North Carolina Newspapers

Published each Thursday in Pembroke. N.C. H K Caf^ una Indian Vmr.f "Building Communicative Bridges In A Tri-Racial Setting" uncp ermore Library Volume 27 Number 35 Thursday, Aueust 31, 2000 * ' okc Pembroke NC 28372 . Filing begins for tribal government Filing for tribal government office has begun in Pembroke. NC. The Lumbee Self Determination Commission has established an office at 707 Union Chapel Road in the Dreamcatcher's Mini Mall for those desiring to seek election November 7 to the governing body of the Lumbee tribe. The office will be open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. until October 7. Twenty-three representatives will be elected from eighteen districts and a tribal chairman/chief will beelected at large. District I (1 Representative) includes Fairmont, Whitehouse, Sterlins, Columbus County, Orrum and Thompson. District 2 (1 Representative) includes Back Swamp, Smyrna and Britts. Dlstrlc 3 (2 Representatives) includes Lumberton, Wishart, East Howellsville. District 4 (2 Representatives) includes Burnt Swamp, Red Springs, Philadelphus, and Raft Swamp. District 5 (2 Representatives) includes Smith, and Maxton (Oxendine and Prospect). District 6 (1 Representative) North Pembroke. District 7(2 Representatives) South Pembroke and Union. District 8 (1 Representative) Gaddys, Rowland, Alfordsville and South Carolina. District 9 (1 Representative) West Howellsville and Saddlenee. District 10 (1 Representative) St. Pauls, Parkton, Shannon, Rennert, and Lumber Bridge. District 11( I Representative) Hoke County. District 12 (1 Representative) Scotland County and Richmond County. District 13 (2 Representatives) Cumberland County, Pender County, Brunswick County, Bladen County, New Hanover County. District 14 (I Representative from Eastern North Carolina) Wake County, Durham County, Johnston County, Lee County, Chatham County and Orange County, Plus Counties East. District IS (1 Representative-from Central North Carolina) Guilford, Alamance, Davidson, Randolph and Forsyth Counties. Plus other Central counties. District 16 (1 Representative from Western North Carolina) Mecklenburg, Union,. Gaston, Cabarrus, Anson, Iredell, Lincoln, Rowan, Catawba, Stanly counties. Plus counties West. District / 7 (1 Representative from Eastern United States) All states east of the Mississippi, except North and South Carolina. District 18 (1 Representative from Western united StatesO All states West of the Mississippi and Ohio River, and all Foreign Countries.) Tribal Chief/Chairman will run at-large (nationwide.) Candidates for office must complete a candidate's form, live within the district, be 21 years of age, and have full citizenship. The cost for filing is S100.00 and must be paid upon filing. Beatrice Maynor is staffing the elections office. Rev. Jerry McNeill Files for Position of Tribal Chairman Rev. McNeill is pastor of Riverside Baptist Church. He is one of the founders of the Riverside Christian Academy. He served on the Tribal Council of the Lumbee Tribe of Cheraw Indians and was elected Chairman of the Tribe. He serves on the Lumbee Self Determination Commission. Rev. Jerry McNeill has filed for the Chairperson position for the Lumbee Tribe. Listed below are the goals and objectives Rev. McNeill expressed if he is elected Tribal Chairman November 7: " 1. To bring all Lumbee people under the umbrella of a constitution, working together in harmony toward self-government as a sovereign people. "2. To select an advisory board from 17 districts to communicate with the Tribal Chairperson. "3. To search all government agencies for funding for housing, education (grants and scholarships), and social programs that will enhance the young and elderly. "4.1 will be an ambassador for the Lumbee people, their representative before local and state agencies to assert the positions and concerns of the Lumbee people." 5. 1 will work with all politicians, local and state to achieve Federal Recognition for Lumbee people." Rev. Jerry McNeill Linda Blue Locklear to seek position with tribal aovernment Linda Blue Locklear of Pembroke has announced her candidacy for the Lumbee Tribal Government in the North Pembroke Precinct in the November 7 election. In making her statement, Locklear released the following statement: "I serve on the Lumbee Self-Determination Commission and on the Election and Referendum Committee to organize and conduct the Tribal Government Election. A member of Prospect United Methodist Church, I understand the importance and advantages of being State recognized and will labor to achieve the goals that bring Federal Recognition, education, housing and affordable health care to all Lumbee people. I will strive to enhance accountability for the funds designated for Lumbee people. "Lumbee people require unity and courage so we can work as a team to resolve the issues ahead for a brighter future. " 1 Employed by Lumbee River EMC, working in the Marketing and Community Relations Department for over twenty years. I have hands on experience lobbying with Legislators in Raleigh and Washington, D.C. My experience directing the Lumbee River EMC's Energy Program that assists individuals, who are experiencing a crisis; therefore, I understand people who have needs and less fortunate. "IF I am elected I will work diligently for issues that affect Lumbee people. I will appreciate your vote on November 7." I uifwrwrnaMom??mm Leroy Freeman is shown paying his Jtttng jeeWYfttimce May nor who is in charge of the Lumhee Self Determination Commission's Election Office. Mr. Freeman filed for the Tribal Chairman's position on Friday. Leroy Freeman, Vice President of Osterneck Company, files for Tribal Chairman Leroy Freeman, Vice President of the Osterneck Company, has filed for Tribal Chairman in the November 7 election. During this election 24 people will be elected and it will be the responsibility of this body to establish a governing document for the Lumbee tribe. Twenty-three representatives will be elected in Districts and theTribal Chairman will be elected by a vote of all eligible Lumbee voters. Mr. Freeman has served as a member of the Lumbee Self-Determination Commission for the past year. He was selected to the LSD Commission to represent the Referendum Committee which organized immediately after a ruling byJudgeManninginJanuary, 1999 which determined that neither LRDA nor the Tribal Council was the governing body of the Lumbee people. The Referendum Committee organized to prepare and place a referendum before the Lumbee People to establish a tribal government. Mr. Freeman of Fairmont, NC, is 54 years old. He has been employed with the Qsterneck Company for thirty years. He is a 1964 graduate ofFairgrove High School. Mr. Freeman served two years in the United States Army as a Communications Specialist. He is married to the former Rose Oxendine and they have two sons, Adam and Adrian. In announcing his candidacy, Mr. Freeman released the following statement: "Prior to the establishment of the Referendum Committee, 1 had been a concerned but quiet tribal member. I had kept abreast of the controversy surrounding LRDA and the Tribal Council. I was aware of the law suit, and desired to become an advocate for a speedy resolution of the issue before the Lumbee people. Itismybeliefthat we can solve our own problems and continue to exercise our right to govern ourselves as we always have. My'experience on the Lumbee Self-Determination Commission has been a great learning experience for me and it is my desire to use this experience as Tribal Chairman to insure that whatever document is adopted will be representative and in the best interest of all tribal members. "In addition to serving on the LSD Commission, my election to the board of directors ofLRD A has been another opportunity to give something back to my people. Iam the first person elected Chairman of the LRDA board immediately upon being swom in. This speaks to my commitment and dedication to inclusiveness of all tribal com munities in the participation in all available programs and services. At this time the board of directors, administrative staff and all other employees, are now focused in a more positive and inclusive direction in providing services and increasing the awareness ofthe availability of programs to the Lumbee people. This has been my goal and I am pleased with the cooperation I have received as Chairman of this agency. "If I am trusted with the Chairmanship of the Lumbee tribe November?, I offer only one promise and that is to work toward the adoption of policies that include public accountability of tribal funds, integrity among the leadership and honest and forthright dealings with tribal members. "As Lumbee people we have always had our differences and yet, we have come together when it was necessary to accomplish whatever was in the best interest of the tribe. JtismybeliefthatNovember7will be a historic day in tribal history. At this time, we as a people will vote for and elect our own leadership and once again prove our commitment to self-determination as we have always done. It is my desire to be a part of the preservation of the Lumbee way of life." I Jimmy Goins files for seat on new Tribal Government A resident of the Prospect Community, Jimmy Goins has filed to run for the 4th District Representative of the new Lumbee Tribal Government. Married to Diane, Jimmy is the proud father of three daughters Rhonda Goins Dial, Jackie Goins Deese and Jamie Goins. He has four grandchildren, Anthony Dial, Marcus Dial, Victor Dial and Morgan Deese. He is a Sunday School teacher and member of Union Chapel Holiness Methodist Church. Jimmy is an independent insurance agent. For the past 17 months, Jimmy has served on the Lumbee Self-Determination Committee. Appointed by Judge Manning, Jimmy has committed himself to establishing a tribal government that would be accountable to the Lumbee people. With his experience in organizing district election sites and serving on numerous Native American organization boards, Jimmy has gained invaluable knowledge that will be an asset to the tribal government. Jimmy will strive for federal recognition, tribal unity and a fair and ethical government. District 4 includes Burnt Swamp, Red Springs, Philadelphius and Ralf Swamp. Jimmy desires your support on November 7, 2000. Jimmy is the son of Ernest and Ola Goins. He is a 1974 graduate of Pembroke State University. He is presently owner of North Carolina Insurance Services in Red Springs, N.C. Jimmy is active in his church, as well as the community. He is a veteran and served in View Nam. A Closer Look at Lumbee Houising Part 2 Last week we took a brief look at the establishment of LRDA/Lumbee Housing. This article will focus on the eligibility requirements tribal members must meet to receive housing funds. The first step in applying for housing funds is to contact the LRDA/Lumbee Housing Department to schedule an appointment with a representative. A person applying for housing assistance may make an appointment by calling either the office at (910)522-1101 or 522-1102. Due to the fact there is not a waiting room it is preferred that applicants call for an appointment. However, their offices are located at 719 Old Main Road (office located in Porter Plaza) in Pembroke, NC. During this initial contact, a staff person will determine "initial eligibility." The initial eligibility requirements consist of tribal enrollment status and household income. First, the staff person must find out if you are an enrolled member in the Lumbee tribe, and they will also ask questions regarding your income. This information is required by HUD. An applicant must be an enrolled member of the tribe. A family must qualify as a low to moderate income family. The income limits which are mm: determined by HUD are as follows: one person/ $28,100; two people/ $32,150; three people/ $36,150; four people/ $40,150; five people/ $43,350; six people/ $46,600; seven people/ $49,800; eightpeople/$53,000. These guidelines are modified each year by HUD. If an applicant meets the "initial eligibility" requirements, they will be given an appointment to come into the office to complete an application for housing assistance. The person applying for the funds must come into the office to complete an application and provide all of the necessary requested documentation the program requires. Ifyouwantto apply but cannot come into their office, you can authorize a person to go in for you to apply. During this appointment, the staff will provide you with a check list of documents needed to process your application. For example, you will be asked to obtain a certified criminal record check for each member of your household 18 years of age and older. However, those persons over the age of 65 are not required to obtain such a document. This document can be obtained from the Clerk's office at the county courthouse in which the applicant resides. Other required - - * information may include copies of your W2 tax forms and/or a current check stub. The Department will require you to sign a "consent to release information form." This form will allow the Housing Department to contact agencies to verify information you have provided or to obtain additional needed information. You may also be asked to provide more information and documents during the interview. The staff will give you a deadline on when the requested information must be turned in. It is very important to turn this information in before the deadline. If the information is not given to the Housing Department on time, you may risk being denied services. Once the application process is completed, the staff will review all of the data to make sure they have all of the information they need to process the application. If the applicant is eligible, they will be placed on an "eligibility list." There are various factors to determine when an applicant will be removed from the eligibility list and placed on the "service list." These factors may include the housing need of the applicant, as well as other factors. Applications from the elderly, handi capped and disabled are given priority. The Housing Department staff makes a concerted effort to keep the applicant informed as to the status of their application. The LRDA/Lumbee Housing Department was established in 1999. Donald Locklear serves as the Housing Director. Additional staff consist of an Administrative Assistant, Rehabilitation Manager, New Construction Manager, Housing Programs Manager, Administration Manager, Intake Specialist, and an Eligibility Specialist. The Department is governed by a Housing Commission which includes the LRDA Board members. Currently, Kenneth Maynor serves as Chairman and Marty Blanks serves as the Vice-Chairman. The Department was established to administer programs to provide for assistance to low to moderate income enrolled Lumbee who resides in Robeson, Hoke, Cumberland, and Scotland counties. Programs, funded by HUD, are intended to help tribal members to access safe, decent and affordable housing." Next week we will focus on Program HI Elderly/Special Needs Rental Assistance of the Lumbee Housing Department t/wi t miss rour u nance 10 join Adventure! With the start of school upon us, this will be this year's last opportunity for families to be part of a cultural experience that will last a lifetime. Hosting a High School aged foreign exchange student will provide this without having to leave your home! Cultural Academic Student Exchange (CASE), A U.S. Government designated, CSIET listed non-profit educational organization is seeking families of all types; retired couples, couples with children, single parent families and childless couples to open their hearts and home to one of our fine young ambassadors. We still have a wonderful selection of students from which to choose just the right one for your family, ALL of whom speak English. You can choose a male or female between the ages of 15 and 18, all with various interests and hobbies matched to your family. You will have the support of a LOCAL Area Representative with you throughout the exchange. Students will be arriving shortly. Your new son or daughter will bring their own spending money for personal expenses, will attend your local high school and will have full medical insurance coverage. As a host family, you agree to provide room and board and to include your student as a member of your family. Host Families may be able to take a $50 per month tax deduction for hasting a student! To learn more about hosting a student without any obligation, or to find out about joining our family of Local Area Representatives, please contact JOYCE toll-free at: 877-846-5848.