Tribal Activities - Concerns
"The reason I'm running for the National Council is that I'm concerned about the way the current National Council is dispersing the funds that they're receiving from the various entities, whether they be gaming or other areas.
I just don't think they're dispersing the funds on an as needed basis to those who are most in need of assistance. The big point is that we're self sufficient, that we're a sovereign Nation. And in order to do that we go out and generate the funds and then the Muscogee Nation distributes those funds to our citizens. That way we're not so reliant upon the United States Government."
Q: Do you have any idea why the council isn't more liberal in giving the money to meet needs?
Steve: "Unfortunately they're more centered on themselves in raising their own pay than they are taking care of the citizens. They've lost focus, and it's a shame, I really hate that, it shouldn't have happened.
But it's not to late to get them under control and that's why the people need to get out and vote. "
NEWS ALERT!
Principal Chief AD Ellis vs MCN National Council (Contempt)
Today the MCN Supreme Court ruled in favor of Chief Ellis in his lawsuit against the National Council.
The National Council has been judged to have “been in violation of the Court’s previous ruling and that altering or revisiting is not the responsibility of the Council.”
Ruling was 5-1 in favor of the Chief’s lawsuit. Justice Leah H. Ware dissented.
The entire 37 page ruling will be posted at a later date.
Q: You're an advocate for the National Council doing the job their supposed to be doing for the people not for themselves. Correct?
Steve: " Right. Any government agency or entity that goes beyond where they should go then this is what happens. People rise up and get them back under control and that's what happening right now. The National Council has gone just way too far so everyone's upset about it and rightfully so. "
Q: How long it been happening?
Steve: "The last four years.
Q: So up to four years ago you think that it was relatively well controlled?
Steve: "Yes. Here's two points that just happened just last month. The National Council agenda out of 25 items 22 of them were special appropriations.
Specifically one of the issues they brought up was for $20,000 for the next two months they hired a public relations firm. Clearly that was politically motivated."
Another point... I'm very much agitated because the last time I saw a scholarship application for Creek kids to get educational funds, in BIG RED letters across the application it said "If Funds Are Available."
That just irritates me because clearly that's known that if funds aren't available then you're not going to be able to get any assistance. That's such a negative connotation to it that I want to eliminate that. We shouldn't have that.
We shouldn't have a negative attitude when kids are trying to get educated. We should encourage them, we don't need to discourage them.
Just do the math. There are 26 Council members. They're getting paid a minimum of $35,000 per year. If you cut their salaries back to $24,000 per year then we could use $286,000 per year for scholarships. Just that quickly you can do the math.
Years and years ago when we had the House of Warriors, clearly they didn't get extra pay, they were held in high esteem. They were well respected, well meaning leaders of the tribe.
That's the way I wish it were right now.
Let's find out who really wants to be the leaders and help the tribe, not help themselves.
I disagree with concept that raising pay would entice better qualified candidates. I just disagree with that.
It's people who donate their time whose heart is in the right place. The Council is starting to act like the United States Congress. Once they get elected their first thought is how do I get re-elected?"
Facts about Steve
Steve was the Economic Development Coordinator and instituted the Muscogee Tribal Plaza, when they began the initial research and development for what's currently now the Creek Riverside development.
Steve also was involved in the current architectural plans and planning with the Corps of Engineers on the river development.
Steve served on the MCN National Council until 1996.
Steve is a proven leader. He has the unique character, traits, and personal qualities gained from past experiences dealing with tribal issues that are needed at this time. He has the leadership qualities that are sorely needed for our tribe to move forward. Steve wants the same thing that you want for the Muscogee Nation. “The best.” Please consider his qualifications and experience when casting your vote.
