Membership to be updated on various Tribal affairs

Scott Csernyik

1/25/2005 12:00:00 AM

Fiscal responsibility while meeting needs of the Saginaw Chippewa community has been a priority of the current Tribal Council administration.

Tribal leaders plan on discussing their accomplishments at the April 18 community meeting in the Soaring Eagle Entertainment Hall. Registration for the event begins at 1 p.m., with dinner following an hour later.

"Being fiscally responsible means thinking about our future," stated Treasurer Charmaine Benz. "For once in our lives, we have the resources to accomplish this. We need to be thinking about our grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren."

Besides an update on trust fund accounts, Benz said she planning on updating the membership on the Tribe's investment portfolio.

"I think that in the community, there's a lot of rumors circulating," she said. "The community meeting will be the proper forum to dispel some of these notions."

Sub-Chief Bernie Sprague said one of the ways the Tribe can enjoy future economic success is by diversifying its current businesses.

"We have to continuously look at ways to add different entertainment options for people coming here," he explained. "We have to be more than just a casino-people are coming here as families. We should be trying to offer more activities to the family as a whole. One way to stay ahead of the competition is to offer things no one else has."

Sprague said the Tribal Council administration is also committed to defeating pending "racino" legislation that would allow slot machines at the state's horse racing tracks.

"Kill the bill," he said. "We do not want it put off to see it come back in some shape or form in six months."

He also emphasized the philosophy of getting Tribal members employed who are willing to work.

"Our members have made us what we are today and we'd like to see more members working," he added. "We're more concerned with community needs than our image or reputation in Washington, D.C. We're not here to impress those folks, we're here to serve our members."

Sprague also said the enrollment issue needs to be settled.

"We need to get membership issues resolved," he said. "Over the past 10 years, we've spent hundred of thousands of dollars on attorneys, research and different experts. The issue has to be laid to rest one way or another."

Serving the membership is what being a politician is all about, according to Benz.

"None of us are born politicians," she stated. "It's a learned process. When you vote for somebody to represent you, you're voting on their integrity. That faith is a great responsibility. If we've made mistakes, hopefully we can learn from them.

"I think it's scary for some people when you are progressive and not willing to wait and accept the status quo. We have to diversify our economy. Gaming isn't going to be here forever. I know and believe in my heart we're doing the right things and we'll take whatever comes our way."

All members must present their Tribal identification card before being allowed to enter the meeting. The meeting will also feature informational booths representing different Tribal departments.