor resents Aaron Payment for turning on him after mentoring him for years. What's he missing here: Payment renounced his quid pro quo style of government. He decided there had to be something better and he went on to graduate school and earned a Master Degree in Public Administration. He studied governmental systems and learned things that his mentor didn't know.
Quip pro quo...it's when public officials, in a position to make a difference, peddle that influence to turn a dollar for themselves. In exchange for an order with a vendor, they ask him to pay part of his campaign expenses. If a construction firm wants to work for the tribe, they have to pony up. Lawyers have to divvy up for tribal business sent their way. Constituents have to blindly support them for putting their children to work or helping with financial aide for college or admission to a trade or business school.
Board members as well as constituents often point out that director Bouschor signed the contract for Greektown without lawyers or anybody else present...just him and the Greeks. Many believe he got a check in the mail every month as a result of that deal. Payment isn't quip pro quo. At a public meeting in the JKL Building several years ago, he attuned to his constituents for his mentoring by and his following in the ways of director Bouschor for several years.
Bouschor is out to restore his standing in the tribal community. He's out to make a name for himself again. He has no interest in the new constitution or in better government. He refers to those things as revolutionary. He sees himself as a tribal chief and tribal members as his subjects. He wants their blind support. With his imperialistic style of leadership, he dominates the very people he claims to work for. He's a failed businessman who has a desire to be a corporate leader. He's all about money.
Since the nineties the tribe hasn't seen one business success. Bouschor accrued all his medals in the monopolistic years of setting up tribal casino on trust land across the Upper Peninsula. With that market saturated, economic development in the tribal community stopped. Without the tax breaks of trust lands and a monopoly in the market place, the Bouschor people weren't able to compete. In the ensuing years since then the tribe has lost tens of millions of dollars: with some estimates being as low as $80,000,000.00 and others as high as $1,500,000,000.00.
All of the tribal slush funds (self-sufficiency funds) have been used up. The elders are told they have nothing to complain about because the tribe is paying them 12% on their land claims fund...which doesn't exist any more and once amounted to $29,000,000.00.
The trouble here is the question it raises: Is director Bouschor mentoring Chairman McCoy? It doesn't look good. Chairman McCoy broke his campaign promise to separate the chair and the CEO roles of tribal government. He's exercising the authority of tribal CEO despite last summer's referendum separating those two positions. Like with director Bouschor himself, this reflects the little respect he has for the will of the people. Even under the articles of the present tribal constitution he's clearly a rogue chairman.
There is an answer: it's in the articles of the new constitution. Quit selling your souls for a few dollars more. Pull your hand back and say no to a handout from tribal officials. Educate yourself and find your own job, be it with the tribe or elsewhere. The Bouschor Regime is the worst thing to ever happen to the tribe. It's corrupted the heads of many of our large familys and has establish corruption as the only way of doing the tribe's business.
Don't mistake or underestimate director Bouschor. He's the tribe's dapper don...a master manipulator and a behind the scenes operator. Nothing good will ultimately come from activities on the board.
Appreciate it: the Payment Administration, whether you liked it or supported it or not, called together a committee of community members and they, with the help of two constitutional lawyers, wrote a new constitution for the tribe. The answers are in it. Study it over. Support it.
All the tools for doing cleaning up government and changing the way it does business are in between the covers of that document.
Thank you,
Charles Forgrave
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Your Right to Vote is in Their Pockets
Elections during the past thirty years have been plagued by ballots missing through the U.S. mail and ballots mysteriously appearing in the counting room. Each time, it benefited the Bouschor Machine in one way or another. It isn't a coincidence that the Election Committee has been chaired by a "core family" member. In some cases, entire families are denied their right to vote through a snafu with the mail or a software problem.. wink.. wink.
Despite the fact that they have received their ballots for twelve elections prior, individuals who were clearly opposing the Bouschor menace failed to receive their ballot during critical elections that could have change the balance of power. Each time that they inquired about their voter registration, they were told everything is fine. They were told that they should have received their ballot.
So, what can you do about it?
Filing charges against the Election Committee Chairman for negligence, and incompetence will not get you your vote. All you will get from Abramson, Causley, McCoy, Pine or Bouschor ....is ..."We really know that it is a problem. We are addressing the issue,".....what they are really saying , is...."So What?"
It will take great effort to unseat the mafia.
Desire, money, time and a coordinated effort is required here....to get your vote back.
RJ
Despite the fact that they have received their ballots for twelve elections prior, individuals who were clearly opposing the Bouschor menace failed to receive their ballot during critical elections that could have change the balance of power. Each time that they inquired about their voter registration, they were told everything is fine. They were told that they should have received their ballot.
So, what can you do about it?
Filing charges against the Election Committee Chairman for negligence, and incompetence will not get you your vote. All you will get from Abramson, Causley, McCoy, Pine or Bouschor ....is ..."We really know that it is a problem. We are addressing the issue,".....what they are really saying , is...."So What?"
It will take great effort to unseat the mafia.
Desire, money, time and a coordinated effort is required here....to get your vote back.
RJ
Monday, April 11, 2011
A Symbol of the Need to Control
Sault Ste. Marie, Mi...It's eighty miles from the Soo to Whitefish Point. Still, both of these communities are in unit one.
Unit one takes in the Soo area as far out as Kinross. Then it snakes westward becoming a narrow strip of land taking in all of the small communities along the shore.
It's as extreme example of Gerrymandering; done by the politicians of the Soo to beef up the number of directors in their area to give them more clout on the board.
Thus the snide reference to the Sault Tribe as the Sault Saint Marie Tribe of Unit One Indians. Of the the thirteen directors on the board, the Soo has five of them.
What do the people of Whitefish Point have in common with the people of the Soo? Not as much as they have in common with the people of Newberry...or even Munising. Still, they're not in either of those units.
As much as anything else, this disproportioned claim to the voting membership is a symbol of the deeper problems plaguing tribal government. Where simple fairness should rule how the tribe does the people's business, power and the need to control rule it instead.
Thank you, Charles Forgrave
Unit one takes in the Soo area as far out as Kinross. Then it snakes westward becoming a narrow strip of land taking in all of the small communities along the shore.
It's as extreme example of Gerrymandering; done by the politicians of the Soo to beef up the number of directors in their area to give them more clout on the board.
Thus the snide reference to the Sault Tribe as the Sault Saint Marie Tribe of Unit One Indians. Of the the thirteen directors on the board, the Soo has five of them.
What do the people of Whitefish Point have in common with the people of the Soo? Not as much as they have in common with the people of Newberry...or even Munising. Still, they're not in either of those units.
As much as anything else, this disproportioned claim to the voting membership is a symbol of the deeper problems plaguing tribal government. Where simple fairness should rule how the tribe does the people's business, power and the need to control rule it instead.
Thank you, Charles Forgrave
Monday, April 4, 2011
WHY YOU VOTED NO TO ROMULUS
Most Sault tribe citizens would love to see their tribe move forward into new revenue-producing deals with reputable business partners. We don't criticize or push for a voice just for lack of something better to do. Wouldn't anyone with a shred of common sense be very careful of who they trusted with their major sources of revenue?
It's obvious that the tribal members have more common sense than those on the Sault Tribe board who tried to push the same old fishy deals with the same old fishy dealers from the past. We remember the names of those we prefer not to do business with but why doesn't Bernard Bouschor, Lana Causley, Joe McCoy, Debra Pine, Pat Rickley, Keith Massaway, Catherine Hollowell and Cathy Abramson remember?
Here's a reminder of why you voted NO to doing business with Ted Gatzaros:
According to an article by David Ashenfelter,Detroit Free Press Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News (Feb. 2003),a federal prosecutor said in court papers that Ted Gatzaros and Jim Papas were accused of conspiring with a Maryland businessman to swindle the federal government in a multimillion-dollar loan scheme.
The government alleged that Gatzaros and Papas defaulted on loans in the early 1990s, then paid a Maryland businessman, William Schainker, to illegally acquire the defaulted loans at a large discounted price, at a federal auction. The government also said that Schainker transferred the notes to Gatzaros and Papas, and that the plan was designed to clean up Gatzaros' and Papas' financial problems.
Lawyers for Ted Gatzaros & Jim Papas responded to the U.S. Justice Department that both were victims of a fraudulent scheme and were not involved in any criminal or improper conduct.
But also in Feb. 2003, a news article stated that William Schainker, of Chevy Chase, Md. who was accused of illegally helping Gatzaros and Papas buy back defaulted loans at a large discount, pleaded guilty in federal court. As part of a plea deal, Schainker pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States.
Why, why, why would an elected board decide to do business with those who were involved in an attempt to defraud the federal government? Most of the above mentioned directors also protected the former police chief, Fred Paquin, who is now serving a year in federal prison for defrauding the federal government.
We voted NO, but the eight Sault Tribe representatives simply switched out the names, mixed it up a little bit hoping to confuse you, repackaged it, named it a horse of a different color, and continued to move forward with their plan.
The lack of trust is not just with Gatzaros, Pappas or the new guy Sawruk, but with the same old Sault Tribe elected officials who continue to involve us in the same old questionable deals over and over and over again. Bouschor, McCoy and Causley...always seem to be in cohoots with the wrong people. Just more examples of that 'Birds of a Feather' proverb. They just can't be trusted to do the right thing. They are why we voted NO.
Lynne Weaver
It's obvious that the tribal members have more common sense than those on the Sault Tribe board who tried to push the same old fishy deals with the same old fishy dealers from the past. We remember the names of those we prefer not to do business with but why doesn't Bernard Bouschor, Lana Causley, Joe McCoy, Debra Pine, Pat Rickley, Keith Massaway, Catherine Hollowell and Cathy Abramson remember?
Here's a reminder of why you voted NO to doing business with Ted Gatzaros:
According to an article by David Ashenfelter,Detroit Free Press Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News (Feb. 2003),a federal prosecutor said in court papers that Ted Gatzaros and Jim Papas were accused of conspiring with a Maryland businessman to swindle the federal government in a multimillion-dollar loan scheme.
The government alleged that Gatzaros and Papas defaulted on loans in the early 1990s, then paid a Maryland businessman, William Schainker, to illegally acquire the defaulted loans at a large discounted price, at a federal auction. The government also said that Schainker transferred the notes to Gatzaros and Papas, and that the plan was designed to clean up Gatzaros' and Papas' financial problems.
Lawyers for Ted Gatzaros & Jim Papas responded to the U.S. Justice Department that both were victims of a fraudulent scheme and were not involved in any criminal or improper conduct.
But also in Feb. 2003, a news article stated that William Schainker, of Chevy Chase, Md. who was accused of illegally helping Gatzaros and Papas buy back defaulted loans at a large discount, pleaded guilty in federal court. As part of a plea deal, Schainker pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States.
Why, why, why would an elected board decide to do business with those who were involved in an attempt to defraud the federal government? Most of the above mentioned directors also protected the former police chief, Fred Paquin, who is now serving a year in federal prison for defrauding the federal government.
We voted NO, but the eight Sault Tribe representatives simply switched out the names, mixed it up a little bit hoping to confuse you, repackaged it, named it a horse of a different color, and continued to move forward with their plan.
The lack of trust is not just with Gatzaros, Pappas or the new guy Sawruk, but with the same old Sault Tribe elected officials who continue to involve us in the same old questionable deals over and over and over again. Bouschor, McCoy and Causley...always seem to be in cohoots with the wrong people. Just more examples of that 'Birds of a Feather' proverb. They just can't be trusted to do the right thing. They are why we voted NO.
Lynne Weaver
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Needed Referendum Reforms
Sault Ste. Marie, Mi...Director Miller of unit 4 has it right about needed referendum reforms.
Mr. Miller believes the tribe needs a rule in place that prohibits payments ...like those to Indian Energy and Fred Paquinn and Bernard Boushor...before the possible 30-day referendum period expires.
In the case of Indian Energy, the tribe stood to lose a million dollars if that investment proposal was voted down, in that a million dollars was already invested into the company before the referendum period expired.
In the case of Fred Paquinn and Bernard Boushor, $18,000.00 and $300,000.00 plus respectively was paid out before the referendum period expired.
As director Miller explained...otherwise the referendum process and the right of the membership can be circumvented or at the very least, rendered powerless.
Take note of this directors McCoy and Pine...you're the ones who've been playing Russian roulette with the membership's money...not the tribal members themselves. $20,000.00 for a referendum is peanuts compared to the money you have wasted and put at risk.
Mr. Miller believes the tribe needs a rule in place that prohibits payments ...like those to Indian Energy and Fred Paquinn and Bernard Boushor...before the possible 30-day referendum period expires.
In the case of Indian Energy, the tribe stood to lose a million dollars if that investment proposal was voted down, in that a million dollars was already invested into the company before the referendum period expired.
In the case of Fred Paquinn and Bernard Boushor, $18,000.00 and $300,000.00 plus respectively was paid out before the referendum period expired.
As director Miller explained...otherwise the referendum process and the right of the membership can be circumvented or at the very least, rendered powerless.
Take note of this directors McCoy and Pine...you're the ones who've been playing Russian roulette with the membership's money...not the tribal members themselves. $20,000.00 for a referendum is peanuts compared to the money you have wasted and put at risk.
Tribal Citizens / No Faith in Their Government
Sault Ste. Marie, Mi...Years ago the huge country of China was ruled by the 'gang of four." It was during the Chinese cultural revolution and the Maoist were on the tear.
The Sault Tribe doesn't have a group on the tear, but it does have a 'gang of six' or seven ruling it. It is one of the frustrating realities of its government and how it works...or doesn't work, whatever the case may be.
Seven directors, usually four or five from the Sault (unit one), and two or three from the outer units (Hessel and St. Ignace), join together and trade favors and rule by way of a simple majority. Just as often as not, the remaining five or six directors are left out in the cold...excluded from having access to insider information.
In that 'the gang' gets away with blatantly ignoring the constitution and referendums and in that it controls the judiciary and the election committee and the tribal newspaper and its websites and radio programs and the hiring and firing of everybody and everything else...citizens are left with is a government which dominates them.
A government that serves itself first and those it purportedly represents second. A government which refuses to police itself and allows blatant corruption to continue unchecked. That allows directors to break tribal election laws and steal money from it and get away with it. To routinely break their oath of office to the point where the oath doesn't mean a thing anymore...to get off with it completely and without even the slightest of consequences.
The situation is so dire that citizens are lucky to experience democracy even once every four years...as even the election process itself is so corrupt that many creditable individuals have absolutely no faith in it
Thank you, Charles Forgrave
The Sault Tribe doesn't have a group on the tear, but it does have a 'gang of six' or seven ruling it. It is one of the frustrating realities of its government and how it works...or doesn't work, whatever the case may be.
Seven directors, usually four or five from the Sault (unit one), and two or three from the outer units (Hessel and St. Ignace), join together and trade favors and rule by way of a simple majority. Just as often as not, the remaining five or six directors are left out in the cold...excluded from having access to insider information.
In that 'the gang' gets away with blatantly ignoring the constitution and referendums and in that it controls the judiciary and the election committee and the tribal newspaper and its websites and radio programs and the hiring and firing of everybody and everything else...citizens are left with is a government which dominates them.
A government that serves itself first and those it purportedly represents second. A government which refuses to police itself and allows blatant corruption to continue unchecked. That allows directors to break tribal election laws and steal money from it and get away with it. To routinely break their oath of office to the point where the oath doesn't mean a thing anymore...to get off with it completely and without even the slightest of consequences.
The situation is so dire that citizens are lucky to experience democracy even once every four years...as even the election process itself is so corrupt that many creditable individuals have absolutely no faith in it
Thank you, Charles Forgrave
Thursday, March 24, 2011
WHAT IS DEMOCRACY WORTH?
The small majority of Board members and the chairman would have you believe that referendums are not necessary.
After all, they were elected to make the hard financial decisions.
They continue to complain of the cost for each referendum, in their Board Notes and in public.
It is because they are withholding government from the people that these referendums are exercised.
It is because the majority of tribal citizens feel that the "elected" are motivated by greed instead of good government.
Citizens are resorting to a constitutional right and their "elected" are complaining.
The government that the Sault Tribe members are getting is the "after the fact " government.
They have been excluded from participating.
That is why distrust exist.
The cost of democracy pales in comparison to the billion and a half that has been squandered by the "elected", in the last decade.
ELECTIONS ARE COMING.............
rj
After all, they were elected to make the hard financial decisions.
They continue to complain of the cost for each referendum, in their Board Notes and in public.
It is because they are withholding government from the people that these referendums are exercised.
It is because the majority of tribal citizens feel that the "elected" are motivated by greed instead of good government.
Citizens are resorting to a constitutional right and their "elected" are complaining.
The government that the Sault Tribe members are getting is the "after the fact " government.
They have been excluded from participating.
That is why distrust exist.
The cost of democracy pales in comparison to the billion and a half that has been squandered by the "elected", in the last decade.
ELECTIONS ARE COMING.............
rj
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Eve of Destruction/1965-- Fitting for 2011
Path to Destruction/2011
By Jamie Walker:
My apologies to;
P.F. Sloan and Berry McGuire: Eve of destruction/1965
The middle Eastern world, it is exploding
While we're over there
America's imploding
You're old enough to know better
but you're not voting
You wont enlist in war
what's that video game you're totin'?
as the political parties
keep the deficit growin'
and you still waaaatch American Idol and two and a half men, my friend
Cause you refuse to see
We're on the path to destruction.
You don't understand the game they're
going to play
You'd better start hoping there's a
next payday
When the market goes bust
the rich will get their way
There'll be nothing in your savings
the economy looks grave
Open your eyes up boy
it better scare ya boy
and you still waaaatch American Idol and two and a half men, my friend
Cause you refuse to see
We're on the path to destruction.
The guy you voted for
is in the backroom tradin'
or sittin in the men's room
tappin' the next patron
They like to twist the truth
they have no hesitation
Handful of new Senators
Don't intend to save this Nation
And mass marches alone
will show them we're frustrated
Don't let human respect
go disintegrating
This whole entire country
is gettin' crazy
and you still waaaatch American Idol and two and a half men, my friend
Cause you refuse to see
We're on the path to destruction.
Think of all the hatred
we have for the "other"
while our little children
can't get healthcare for their mother
Well you may ignore all this
while stuffing your face
To have all your luxuries
spits on half the human race
the clearing of the forests
and the mountains of waste
claims that horizontal drilling
doesn't leave a trace
go ahead and fight your neighbor
while the elites take the place
and you still waaaatch American Idol and two and a half men, my friend
Cause you refuse to see,
We're on the path to destruction.
Jamie Walker is a Sault Tribe member.
By Jamie Walker:
My apologies to;
P.F. Sloan and Berry McGuire: Eve of destruction/1965
The middle Eastern world, it is exploding
While we're over there
America's imploding
You're old enough to know better
but you're not voting
You wont enlist in war
what's that video game you're totin'?
as the political parties
keep the deficit growin'
and you still waaaatch American Idol and two and a half men, my friend
Cause you refuse to see
We're on the path to destruction.
You don't understand the game they're
going to play
You'd better start hoping there's a
next payday
When the market goes bust
the rich will get their way
There'll be nothing in your savings
the economy looks grave
Open your eyes up boy
it better scare ya boy
and you still waaaatch American Idol and two and a half men, my friend
Cause you refuse to see
We're on the path to destruction.
The guy you voted for
is in the backroom tradin'
or sittin in the men's room
tappin' the next patron
They like to twist the truth
they have no hesitation
Handful of new Senators
Don't intend to save this Nation
And mass marches alone
will show them we're frustrated
Don't let human respect
go disintegrating
This whole entire country
is gettin' crazy
and you still waaaatch American Idol and two and a half men, my friend
Cause you refuse to see
We're on the path to destruction.
Think of all the hatred
we have for the "other"
while our little children
can't get healthcare for their mother
Well you may ignore all this
while stuffing your face
To have all your luxuries
spits on half the human race
the clearing of the forests
and the mountains of waste
claims that horizontal drilling
doesn't leave a trace
go ahead and fight your neighbor
while the elites take the place
and you still waaaatch American Idol and two and a half men, my friend
Cause you refuse to see,
We're on the path to destruction.
Jamie Walker is a Sault Tribe member.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
SAULT TRIBE UNDERCOVER AGENTS HIDE THE TRUTH
Isn't that the new title that should be given to the majority of the Sault Tribe Board of Directors...'Undercover Agents'? With the exception of five or so, aren't the remaining directors really working 'undercover'? Undercover from the scrutiny of the members, that is. Mystery novel terminology, like 'beneath a cloak of secrecy' or 'swathed in deceit,' certainly describes those board members we have come to distrust. It's not because we are a bunch of suspicious, feeble-minded, minions as some in control would like to think, but it is what we have not only learned to do, but what we need to do, as a result of the actions of the same old deceivers.
I almost puked when I read the title of Bernard Bouschor's unit report. What a bunch of 'pat-me-on-the-back', 'don't-hate-me-for-taking-your-money', 'love-me-cause-I-said-so' B.S. Anyone under the watch of an entire tribe could have done the same as he claims to have done. Anyone with a good dose of honesty, integrity, deep concern for every fellow man, woman and child, and a friggin' conscience could have done twice as much, if not more, than Bouschor did for our tribe.
Lets compare..take a look at what Bay Mills Indian Community, located in Brimley, MI, just 20 miles or so from the Sault, has done with much less. Two casinos, a world class golf course, an RV park & campgrounds, a wonderful community college, an elementary school, a very nice community and housing development, a health center, a police department and soon a mini-mall. Members can lease a plot of land from their tribe, at a cost of $1 for 99 years, on which to build a home. I know I have missed a few great things but they have done more for their people with a lot less than the Sault Tribe has done with much more.
What else did we get from Bouschor besides his grandiose claims:...a huge, doomed-from-the-start, failed money pit called Greektown, thirty-plus (30+) failed businesses, lots of questionable backroom deals, insider information (rumors or truth?) of millions gone to the Cayman Islands, Netherlands and Australia, the infamous 'Barge' and a whole lot of legal problems and associated costs. Many employees feared for their jobs under his rule, and rightfully so. Members were threatened for speaking out and employees were approached while on the job by his henchman and told they better be voting for old Bernie.
Look what happened when he took over the tribe again. People were fired and their right to file a grievance or appeal was also taken away. They lost their years of earned vacation, sick and personal time but Bernie votes to pay off his old buddy, Fred the former police chief (who is sitting in federal prison for embezzlement) for his sick time. Pat yourself on the back Bernie and thanks...you did us proud or so you would like the rest of the world to believe!
On top of everything else, we have to listen to a few directors who whine and complain because we have the internet and we use it. How are they supposed to keep their secrets if we keep posting them on the internet? Information about our tribe isn't going to be printed in the Sault Tribe newspaper nor will we hear about it at a tribal meeting. This is what we are left to do and this is what it will be.
We also have the right to referendum and have only just begun to use it. So what if it costs 30-40 grand. The blame lies solely with Chairman McCoy, who holds the secrets, that create the problems, that result in petitions and referendums. It has even been suggested that this site and others are being used to incite a revolution. A revolution is, according to the dictionary, "A fundamental change in power or organizational structure that takes place in a relatively short period of time. Complete change from one constitution to another. Modification of an existing constitution." Okay than....a revolution it is.
No longer do we have to talk only among ourselves, and fortunately, we have a couple of directors who are not afraid to speak out. It may not be a short period of time to do what must be done but the truth is....change is coming.
Lynne Weaver
Sault Tribe Government / A Bad Influence On its' Own People
From:
Charles Forgrave
Sault Ste. Marie, Mi...Well, members can be thankful for the Payment Referendum defeating the Gatzaros/Campbell proposal for a casino in Romulus. The proposal would have given them 26% of the gross proceeds for the life of the casino and your money would have built it.
The new proposal voted by the board is a much better deal: plans are for developer Sawruck to get 14% of the gross proceeds for six plus years and he will pick up all the financing associated with licensing, developing and building it.
What is disappointing again is the way the board handled the deal. Instead of bringing it forward for a public debate before voting, the board voted on it and then, late into the referendum period, released information on it and set up informational meetings.
The board has a terrible track record when it comes to investing your money...and why they think they can do a better job of it without your help is puzzling. They seem to be under the delusion that you elected them to make those decisions without any consultation with you.
The problem is that it's not their money they're investing, it's yours. They don't have any skin in the game and, success or failure, they still get paid the same. They make money transacting the deal itself: on kickbacks for influence peddling and on consulting fees and employment opportunities for themselves and their family and friends. With their 'me first' attitudes they can be wrong and still make money for themselves. It's you that gets hurt if your investment fails, not them.
Well anyway, thanks to the Payment Referendum you won't have the Gatzaros\Campbell deal hanging over your heads. It will be quite a surprise if Mr. Sawruck is able to get his deal approved by the state and federal governments. However, it will be a good deal for the tribe, if he is successful.
Sadly enough, there are still unanswered question concerning this latest deal. Members suspect that Gatzaros and Campbell are somehow involved in it through Michigan Gaming LLC. Others have questions about the name of the company incorporated by Sawruck.
This lack of communication is a pathetic state of affairs. Members have to wonder, who are these people that represent them? Why do they keep everything secret the way they do? They act like dictators in Northern Africa the way they control information.
What it amounts to is that tribal leaders are ignorant. They don't understand government or how democracies work. They haven't studied it. Hundreds of years ago, countries did away with kings and dictators and Indian Chiefs. They revolted against them and set up constitutional democracies. No longer were they subject to the whims and foolishness of despots, they could now put their faith in constitutions and institutions and public offices. Government was not longer about individual people, it was about systems and laws and rules.
Unfortunately, the Sault Tribe is stuck in the past. Your leaders seem to think they're your moms and dads. They treat you like you're kids who can't be trusted with money decisions...who don't need to know what they're doing with your money. You don't need benevolent leadership. You don't need any of their paternalistic caring. They work for you. Many of them aren't qualify for the board positions and you need to get rid of them...like they have so often gotten rid of many of you.
Get rid of your corrupt leaders and set up a government that is an example for your children. This board behaves like a bunch of gangsters. There's so much misrepresentation of the facts and lying and distorting and dissembling of the truth that decent people want nothing to do with it. You want your children to connect to their government and be proud of it. You want a government who's inner workings are not shameful and sleazy and a bad influence on your children.
Six years ago you spent $400,000.00 to write a new constitution. The board voted and said after the constitutional committee was finished with it, they would review it and send it out for your vote. Well, they didn't do it. You put up with too much from them. It's time for you to get madder than hell and get rid of most of them. Have them either send the new constitution for your vote or vote them out of office. Under the circumstances you may have to settle for democracy once every four years.But remember, you don't need them. The best thing you can do it to get rid of them. Lots of talented people with college degrees are willing and able to do a better job of handling your business for you.
Thank you, Charles Forgrave
I almost puked when I read the title of Bernard Bouschor's unit report. What a bunch of 'pat-me-on-the-back', 'don't-hate-me-for-taking-your-money', 'love-me-cause-I-said-so' B.S. Anyone under the watch of an entire tribe could have done the same as he claims to have done. Anyone with a good dose of honesty, integrity, deep concern for every fellow man, woman and child, and a friggin' conscience could have done twice as much, if not more, than Bouschor did for our tribe.
Lets compare..take a look at what Bay Mills Indian Community, located in Brimley, MI, just 20 miles or so from the Sault, has done with much less. Two casinos, a world class golf course, an RV park & campgrounds, a wonderful community college, an elementary school, a very nice community and housing development, a health center, a police department and soon a mini-mall. Members can lease a plot of land from their tribe, at a cost of $1 for 99 years, on which to build a home. I know I have missed a few great things but they have done more for their people with a lot less than the Sault Tribe has done with much more.
What else did we get from Bouschor besides his grandiose claims:...a huge, doomed-from-the-start, failed money pit called Greektown, thirty-plus (30+) failed businesses, lots of questionable backroom deals, insider information (rumors or truth?) of millions gone to the Cayman Islands, Netherlands and Australia, the infamous 'Barge' and a whole lot of legal problems and associated costs. Many employees feared for their jobs under his rule, and rightfully so. Members were threatened for speaking out and employees were approached while on the job by his henchman and told they better be voting for old Bernie.
Look what happened when he took over the tribe again. People were fired and their right to file a grievance or appeal was also taken away. They lost their years of earned vacation, sick and personal time but Bernie votes to pay off his old buddy, Fred the former police chief (who is sitting in federal prison for embezzlement) for his sick time. Pat yourself on the back Bernie and thanks...you did us proud or so you would like the rest of the world to believe!
On top of everything else, we have to listen to a few directors who whine and complain because we have the internet and we use it. How are they supposed to keep their secrets if we keep posting them on the internet? Information about our tribe isn't going to be printed in the Sault Tribe newspaper nor will we hear about it at a tribal meeting. This is what we are left to do and this is what it will be.
We also have the right to referendum and have only just begun to use it. So what if it costs 30-40 grand. The blame lies solely with Chairman McCoy, who holds the secrets, that create the problems, that result in petitions and referendums. It has even been suggested that this site and others are being used to incite a revolution. A revolution is, according to the dictionary, "A fundamental change in power or organizational structure that takes place in a relatively short period of time. Complete change from one constitution to another. Modification of an existing constitution." Okay than....a revolution it is.
No longer do we have to talk only among ourselves, and fortunately, we have a couple of directors who are not afraid to speak out. It may not be a short period of time to do what must be done but the truth is....change is coming.
Lynne Weaver
Sault Tribe Government / A Bad Influence On its' Own People
From:
Charles Forgrave
Sault Ste. Marie, Mi...Well, members can be thankful for the Payment Referendum defeating the Gatzaros/Campbell proposal for a casino in Romulus. The proposal would have given them 26% of the gross proceeds for the life of the casino and your money would have built it.
The new proposal voted by the board is a much better deal: plans are for developer Sawruck to get 14% of the gross proceeds for six plus years and he will pick up all the financing associated with licensing, developing and building it.
What is disappointing again is the way the board handled the deal. Instead of bringing it forward for a public debate before voting, the board voted on it and then, late into the referendum period, released information on it and set up informational meetings.
The board has a terrible track record when it comes to investing your money...and why they think they can do a better job of it without your help is puzzling. They seem to be under the delusion that you elected them to make those decisions without any consultation with you.
The problem is that it's not their money they're investing, it's yours. They don't have any skin in the game and, success or failure, they still get paid the same. They make money transacting the deal itself: on kickbacks for influence peddling and on consulting fees and employment opportunities for themselves and their family and friends. With their 'me first' attitudes they can be wrong and still make money for themselves. It's you that gets hurt if your investment fails, not them.
Well anyway, thanks to the Payment Referendum you won't have the Gatzaros\Campbell deal hanging over your heads. It will be quite a surprise if Mr. Sawruck is able to get his deal approved by the state and federal governments. However, it will be a good deal for the tribe, if he is successful.
Sadly enough, there are still unanswered question concerning this latest deal. Members suspect that Gatzaros and Campbell are somehow involved in it through Michigan Gaming LLC. Others have questions about the name of the company incorporated by Sawruck.
This lack of communication is a pathetic state of affairs. Members have to wonder, who are these people that represent them? Why do they keep everything secret the way they do? They act like dictators in Northern Africa the way they control information.
What it amounts to is that tribal leaders are ignorant. They don't understand government or how democracies work. They haven't studied it. Hundreds of years ago, countries did away with kings and dictators and Indian Chiefs. They revolted against them and set up constitutional democracies. No longer were they subject to the whims and foolishness of despots, they could now put their faith in constitutions and institutions and public offices. Government was not longer about individual people, it was about systems and laws and rules.
Unfortunately, the Sault Tribe is stuck in the past. Your leaders seem to think they're your moms and dads. They treat you like you're kids who can't be trusted with money decisions...who don't need to know what they're doing with your money. You don't need benevolent leadership. You don't need any of their paternalistic caring. They work for you. Many of them aren't qualify for the board positions and you need to get rid of them...like they have so often gotten rid of many of you.
Get rid of your corrupt leaders and set up a government that is an example for your children. This board behaves like a bunch of gangsters. There's so much misrepresentation of the facts and lying and distorting and dissembling of the truth that decent people want nothing to do with it. You want your children to connect to their government and be proud of it. You want a government who's inner workings are not shameful and sleazy and a bad influence on your children.
Six years ago you spent $400,000.00 to write a new constitution. The board voted and said after the constitutional committee was finished with it, they would review it and send it out for your vote. Well, they didn't do it. You put up with too much from them. It's time for you to get madder than hell and get rid of most of them. Have them either send the new constitution for your vote or vote them out of office. Under the circumstances you may have to settle for democracy once every four years.But remember, you don't need them. The best thing you can do it to get rid of them. Lots of talented people with college degrees are willing and able to do a better job of handling your business for you.
Thank you, Charles Forgrave
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Been Thunking / Tribal News
By:
Charles Forgrave
Sault Ste. Marie, Mi...There's an old saying, if it ain't broke don't fix it.
Case in point, the referendum process: were it not for the Payment Referendum on the last casino deal we wouldn't be reviewing this Romulus Casino deal with Mr. Sawruck. We would be living with the old one with Mr. Gatzaros and Mr. Campbell.
From the sounds of things, this latest deal is much better than the previous one. Instead of two investors getting 13% a piece (26% together) for a lifetime, one investor is getting 14% for seven years. Instead of the tribe putting up all the money, the investor is putting up all the money...from the sounds of it, this latest deal is worth tens of millions of additional dollars.
Thanks to what? Thanks to the Payment Referendum that defeated the Gatzaros/Campbell proposal. Who is responsible for that referendum, our great and highly esteemed, handsome and debonair, smart and educated former tribal chairman, Mr. Aaron Payment...ta ta, ta ta, ta ta!
Well, it is the simple truth...thunk about it.
So what gives? Why are Chairman McCoy, directors Pine and Causley determined now to see that the referendum process is changed...to one more difficult for the membership to use. On the surface they're worried about the cost...($20,000.00...$30,000.00 or $40,000.00 which ever it is?) But is that the real reason...or are they out to stop an old political opponent. After all, former chairman Payment has indicated that he may be a candidate in 2012. the Payment Referendum will bring tens of millions of additional dollars into the tribal coffer over the life of the casino, if the Sawruck deal succeeds.
So what's gives? Because of the Payment Referendum, tens of millions of additional dollars will come into the tribal coffers over the life of this proposed casino, if the Sawruck deal succeeds, and these board members are harping about the cost of a referendum...from the looks of it the Payment Referendum was worth millions of referendums.
So much for broken government, i.e., a government that isn't working for the members, because it's always caught up in internal struggles.
Director Pine isn't completely self absorbed though. She does have some reform in mind for the tribe...perhaps enough to redeem her. She's come out in support of an independent judiciary. You have to wonder...what all is that about?
Director Boushor is still busy propping up, rebuilding, restoring, whatever, his public persona. Will he ever give up? Talk about using the tribal newspaper for your own personal purposes as well as political ones.
Oh yes, director Pine and director Boushor are still working closely together rewriting tribal history...everything that the tribe is today is because of them and theirs.
Sure? Okay, maybe they're right? think about it: we're in debt over our ears and our once promising future was squandered and mismanaged...so maybe they are right?
More later...
Thank you, Charles Forgrave
Charles Forgrave
Sault Ste. Marie, Mi...There's an old saying, if it ain't broke don't fix it.
Case in point, the referendum process: were it not for the Payment Referendum on the last casino deal we wouldn't be reviewing this Romulus Casino deal with Mr. Sawruck. We would be living with the old one with Mr. Gatzaros and Mr. Campbell.
From the sounds of things, this latest deal is much better than the previous one. Instead of two investors getting 13% a piece (26% together) for a lifetime, one investor is getting 14% for seven years. Instead of the tribe putting up all the money, the investor is putting up all the money...from the sounds of it, this latest deal is worth tens of millions of additional dollars.
Thanks to what? Thanks to the Payment Referendum that defeated the Gatzaros/Campbell proposal. Who is responsible for that referendum, our great and highly esteemed, handsome and debonair, smart and educated former tribal chairman, Mr. Aaron Payment...ta ta, ta ta, ta ta!
Well, it is the simple truth...thunk about it.
So what gives? Why are Chairman McCoy, directors Pine and Causley determined now to see that the referendum process is changed...to one more difficult for the membership to use. On the surface they're worried about the cost...($20,000.00...$30,000.00 or $40,000.00 which ever it is?) But is that the real reason...or are they out to stop an old political opponent. After all, former chairman Payment has indicated that he may be a candidate in 2012. the Payment Referendum will bring tens of millions of additional dollars into the tribal coffer over the life of the casino, if the Sawruck deal succeeds.
So what's gives? Because of the Payment Referendum, tens of millions of additional dollars will come into the tribal coffers over the life of this proposed casino, if the Sawruck deal succeeds, and these board members are harping about the cost of a referendum...from the looks of it the Payment Referendum was worth millions of referendums.
So much for broken government, i.e., a government that isn't working for the members, because it's always caught up in internal struggles.
Director Pine isn't completely self absorbed though. She does have some reform in mind for the tribe...perhaps enough to redeem her. She's come out in support of an independent judiciary. You have to wonder...what all is that about?
Director Boushor is still busy propping up, rebuilding, restoring, whatever, his public persona. Will he ever give up? Talk about using the tribal newspaper for your own personal purposes as well as political ones.
Oh yes, director Pine and director Boushor are still working closely together rewriting tribal history...everything that the tribe is today is because of them and theirs.
Sure? Okay, maybe they're right? think about it: we're in debt over our ears and our once promising future was squandered and mismanaged...so maybe they are right?
More later...
Thank you, Charles Forgrave
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
