District 3 council representative retires

Observer Staff

11/5/2003 12:00:00 AM

District 3 Tribal Council Representative and Treasurer Ron Jackson has retired from Tribal politics after serving the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan for over a decade.

"I retired from General Motors in 1987 and have been working [for the Tribe] ever since," he stated on Sept. 11. "It's about time to take it easy and enjoy life."

The long-time At-Large District representative has served on five different Tribal administrations, often holding the Executive Council position of treasurer.

"Financially, we have become much, much more sophisticated," he said. "We're in great shape and I hope it stays that way. We've set aside money for the future so it's there."

As a council representative, Jackson said he believes in the democratic process.

"I've had some good times, I've had some bad times. Some things the councils have done I haven't agreed with, but that's the way it is. You don't always get your own way.

"Each council is independent and will make their own decisions. Hopefully we have people in here that can abide by the democratic process."

Tribal Council will leave the District 3 seat open because of nearing primary and general elections. As of a Sept. 12 press deadline, Tribal Council had not yet named a new treasurer.

"To me, the words that best describe Ron are diligent and articulate," stated At-Large Program Director Amy F. Alberts. "He was very conscious of the need to build a strong community."

District 3 Tribal Council Representative and Treasurer Ron Jackson has retired from Tribal politics after serving the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan for over a decade.

"I retired from General Motors in 1987 and have been working [for the Tribe] ever since," he stated on Sept. 11. "It's about time to take it easy and enjoy life."

The long-time At-Large District representative has served on five different Tribal administrations, often holding the Executive Council position of treasurer.

"Financially, we have become much, much more sophisticated," he said. "We're in great shape and I hope it stays that way. We've set aside money for the future so it's there."

As a council representative, Jackson said he believes in the democratic process.

"I've had some good times, I've had some bad times. Some things the councils have done I haven't agreed with, but that's the way it is. You don't always get your own way.

"Each council is independent and will make their own decisions. Hopefully we have people in here that can abide by the democratic process."

Tribal Council will leave the District 3 seat open because of nearing primary and general elections. As of a Sept. 12 press deadline, Tribal Council had not yet named a new treasurer.

"To me, the words that best describe Ron are diligent and articulate," stated At-Large Program Director Amy F. Alberts. "He was very conscious of the need to build a strong community."