Opinion

Letter: Colville Tribes should distribute rest of trust settlement

Thursday, January 3, 2013

"Houseboats at Keller Ferry and abandoned mills near Omak serve as grim reminders of Colville tribal council’s record of inept spending and intuitive planning. I am not optimistic that council’s approach will maximize use of settlement monies, not during my lifetime, despite observations and opinions of Yvette Joseph et. al. Tribal supported programs have served to justify use of contracted and tribal funds but lasting outcomes are questionable. In fact, a lot of intuitive planning eliminates outcome focus and stresses process. Program staff members scurry around but progress is futile without documented outcomes.

The attitude among some “elected” council is “trust us, you elected us.” rather than, “tell us what you need, you are our client.” “Money,” as Yvette emphasizes, appeals (to these folks.) Some have never held positions with minimum qualifications. Upon election they receive regular paychecks for a job with no distinct compensable factors. Their published reports consist of subjective trivia and are not client focused."

Get the Story:
R.C. Covington: Tribal record doesn’t earn confidence (The Grand Coulee Star 1/2)

Another Letter:
Laurie Kanzleiter Sison: Re: “Many tribal members approve of keeping settlement money for programs” (The Grand Coulee Star 1/2)