Concern Over Pinal Cemetary

September 24, 2008 | Leave a Comment

I am writing to you because of my concern over the “Horrific” conditions of the Pinal Cemetary here in central Heights. it is disgraceful that it should look like that.

I spoke with Joe Sanchez, and was told it was owned by the State. Well I was informed that it is not owned by the State Either way, it should be dept up just like youwould keep up your own yard.

It doesn’t look very good for Gila County or the State of Arizona, should visitors be in the area. i am going to search further to see who owns it or at least responsible for that property, and see if we can hold them to deeping it up

Respectfully 

Barbara Freeman

FROM SILVER HILL

September 24, 2008 | Leave a Comment

By Donna Anderson

What a great county fair we had.  And once again, my faith in the people in this community has been rewarded with all the help we got, all the people that turned out for the Fair, all those volunteers who worked as superintendents and helpers in the various departments – and just most of all, the encouragement we received in trying to put on a fair with very little funds.

It has always amazed me that people in this community really help when help is needed, whether it is a tragedy, a family needing help, a celebration or whatever, we have such wonderful citizens and everyone seems to care – I guess that is the best way to say it.

When we needed that encouragement the most, we got it.  Those of us in the center of trying to put on a good Fair were well rewarded with the support we received.  I just knew we could do it and that people would help, but there is always that little fear that it might not work.  But we needn’t have worried – you all were just great.

I had an added pleasure.  We had a new carnival for the Fair this year and when we were visiting with the husband in the team that runs this carnival, we found out his wife was raised in southern Indiana in a town only 10 miles from my home town.  So when she had a chance, we visited for a while and found out she knows all the little towns and some of the families that I know, and not only that, my best high school friend married into the family she was from.  What a small world this is!

And although I know everyone that worked at the Fair all the time I did, are very tired, as I am, I can’t tell you how much it means to us to have you all prove that our faith in you was justified.

And we want you to know that the county fair is here to stay and we will continue to make it bigger and better all the time. 

San Carlos: It is our Community

September 24, 2008 | Leave a Comment

 Many of you have asked where the tribe stands in regard to the following topics:  tribal projects, financial planning, economic development, and community involvement.   Well, as I have always said, I believe that any government, including our tribal government, should always act in the best interest of the people they represent.  It is from that perspective that I will share some of my thoughts on the status of the tribe as it relates to those topics.

   Currently the tribe is ending its budget year FY-08. Thus, tribal leaders have now entered into discussions on the FY-09 budget and expenses.   Once again, this discussion is one that is taking place at the tribal council level without the knowledge or input of the people.  It is my opinion that without the participation, guidance and support of our tribal members, any project, economic venture, or program will fail.  These ventures will fail, because we need the support of everyone to ensure success.   That includes you, our tribal members.  Along those lines, how can we ask you to support or participate in tribal projects and ventures, if you don’t even know about them?  In short any discussion or budget process held behind closed doors creates the appearance of secret discussions and inappropriate actions.  It also drives a wedge between the community and the leaders and it is an action that I do not support.   Sadly, we have not progressed as tribe as demonstrated by the current FY-09 Tribal budget discussion process. Once again these discussions have become closed door negotiations.

The tribal budget is the foundation of the tribe.  The budget provides a spending guide for all tribal departments as well as special projects and programs.  For that reason, it is important that budget priorities are set based on a plan that reflects the true needs of the people.  In a successful government or corporation, a strategic plan would be the framework for formulating a budget.  Unfortunately, the strategic plan of our tribe is outdated and although there is an effort to revamp the plan, it has not been used in our budget planning.  Without a plan, our budget discussions have become nothing more than closed door auctions without any data or plans to support our decisions.

 What do you believe is a budget need for your community?  Is it increased law enforcement?  Is it more housing?  Do the youth of your community need education assistance? Or is it the need for an increase in General Assistance that will only address short term problems?   These are topics that are important to all tribal members and therefore, all interested parties should be allowed to express their thoughts in open budget meetings.   The FY-09 budget proposal is scheduled to be finalized before October 1.  I expect meetings to occur the week of September 22.  I recommend that tribal members talk to your tribal council representatives and ask, what is the funding plan for your specific district?   

 For your information, I have requested that the budget for the Vice Chairman remain at the same funding level as the budget that I used in FY-07 which is also the same amount that was allotted to the former Vice Chair in 2006.   I did not ask for any increases last year and I will not again this year.   However, I do believe that increases are needed for our tribal departments.  I do, however, think it is important for tribal members to know what tribal programs received increases and for what purpose.  After all, the last thing we need is to see new Hummers, suburbans or new 4×4 trucks cruising around again in the next few months.   

Despite all of our issues, I still have hope.  I dream of a day when we will try new ideas such as creating a motor pool of tribal vehicles so that all tribal programs and Council members will have access to safe and reliable transportation to carry out their jobs effectively.  An expensive car being given to individuals without any rules is not the answer.   Why not put dollars aside to begin and finish establishing a new constitution that will give the power to the people.

In closing, I ask you to consider the power that you have as a tribal member, ask for budget meeting dates, ask for draft copies of proposed district spending plans, ask how and what information your leaders used to support their budget decisions. On a final note, as the election draws near, I urge you to ask the candidates for a plan.  You have a right to know if you will be electing a person who believes in action or just a voice with no substance.  Only you can determine where you want this tribe to go, I choose to be the change and I hope you do too.

David Reede                      

Vice Chairman

San Carlos Tribal Council

Keeping it Together

September 24, 2008 | Leave a Comment

By David Rice M.A., M.A. L.P.C.

driceonline@yahoo.com

 I grew up in a time when men and women had distinct roles. The main function for mom was to take care of the home, raise the children, and care for her husband. Not many women

were in the workforce, and those that worked frequently did it for a little extra to supplement things at home. In return, men were to work hard, sometimes two or more jobs, to supply the income to provide for the family. When a man reached 65, he retired with a watch or a plaque and drove his wife crazy until he died of boredom a couple of years later. We knew what was expected of us, and we tried to fulfill our roles. When it came to sex, we just didn’t do it before marriage because we may be making a baby. If a pregnancy happened, then a marriage was sure to follow. During my lifetime, things have changed dramatically. These days, a woman is supposed to plan for a career other than raising children. If children came along, they are now often cared for by nannies, babysitting, or grandparents. We get locked into commitments of having to work, because easy credit has encouraged us to buy what we really can’t afford, based on two incomes. Instead of marriage, we are encouraged to live with someone first, and then if  we feel o.k. about them, we may or may not get married. Children are growing up raised by strangers, and we look at them when they get older and don’t understand why they turned out the way they did. I have a radical suggestion. Let’s go back to the days of living within our means, living on one income, and raising our own children. I’m sure we can make the world a better place by putting first things first.

See you next week.

Next Page »