San Carlos: It is our Community
September 24, 2008
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 Unfortunately, the strategic plan of our tribe is outdated and although there is an effort to revamp the plan, it has not been used in our budget planning.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
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