The Furor Over Losses in the Minor's Fund

If one visits easternband.com one will see the anger over the losses in the minors and incompetents' fund. Don Rose, a candidate for Tribal Council in Painttown has also noted the losses before in an oped piece for the Cherokee Times.
The anger is clearly justified, however, it does need to be noted, tribal government didn't "steal" this money from the the children, but it may as well have. The fact is tribal government was well within its power to stop the losses from happening. It chose to do nothing, to leave the investing up to a broker, who has no stake in anything with the tribe other than to keep a client.
The minor's and incompetents' fund never should've been invested in the high-risk, extremely volatile stock market to begin with, but when the trouble with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac started, that should've been an indicator to move this money to low-risk or no-risk investments. Anyone with any sense with investing would've seen the writing on the wall. Yet, nothing was done. When the markets went to hell last fall, much of our children's money went with it. Tribal Council and the chief bear just as much responsibility as the investment committee and broker in what happened. They're all privy to such information in which they could've made wiser investment decisions.
Now tribal government is playing the blame game. I'm not so much interested in who's to blame. I want to know what do our leaders plan to do about it. I for one think parents should have an option in how their children's money is invested. I have a child on the way, and I don't trust tribal government to properly manage his or her money. If tribal officials insist on us as parents having no input, than they should at least have the courtesy of placing only financial planners on the committee, who can and will grow the children's money conservatively but surely. You don't go to a plastic surgeon to remove a cancerous tumor, and you shouldn't go to an accountant and broker for investment advice.
We can talk about who's at fault for this later. Right now, fix the problem so it doesn't happen again.

What Does the Citizen-Times Consider Appropriate?

I recall the furor over "Rants and Raves" at the One Feather as Chief Hicks and others felt as though some of what was published was inappropriate. I did have standards for this anonymous forum. I certainly never published any of the types of remarks that appear on the Asheville Citizen-Times' anonymous online forums through topix.net. I'll spare republishing the disgusting remarks made about tribal member Anita Vestal who will be facing charges of helping a murder suspect escape. Anyone who wants to see them can click this link. The Citizen-Times rightfully refuses to publish remarks that are racist or just mean spirited in its letters to the editor, but the topix forums appear to allow anything. Remarks made about Vestal and the escaped suspect have been centered on the escapee's race and Vestal's weight, truely classless, tasteless and racist remarks that add nothing of value to the debate.
I'm not advocating censorship. The Citizen-Times can do what it wants, but given the ever strengthening significance of the internet, the publication would do well to have the same standards it has for letters to the editor, better police what comes through its online forums and keep this kind of garbage out. Publishing remarks like these cheapens the publication.

Vice Chief's Niece Sought With Murder Suspect

A capital murder suspect Jeffrey Miles escaped from the Swain County Jail, allegedly with the help of guard Anita Vestal. Vestal is the niece of Vice Chief Larry Blythe.
Miles is charged with first degree murder in the killing of James David Scott Wiggins and Michael Heath Compton Aug. 8 last year.
Law enforcement is on the lookout for a red 2001, Ford Ranger pickup truck with a maroon camper top. It should have North Carolina plates. Miles is black, 6'2" and weighs between 180-190 pounds. Vestal is Native American 5'3" and 275 pounds.
I've had my political differences with Vice Chief Blythe, but I certainly don't want to see any harm done to him or anyone in his family. Vestal is in considerable danger, and I hope she returns safely. We should all pray for her safe return.

Persian Gulf Comes to the Mountains

Not much I can add to this post. I think the photos are self explanatory. I also think it's an insult to the sacrifices of tribal members who served in Desert Storm and the current war in Iraq. It's nice to know that we're paying the Goss Agency in Asheville to do it too.

New edit: There is something I can add. Michell Hicks' "Sequoyah clothes" became fodder for a lot of jokes. The clothes aren't the point. The fact is the Goss Agency in Asheville was paid to put this crap up in Cherokee. To the tourists passing through it looks like some anonymous Cherokee man promoting tourism. To those who live under Hicks' rule, it smacks of the type of narcissism displayed in Syria and Saddam Hussein's Iraq. It sends the message, "I'm in charge and there's nothing you can do about it."
Last I checked, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians was a democracy. The chief even said so to angry Snowbird residents seeking to separate from Cherokee County because of feelings of disenfranchisement. There is something we can do. We can elect representatives who will actually give the people a voice and put a stop to the self-serving madness that is every bit on the same scale as AIG.

Tribal Leadership Loses Millions of Our Children's Money - Where's the Outrage?

Don Rose, a candidate for Painttown, wrote an op ed piece for cherokeetimesonline.com pointing out that the tribe's endowment and per capita fund for tribal members under 18 years of age lost $60 million as of Dec. 31, 2008. He also notes that given January and Feburary were some of the worst months for the stock market, that figure may now be more than $80 million lost. Who's going to take responsbility for this? Apparently no one.
The chief, Tribal Council, the Investment Committee (made up of appointees approved by the chief and Tribal Council), and the broker in control of the funds all point the finger somewhere else. He points out that your broker doesn't always have your best interest at heart. He also points out the lack of outcry from tribal members. That's what's so disheartening. It makes me wonder how bad it has to get before the people get angry enough to rightfully dress down our leaders.
I'm outraged. For one, I haven't even become aware of this until Don's column. I've suspected that the tribe lost great amounts of money because I knew the committee, with the chief's and Council's approval, invested the children's funds heavily in the highly volatile stock market. However this seems to be par for the course for the current tribal leadership who feels we're better off being kept in the dark. Case in point, Cherokee County/Snowbird Council Rep. Angie Kephart stated to the Cherokee County Community Club last Tuesday, "The economy's been weakened a little bit." This statement was made to folks who live in the county with the fourth highest unemployment rate in the state, a rate of 12.7 percent as of last December, a rate well above the national average.
The other reason we should be outraged is no one was minding the store while a bear's been on the lose. The one's who should be the first to accept responsibility are playing the blame game instead.
Folks we should be outraged. This is your children's money, and the tribe's leadership has allowed it to be managed recklessly. It's very clear that when voters go to the polls, we have to elect leaders who will ensure that the Investment Committee will play a more active roll in investing these funds that will offset potential losses in the stock market and actually make our children money. With a child on the way, it's certainly of great concern to me what happens to these funds. If the current leadership isn't going to take ownership of this problem, then they need to hit the road.

I'm Running For Council Not Against Another Candidate

I've gotten some commentary during my talks with people when I've told individuals in both Snowbird and Cherokee County that I was running. Among the comments I've gotten, from both communities, is "We need to get rid of Angie (Kephart) and Abe (I hear he's not running. His son Adam is supposed to be running in his place)." I understand frustration with the status quo. Also, if things were fine they way they are, I wouldn't have decided to run.
However, I'm running for Tribal Council, not so much against Angie Kephart or against anyone else. I want voters in Cherokee County and Snowbird to vote for me. Whoever else gets their votes is their business. I'm not so arrogant to insist that my potential constituents have to vote in a manner for which I approve. I'm certainly not going to try to monitor the polls to see who votes how, nor will I attempt to punish those who choose to either vote for candidates with whom I disagree or choose not to vote for me, and I will represent my constituents equally. I will not practice selective representation.
Here's why I feel I'm qualified to serve:
* I'm educated. I hold a B.A. in Public Relations from Auburn University. With the challenging and complex issues that confront the tribe, we need a candidate who can handle these issues with wisdom and understanding. Furthermore, I have vast experience dealing with the media, which is of the utmost importance.
* I'm accomplished and experienced. While I've never held public office before, I've worked with the tribe for 11 years. I understand well how tribal government works, and I've proven my abilities to work with every tribal program. That's important when it comes to funding for programs in Cherokee County and Snowbird who've been fighting for scraps for decades.
* I'm ethical. I've been faithfully married to my wife for seven years. I've never been charged with a crime, and I've always conducted my work with the highest of ethical standards in mind. My wife and I are expecting our first child in October, and it's important to me that I set a positive example in this area.
* I was raised with strong Christian, moral values, and will make decisions based upon those values. I attend services at the Episcopal Church of the Messiah in Murphy where my wife and I are members. The lessons taught from the Bible and what it means to be a Christian not only give me comfort during trying times, they guide me in making tough decisions. I will rely upon my faith in making decisions for the betterment of the tribe.
* I bring an agenda that is right and just for the tribe, accountability, transparency in government and respect for individual liberty. We as tribal members are Americans, and we need elected officials who are going to act like Americans. Too many tribal members have risked and even lost their lives defending the ideals upon which the United States was founded only to have elected officials profane everything for which they sacrificed by trying to squelch dissent, hiding the truth from them and denying them a voice in their government.
I've got no doubt that some voters will be approached about me by some who will argue that they shouldn't vote for me. When approached, it's perfectly appropriate to suggest that instead of why they shouldn't vote for R. Joseph Martin, or anyone else for that matter, ask them why should they vote for whatever candidate they're advocating. If they can't or won't answer, then they don't deserve your time.
While I think you should vote for candidates who represent a positive change for the tribe, I won't get in the business of asking you to not vote for a particular candidate. I represent positive change and balance for tribal government, and that's why I should be elected.

Why Worry About the Executive Retirement Plan

There are some who may ask why we should bother with the executive retirement plan. Another notion is that Council members knew what the intent was. While some will argue that the matter is trivial consider this, and Wolfetown Rep. Susan Toineeta even noted this in her proposal to rescind the plan passed in January, the tribe will be facing some seriously challenging times financially. The situation is worse than many currently in the tribe's leadership are willing to concede. The plan passed in January has the potential to break the tribe, already stretched to the limits on retirement benefits for employees.
The plan passed, as written, does pay Chief Hicks $70,000 per month upon his leaving office, assuming he's done in 2011. That may not have been the intent, and Michell Hicks may only take $70,000 yearly as may have been the intent of the legislation. There are serious problems with relying upon intent. One is no one really knows what that intent was with the exception of the one who authored the proposal. When the law has been on the books for 100 years, no one can ask the attorney general what the intent was, because in all likelihood she'll have died. The other major problem is that it may be the case that this chief would only take $70,000. But that doesn't mean that another chief with the same amount of time vested wouldn't take half the yearly salary per month, and guess what, the way the law is now currently worded, it would be legal.
The tribal Supreme Court ruled on the issue of absentee voting that the way the law was worded was problematic. It was worded to mean that tribal members had to meet every single criteria. Sure we knew what the intent was, but the wording had to match that intent.
Toineeta's proposal is a sensible one, and Tribal Council needs to pass it. This is an important issue. The economic future of the tribe depends upon it.

Don Rose Candidate for Painttown

I've gotten to know Don Rose over the past few years since he returned to Cherokee. He's an accomplished business man who hasn't made any demands of the tribe. When I was fired from the One Feather, he was among the first to offer moral support. He also helped to establish Martin Publishing, which published the Cherokee Times.
He's served the U.S. in war time, both in Korea and Vietnam, which means he understands what it means to be an American as well as the ideals upon which this country was founded. He's been working much of the time with BalsamWest trying to expand high speed internet access in western North Carolina.
While I may have certain differences of opinion here and there with Don, he's a true man of integrity who can bring professional and ethical leadership as well as real world business sense to Painttown, something that's sorely needed right now.
I'm proud to know this man, and urge all who live in Painttown to vote for him. He certainly has my endorsement.

Joe Martin is Running for Council

Alas, I've decided to join the dark side. I've crossed over from journalism into politics. Let's just say it's been a calling. I'm running for Tribal Council to represent Cherokee County and Snowbird.
I could no longer stand on the sidelines. While I felt I did my best to keep tribal members informed so they would make informed decisions, I really feel as though my efforts weren't enough. Plus right now, newspapers are struggling to survive, and who knows how long I could keep it up. The only printed newspaper right now is the One Feather, tribally-owned and funded, with strings attached. So whatever information is being presented in that publication could be questionable, particularly since it falls under the leadership of Marketing & Promotions, whose goal is to "put the best foot forward," which means those goals conflict with those of a newspaper.
My platform consists of much of what I advocated as editor of the One Feather and publisher of the Cherokee Times, freedom of the press, open government, accountable government, and now ethical government. I also want to put tribal government back in the hands of the people. The current leadership seems to have forgotten why they're there, and who they work for. I will never forget.
I plan to keep tribal members informed of my campaign, the issues of importance to them, and where I stand. I will be honest, open and accountable and I encourage all other candidates to do the same. To those residing in and/or registered to vote in Cherokee County/Snowbird, I'll appreciate your support and I will be a strong representative for you.

The Council Way of Doing Business

Tribal Council passed legislation to call for a referendum vote to allow alcohol sales in the casino. It was the right thing to do, but Chairman Mike Parker broke protocol by calling for the vote immediately after the move to pass and second.
Wolfetown Rep. Susan Toineeta was visibly upset as she wanted to express her opinion as to why the proposal should be defeated.
I likely wouldn't agree with what Toineeta was going to say on two fronts. One is many of her constituents, along with voters in other communities signed a petition asking for this referendum. The other is it's fine if Toineeta has a moral objection to alcohol consumption, in fact I actually respect that, but I don't share her moral objection, especially since wine is a part of the Communion I take in church, and I do distinguish between consumption and inebriation. I don't feel it's right for someone's moral objections to be forced upon me.
However, I will always support the free exchange of ideas and freedom of expression even for opinions I don't agree with. This isn't the first time Chairman Parker has disrespected tribal members' right to express themselves. Remember Snowbird? I'm just surprised that he did it to a fellow council representative.
So protocol was ignored to squelch opinions those in charge may not want to hear. Susan, welcome to the club. It's one that's becoming more and more prestigious.

Noting Those Who Voted Against the Chief's Ridiculous Retirement Plan

I can't express how much I appreciate Tribal Council Wolfetown Rep. Susan Toineeta's diligence. She did her research, and of course caught a major issue with the way Ordinance 607, which boosted the chief and vice chief's retirement benefits, was written (an issue the tribe's legal division missed, just as it did with the requirements for voting absentee, which took a tribal Supreme Court ruling to get them to amend). If 607 stands, Principal Chief Hicks stands to make more in retirement than he made while principal chief. In face he'll make more than some professional athletes. Given that he is the most unaccomplished principal chief, given that he's shown no remourse for the harm he's done through the misuse of his office, given that the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has been goosestepping in the wrong direction ever since he took office and given that he's done plenty to warrant impeachment from office (which would make him ineligible to receive his beefy retirement), he certainly doesn't deserve such reward.
Also for anyone to be able to receive retirement prior to reaching age 50 when average, hard working employees have to wait until after the age of 60 is just plain wrong, and it's indicative of the type of elitism advocated by the Hicks administration. Chief Hicks isn't the only one bearing responsibility for the most reckless and irresponsible action to come out of the Council chambers. The council members who voted to pass this ordinance also bear responsbility.
The following voted against the ordinance: Yellowhill Rep. David Wolfe; Yellowhill Rep. Alan B. Ensley; Cherokee County/Snowbird Rep. Angela Kephart; Wolfetown Rep. Susan Toineeta
As for those to voted with Michell Hicks on this one, I hope you have a change of heart when Rep. Toineeta's proposal to rescind Ord. 607 hits the floor. If not, then start updating your resumes.

Is Alcohol Consumption In and Of Itself a Sin?

Petitions have been gathered, enough to call for a referendum, on whether to allow alcoholic beverages to be served in the casino. Of course given many tribal members' battles with alcoholism, the issue is controversial. Of course one needs to remember that alcoholism is not a problem unique to the Cherokee or Native Americans.
Many of those who've come out in opposition to alcohol being served in the casino will cite Scripture. While there are passages taking a stand against drunkeness, there are passages where Jesus himself had consumed wine and others calling for the drinking of wine in remembrance of Christ's sacrifice.
Don Rose, one of the petitioners and advocates to call for this referendum vote, had spoken before Tribal Council and was called a blasphemer by one clergyman for calling attention to this fact.
Here's what the Bible says: Luke 22:17-20:
"And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come."
"And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me."
"Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you."
I'm an Episcopalian and a Baptised Christian. I take communion where in addition to eating the wafer, wine is sipped. The following passage is read by the priest:
"After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, 'Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Convenant, which is shed for you and of many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.'" Catholics and some other denominations may also be familiar with this sacrament.
I have no problem with members of the clergy opposing the use of alcohol. What I have a problem with is their lack of distinction between consumption and inebriation. There's a huge difference, just as their is between eating and gluttony.
When this issue comes before, please keep that in mind, and vote based upon what you think is best for the tribe. Don't allow politicians and doublespeakers to taint your thoughts.

Rep. Toineeta Attempts to Right a Wrong

Tribal Council Wolfetown Rep. Susan Toineeta certainly has taken her lumps from the public. She often appears indecisive though abstentions, even at times when it has behooved her to make a decision one way or the other. She's also been accused of being a Michell Hicks puppet.
Where she deserves some credit is the fact that she, unlike too many of her colleagues who've mocked her, takes the time to educate herself on what is coming before Tribal Council. Cherokee County/Snowbird Rep. Abe Wachacha, even admitted in front of me on one particular issue that he had no idea what he was voting on when he cast his vote in favor of a horrible proposal from Chief Hicks to remove tribal levy funding for higher education. So in that aspect, Rep. Toineeta's approach is refreshing, even if on occasion she's wrong.
She's submitted a proposal to rescind recent retirement enhancements for the chief and vice chief introduced by Chief Hicks, and passed by a majority of Tribal Council members without question. It turns out that the plan passed by Tribal Council would allow Chief Hicks, after two terms, to actually earn more in retirement than he has as principal chief. She also has other objections listed separately in a letter.
Of course the issue of the chief making more retired than while in office is a good objection. The other is that this proposal was wrong to begin with. Tribal members are feeling the pinch of the economy (despite the tribe's propaganda machine claiming there is no depression). Individual tribal members are having to sacrifice. Shouldn't the tribe's leadership set an example by sacrificing themselves? I was running a business when the economy totally went to hell last fall. The first salary to be cut was mine. Yet here stands the majority of our elected officials boosting their own benefits. There's even talk of another salary increase.
What the chief did in this instance was shameful and embarrassing. I'm glad that at least one elected official is trying to do something about it, even though it probably stands no chance of passing.
Susan, I have my doubts that you actually read this blog, but if you do, know this, it's better to stand alone on the righteous path to go along with a mob mentality. I support this proposal, and I hope that the majority of Tribal Council will have a change of heart.