Well, here we are nearly at the end of another election season, and I must say that this has been one of the most unusual elections I have seen. At first I truly thought it would end up being a bloody battlefield because of who the encumbents are and the amount of discord between them; but, fortunately, it didn't happen and I'm very glad for that.
Although I don't have any idea who might succeed this year, I can only hope that people have listened to my point of view and support my desire to work on behalf of the membership. I made no promises except that I would never lie to anyone and would do my best to make sure the membership is kept informed much better than they are now.
I also stated that I felt some of the Ordinances needed to be updated and revised, putting language in them that would hold Council members accountable for their travel, personnal leave, etc. This is one way, and perhaps the only way, to do this without causing more tension and strife between Council members and ensuring the membership has the opportunity to provide comments and input before the Ordinances are finalized.
Regardless of what happens this Saturday, I thank the membership for their support of my position on various issues and I have appreciated the opportunity to speak with many Tribal members across the country. I also thank all those who have stated they were voting for me. Knowing this makes all the work worthwhile and I can't put into words how much I appreciate it.
Whomever is elected, I truly hope that they will do their best to work for the entire membership and leave their personal agendas at home; I know that if I'm lucky enough to succeed, I will.
Whatever happens, thank you everyone and who knows, if I don't succeed this time, there is always next year.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Letter to the Membership
The letter I am mailing to Tribal Members is below. Any questions and/or comments are welcome.
_______________________
Dear Tribal Members,
My name is Dakota Rae Sangretta-Whitecloud. Thank you for reading my letter, learning about me and what I believe in, and consider supporting me this year.
My Heritage: I am fifth (5th) generation Holmes family. My Mother was Pearl McGee; my Grandmother was Theresa (Holmes) Zavadoski. My Great Grandmother was Mary Holmes and my Great Great Grandfather was Joseph Sangretta. My Father’s people were Sioux and Apache (Wolf and Eagle Clans respectively). I have two remaining children and several Nephews and Nieces. I lived in the Willamette Valley most of my life; I also lived in the Umpqua Valley before coming home in 1989.
Experience: Just recently retired, I worked for the Tribe for nearly 22 years. I worked in the Executive, Legal and Finance Offices and for the Tribal Council. I know our Tribal laws and policies. I am a past member of the Education, Archaeology and Pow Wow Committees, as well as the Election Board and Housing Authority Board. I am now the Chair of the Veterans Special Event Board.
Important Issues / Long-range Planning and Dependable Leadership: I have watched the Tribe grow and I believe the Tribal Council needs to focus on long-range planning. Private gaming is still a threat and with the Cowlitz Casino in Washington looming on the horizon, we need to question our spending patterns. The Tribal Council needs to consider “what the real benefit is to the Tribe” and “does it benefit the entire membership” when traveling and making budget decisions. We cannot ignore economic diversity any longer; it is something we must actively work toward resolving. Tribal Council members should restrict travel as much as possible. Too often meetings are cancelled due to “lack of quorum”. Also, Council members should be physically present at Tribal Council and other meetings instead of relying on phone calls; lately this has become the rule rather than the exception. We also need to review the Tribal Council and Budget Ordinances; they are out of date and need to be revised.
Broader Membership Involvement: Not even one-half of our eligible voters submit a ballot. I would like to know why, because voting is important. I want to know what is important to you. People talk about “change”, but no one says what change they want. My question is “What changes are you looking for?”
Determination and Working Together: People know me as honest, hard working and straight forward. I will make the hard decisions on important issues. I will vote “no” when necessary and I will hold other Council members accountable for their actions. One person cannot make changes happen; but, can often provide options that others may not have considered. We must put the Tribe back on track to make sure the membership comes first, and at least slow the downward spiral we are currently in.
My wish is to serve the membership by using the knowledge and skills I have gained over the years to benefit the membership. I welcome your questions and comments. You can call me 503-879-4240, email me at sangretta@yahoo.com, visit my FACEBOOK page or visit my website, dakotasviews.blogspot.com. The important thing is that you consider voting for people who will put the membership first. I also ask that you consider the things I have said.
Thank you again, and I would appreciate your support. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Dakota Rae Sangretta-Whitecloud
Roll # 1587
_______________________
Dear Tribal Members,
My name is Dakota Rae Sangretta-Whitecloud. Thank you for reading my letter, learning about me and what I believe in, and consider supporting me this year.
My Heritage: I am fifth (5th) generation Holmes family. My Mother was Pearl McGee; my Grandmother was Theresa (Holmes) Zavadoski. My Great Grandmother was Mary Holmes and my Great Great Grandfather was Joseph Sangretta. My Father’s people were Sioux and Apache (Wolf and Eagle Clans respectively). I have two remaining children and several Nephews and Nieces. I lived in the Willamette Valley most of my life; I also lived in the Umpqua Valley before coming home in 1989.
Experience: Just recently retired, I worked for the Tribe for nearly 22 years. I worked in the Executive, Legal and Finance Offices and for the Tribal Council. I know our Tribal laws and policies. I am a past member of the Education, Archaeology and Pow Wow Committees, as well as the Election Board and Housing Authority Board. I am now the Chair of the Veterans Special Event Board.
Important Issues / Long-range Planning and Dependable Leadership: I have watched the Tribe grow and I believe the Tribal Council needs to focus on long-range planning. Private gaming is still a threat and with the Cowlitz Casino in Washington looming on the horizon, we need to question our spending patterns. The Tribal Council needs to consider “what the real benefit is to the Tribe” and “does it benefit the entire membership” when traveling and making budget decisions. We cannot ignore economic diversity any longer; it is something we must actively work toward resolving. Tribal Council members should restrict travel as much as possible. Too often meetings are cancelled due to “lack of quorum”. Also, Council members should be physically present at Tribal Council and other meetings instead of relying on phone calls; lately this has become the rule rather than the exception. We also need to review the Tribal Council and Budget Ordinances; they are out of date and need to be revised.
Broader Membership Involvement: Not even one-half of our eligible voters submit a ballot. I would like to know why, because voting is important. I want to know what is important to you. People talk about “change”, but no one says what change they want. My question is “What changes are you looking for?”
Determination and Working Together: People know me as honest, hard working and straight forward. I will make the hard decisions on important issues. I will vote “no” when necessary and I will hold other Council members accountable for their actions. One person cannot make changes happen; but, can often provide options that others may not have considered. We must put the Tribe back on track to make sure the membership comes first, and at least slow the downward spiral we are currently in.
My wish is to serve the membership by using the knowledge and skills I have gained over the years to benefit the membership. I welcome your questions and comments. You can call me 503-879-4240, email me at sangretta@yahoo.com, visit my FACEBOOK page or visit my website, dakotasviews.blogspot.com. The important thing is that you consider voting for people who will put the membership first. I also ask that you consider the things I have said.
Thank you again, and I would appreciate your support. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Dakota Rae Sangretta-Whitecloud
Roll # 1587
Saturday, June 18, 2011
It Begins
I'm not really surprised by what has occured, in fact I've been waiting to see just who it would be and as it turns out, it is Andy Jenness. Why do I say this? Well because he has challenged by integrity, which knowing him and working with him on Council before, does not surprise me at all. You can check on the Grand Ronde Tribe site to see what I'm talking about specifically and to see my response.
I know who Andy is tied to, as many other folks do, so the reason behind his challenge is obvious; he wants to try and discredit me before I'm ever nominated. Well, I guess he can try, but he has absolutely no standing other than to put words out there and see if people believe him. I've responded to his challenge and if he pushes it too far, I will give him facts and figures that he will most likely not like very much.
The one thing about me that people should know is that before I offer up a challenge to someone, I already have done my homework and will deal strictly with facts, nothing more or less.
Thanks for listening.
I know who Andy is tied to, as many other folks do, so the reason behind his challenge is obvious; he wants to try and discredit me before I'm ever nominated. Well, I guess he can try, but he has absolutely no standing other than to put words out there and see if people believe him. I've responded to his challenge and if he pushes it too far, I will give him facts and figures that he will most likely not like very much.
The one thing about me that people should know is that before I offer up a challenge to someone, I already have done my homework and will deal strictly with facts, nothing more or less.
Thanks for listening.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Enrollment - Proposed Amendment
Hello Everyone,
I just left a meeting held this afternoon where, initially, 8 Council members were present: Cheryle Kennedy, Steve Bobb, Toby McCclary, Chris Mercier, Kathy Tom, Reyn Leno, Wink Soderberg and Jack Giffen. This meeting was not recorded; staff had the recorder ready, but Cheryle indicated it did not need to be recorded.
After nearly two hours, the result was with 5 Council members remaining (Cheryle Kennedy, Jack Giffen, Wink Soderberg, Chris Mercier and Kathy Tom); it was decided that there will be a Special Tribal Council meeting tomorrow at 4pm to approve a Resolution to move the Proposed Amendment forward as is; in other words in one piece (Reyn, Steve and Toby had other committments and had to leave early).
Toby and Reyn were the only Council members with dissenting comments; which really surprised me. It seemed like most Council just wanted to get something in front of the membership and let them decide. Chris Mercier was willing to negotiate, but with only two dissenting comments, that didn't go far.
The only concrete statement made was what "Official rolls or records" were, and it was decided that this would be a "Census roll which included blood quantums".
From what Rob Greene said, the BIA Election for this new Amendment could take place in mid-July.
It looks like only the membership will be able to decide now whether they want to accept or reject this amendment.
I have to wonder how many Tribal Members will vote "yes" to take care of the "parent on the roll" issue and later realize the other issues are just as important, or whether because they cannot support one or more of the other issues they will vote "no".
I know that most of the Council are aware that many people want this proposed amendment broken down, but once again, they are not listening.
More to come later.
Dakota
I just left a meeting held this afternoon where, initially, 8 Council members were present: Cheryle Kennedy, Steve Bobb, Toby McCclary, Chris Mercier, Kathy Tom, Reyn Leno, Wink Soderberg and Jack Giffen. This meeting was not recorded; staff had the recorder ready, but Cheryle indicated it did not need to be recorded.
After nearly two hours, the result was with 5 Council members remaining (Cheryle Kennedy, Jack Giffen, Wink Soderberg, Chris Mercier and Kathy Tom); it was decided that there will be a Special Tribal Council meeting tomorrow at 4pm to approve a Resolution to move the Proposed Amendment forward as is; in other words in one piece (Reyn, Steve and Toby had other committments and had to leave early).
Toby and Reyn were the only Council members with dissenting comments; which really surprised me. It seemed like most Council just wanted to get something in front of the membership and let them decide. Chris Mercier was willing to negotiate, but with only two dissenting comments, that didn't go far.
The only concrete statement made was what "Official rolls or records" were, and it was decided that this would be a "Census roll which included blood quantums".
From what Rob Greene said, the BIA Election for this new Amendment could take place in mid-July.
It looks like only the membership will be able to decide now whether they want to accept or reject this amendment.
I have to wonder how many Tribal Members will vote "yes" to take care of the "parent on the roll" issue and later realize the other issues are just as important, or whether because they cannot support one or more of the other issues they will vote "no".
I know that most of the Council are aware that many people want this proposed amendment broken down, but once again, they are not listening.
More to come later.
Dakota
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Election Day 2010
Hello Everyone,
Well, here we are and in a few hours everyone will know who succeeded in their bid for a seat on Tribal Council.
This has been, as I've said before, one of the most unusual elections I have ever seen. I can only hope that more members decided to vote this year and that the number of eligible voters continues to increase.
Good Luck to all the candidates.
Dakota
Well, here we are and in a few hours everyone will know who succeeded in their bid for a seat on Tribal Council.
This has been, as I've said before, one of the most unusual elections I have ever seen. I can only hope that more members decided to vote this year and that the number of eligible voters continues to increase.
Good Luck to all the candidates.
Dakota
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
It's Not Over Yet
Fellow Tribal Members
Although the election isn’t over yet, I want to say “Thank you” to those folks who have supported me. Some people have asked some really tough questions and I’m glad I’ve had the opportunity to answer them. Even after the election is over, and even if I don’t succeed, I will still answer your questions and hopefully be able to help.
This doesn’t mean I’m not still trying, I am. I’ve received a lot of very positive comments and commitments of support and I really do appreciate it. I won’t even try to name everyone, but you know who you are.
This election season has been very interesting and the quietest I have ever seen. I’m not sure why, but I truly hope that whether people voted for me or not, or will vote for me or not, that they vote. I’m going to keep saying this until people tell me to stop “Your voice is your vote”, so please use that voice and make it loud and clear!
I’m hoping the days of the “popularity contest” are coming to a close and the membership will select people who are strong enough to step up, and stand up for what is right and will be willing to make the hard decisions. More than that, I am hopeful that the Council will be more open and truthful to the membership, whether the truth will impact people in a positive or negative way; the membership deserves honest answers and should get them.
We’ve had some ups and downs, but we are still here; we are still earning revenue from Spirit Mountain even though it’s not as much as before. If we are careful and look carefully at the budget for 2011, we should be able to stay on the up side. But, if we don’t and things keep going as they are, we will continue to be in a situation where we have to readjust the budget by mid-year and hope there’s enough to go around.
At any rate, as always, I would appreciate your support and please, make your voice heard. It’s easy to say “Thank you” after everything is over, but harder to do before the results are known.
Thank you everyone.
Although the election isn’t over yet, I want to say “Thank you” to those folks who have supported me. Some people have asked some really tough questions and I’m glad I’ve had the opportunity to answer them. Even after the election is over, and even if I don’t succeed, I will still answer your questions and hopefully be able to help.
This doesn’t mean I’m not still trying, I am. I’ve received a lot of very positive comments and commitments of support and I really do appreciate it. I won’t even try to name everyone, but you know who you are.
This election season has been very interesting and the quietest I have ever seen. I’m not sure why, but I truly hope that whether people voted for me or not, or will vote for me or not, that they vote. I’m going to keep saying this until people tell me to stop “Your voice is your vote”, so please use that voice and make it loud and clear!
I’m hoping the days of the “popularity contest” are coming to a close and the membership will select people who are strong enough to step up, and stand up for what is right and will be willing to make the hard decisions. More than that, I am hopeful that the Council will be more open and truthful to the membership, whether the truth will impact people in a positive or negative way; the membership deserves honest answers and should get them.
We’ve had some ups and downs, but we are still here; we are still earning revenue from Spirit Mountain even though it’s not as much as before. If we are careful and look carefully at the budget for 2011, we should be able to stay on the up side. But, if we don’t and things keep going as they are, we will continue to be in a situation where we have to readjust the budget by mid-year and hope there’s enough to go around.
At any rate, as always, I would appreciate your support and please, make your voice heard. It’s easy to say “Thank you” after everything is over, but harder to do before the results are known.
Thank you everyone.
Monday, September 6, 2010
The Last Week Before the Election
Hello Everyone,
Well, here we are less than a week from the election and if someone asked me today who I thought would be elected, I’d have to say “I don’t have a clue”. Even if I am not elected, I am hopeful that people did listen to what I had to say and will accept it as being both honest and straightforward.
Our election process has always been interesting to watch and even more so now. It is true that I didn’t send out mailings and that I haven’t written as much as I should. That is my fault and I take full responsibility for it. All I can do is apologize and do better in the future, whether I’m elected or not.
One thing happened that does bother me, not that it is a big issue, but it still just doesn’t sit right. I found out that about a week ago, all the campaign signs that had been put up at the junction of Highway 18 and 22 were removed as were those that were put up near the pow wow grounds. At first we thought ODOT had removed them, but as time went on, I think it is safe to say that this is most likely not the case.
This is not the first time that candidates signs has been removed, but it seemed a bit strange since some of them had been up for 2 months, mine among them. I do not and will not say that I think any particular person or any candidates’ supporters are responsible because I don’t know who took them or why. What I do know is that one of the candidates has completed a police report on the issue; what will come of it is anyone’s guess.
I continue to ask for your support in this election and as I’ve said before, I make no promises I can’t keep, except one: “I will never lie to you or tell you ‘something’ just to give you an answer to a question. If you ask me a question I can answer, I will and if I can’t I will tell you I can’t and why I can’t.
I don’t know how to play games with people or work the system; I never have and I never will. Maybe that will cost me the election, I don’t know. What I do know is what I stand for and I can only hope that is enough.
If honest, straightforward answers and a willingness to make the hard decisions and say “no” when necessary are what you are looking for, then please consider voting for me. If you want to understand the financial side of the decision making process, ask me and I will do my best to give you the best information I can. If I don’t have the answer, I know who to ask to get the information, and I will.
Thank you and remember: regardless of who you decide to vote for, the important thing is that you vote; not just in this election, but in every election.
Well, here we are less than a week from the election and if someone asked me today who I thought would be elected, I’d have to say “I don’t have a clue”. Even if I am not elected, I am hopeful that people did listen to what I had to say and will accept it as being both honest and straightforward.
Our election process has always been interesting to watch and even more so now. It is true that I didn’t send out mailings and that I haven’t written as much as I should. That is my fault and I take full responsibility for it. All I can do is apologize and do better in the future, whether I’m elected or not.
One thing happened that does bother me, not that it is a big issue, but it still just doesn’t sit right. I found out that about a week ago, all the campaign signs that had been put up at the junction of Highway 18 and 22 were removed as were those that were put up near the pow wow grounds. At first we thought ODOT had removed them, but as time went on, I think it is safe to say that this is most likely not the case.
This is not the first time that candidates signs has been removed, but it seemed a bit strange since some of them had been up for 2 months, mine among them. I do not and will not say that I think any particular person or any candidates’ supporters are responsible because I don’t know who took them or why. What I do know is that one of the candidates has completed a police report on the issue; what will come of it is anyone’s guess.
I continue to ask for your support in this election and as I’ve said before, I make no promises I can’t keep, except one: “I will never lie to you or tell you ‘something’ just to give you an answer to a question. If you ask me a question I can answer, I will and if I can’t I will tell you I can’t and why I can’t.
I don’t know how to play games with people or work the system; I never have and I never will. Maybe that will cost me the election, I don’t know. What I do know is what I stand for and I can only hope that is enough.
If honest, straightforward answers and a willingness to make the hard decisions and say “no” when necessary are what you are looking for, then please consider voting for me. If you want to understand the financial side of the decision making process, ask me and I will do my best to give you the best information I can. If I don’t have the answer, I know who to ask to get the information, and I will.
Thank you and remember: regardless of who you decide to vote for, the important thing is that you vote; not just in this election, but in every election.
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