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~Published each Thursday m Pembroke. N.L. I "K Carolina Indian voice "Hink1::ix Conumuucntiw Fridge* In A 7 ri-Racial Set tins, ; VOLUME 32 NUMBER 41 . THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2004 25^ Incumbents easily overcome challengers in local EMC election T~ Four incumbents were returned to the Lumbee River Electric Membership Corporation's Board of Directors on Tuesday, October 14 The. Annual meeting of members was held at the UNCP Givcns Performing Arts Center. Recently the Board of Directors changed the voting restrictions which required members to vote for four candidates, in order for their vote to count. This year the members were allowed to vote for one, two, three or four candidates. In essence, members could "single shot" vote and that vote would be counted This change was in response to a recent lawsuit filed by some members of the cooperative in protest of the requirement to vote for four That suit is now under appeal with Attorney Barry Nakell representing the plaintiffs . The suite was brought by a few members of the Black Caucus with some whites and Ronald Hammonds, an Indian, and others. These people claim that it is impossible for a Black or a white to be elected. Since the filing of the lawsuit the board has also appointed a Black and a white, increasing the size of the board to 14 Also changed for this election in response to the suit was the voting hours. Members were allowed to vote from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m. This resulted in a record turnout with 2553 members voting. Incumbent Madie Rae Locklear handily defeated challenges by two Indians, Timothy Strickland and Lee Andcr Carter, a Black, Delia Quaison, and a white, Gerald Lee. Locklear received over 65 percent of the votes. She received 1340 with the closest challenger, Carter, receiving 312; Strickland received 286 ad Quaison received 129; and Gerald Lee received 112. The president of the board. Roger Oxendine overcome a strong opponent, Joan Carol Locklear. Oxendine received 1232 to 973 for Locklear. James Hardin received 1504 to easily overcome a challenge by a white, Charles Regan who received 437 votes Broughton Oxendine was unopposed officially, although Erletha Collins Hunt ran as a write in candidate and received 50 votes to Oxendine's 1627. The board met briefly afler the annual meeting and Roger Oxendine was re-elected as Chairman. Madie Rae Locklear James Hardin Roger Oxendine Broughton Oxendine A Front Page Editorial Our Tribal Administrator, Leon Jacobs, part of the Solution or part of the Problem? Our sources tell us that Tribal Administrator Leon Jacobs is very upset with Cynthia L. Hunt, tribal news correspondent, because she is exercising her right to free speech. We are sure he is also upset with the Editor here at the "Indian Voice." We understand Jacobs has contrived a plan doomed for failure to stop Hunt's "Reports to the Tribal Membership." We suggest that Jacobs cease and desist from any attempt to censor anyone's First Amendment right under the United States Constitution It causes us to wonder, if he is intent upon violating all constitutions. Instead of getting upset and planning ways to stop people from finding out that we have problems, we suggest that Jacobs, correct the problems For instance, when he began as Tribal Administrator in January, there were many problems with tribal members receiving inadequate services in nearby Hoke County. In a luncheon meeting with Jacobs, Ms. Hunt and I listed some problems thafneeded immediate attention. We also put it in writing for Jacobs We were trying to help. Jacobs was arrogant and condescending. In a document given to Jacobs by us, titled Responding to the Immediate Housing Concerns of Lumbee Tribal Members, we stated: 'The tribe has encountered numerous problems with its housing program, and received a draft monitoring report outlining the problems with corrective action. While it is important to respond to this report in an attempt to keep NAHASD A monies, and minimize the damage to the housing program It is even more important to regain the trust of the tribal members. Chairman Goins needs to be making every effort to ensure the tribal membership that he was sincere in what he said in his speech the night he, was sworn in Accountability is the key and that is what the tribal membership is concerned with There is no reason why we cannot utilize our resources, delegate tasks to responsible staff persons, respond to the draft report and demonstrate to the tribal membership that change has taken place, and the government is working toward providing responsible leadership. At this point in time, while the membership understands the Tribal Administrator has experienced some health problems, they continue to expect to see positive changes. However, to date all they have heard is the same old rhetoric; there are problems and we acknowledge them. However, tat is the extent of it. No solutions have been provided to remedy the numerous housing problems. In-the eyes of most tribal members things continue to be status quo." . And then we listed some of the immediate housing concerns. One of them was Hoke County. We wrote; "Write a letter to the Hoke County Board of Commissioners apologizing for the situation in Hoke County, be prepared to discuss each housing case with problems; provide a potential solution for each case; schedule an in person meeting with Commissioners ." We thought these were simple solutions and they would have worked. Now our government stands in jeopardy of a law suit from Hoke County, according to our sources. We editorially ask Jacobs to get about earning his salary of $150,000 a year. Solve problems. You don't have time to seek revenge on those of us who are only trying to help Hey, you know, if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the PROBLEM. "Singing through the Great Depression" Who would have thought that the Great Depression was something to sing about? In fact, music was a way of expressing hardships and rising above the misery of the country's worst economic disaster. On Sunday, November 7 at 2:00 pm, the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex will present a free program, "Singing Through the Great Depression," hosted by Dr Thomas J. Hennessey Dr. Hennessey, Associate Professor of HistorJ at Fayettcville State University, will describe and play recordings of music spawned during the Great Depression era Visitors will learn about the music that North Carolinians would make, listen, dance, and worship to, placing these tunes and lyrics in their historical context "Music lifted peoples' spirits and gave them hope of better times ahead," says Dr Hennessey. . Dr. Hennessey's expertise on this subject has many community outlets: a monthly column in Prime Life magazine called "Jazz Spot-> light," and as host and producer of the radio show "Jazz Heritage" on WFSS. Recently, Wayne State University Press published Dr Hennessey's book, From Jazz to Swing: African American Jazz Musicians and their Music, 1890-1935 "Singing Through the Great Depression" is held in conjunction with Days of Constant Sorrow, a special exhibit now showing at the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex. I Fall Revival planned at Chestnut Street UMC Chestnut Street United Methodist Church will be holding their fall revival on October 29lh 30th at 7 00 PM and on Sunday, October 31st at 8:45 A.M. and at 11:00 A M Rev Harold Salmon will be our guest speaker. He is the pastor of the St John-Gibson United Methodist Church located in Scotland County Rev. Salmon is a native of Robeson County and was a former member of Chestnut Street Church He has graduated from a five year program for ordained ministry at Duke Divinity Course of Study. He will be preaching messages on Hurting, Healing and Hope and Faith Chestnut Street Church is locatwl at the corner of Chestnut and East Eight Streets in Lumbcrton, N C Jimmie R Tatum is the pastor The public is cordially invited to attend For more information call the church office at 739-3304. New phone numbers for Carolina Indian Voice Please make a note of the new phones numbers forthe Carolina Indian Voice. 910-521-0796 910-521-0992 910-521-9154 And the new fax number. 910-521-7670 Poetry Contest in Pembroke area PEMBROKE - A $1,000.00 grand prize is being offered in a new poetry contest sponsored by Celestial Arts, free to everyone Over $50,000.00 in cash prizes will be awarded during the coming year! "Even if you have never entered a competition before," says Poetry Editor Michael Thomas, "this is your opportunity to win big. Even if you have written only one poem it deserves to be read and appreciated Beginners arc certainly welcome!" To enter send one poem 21 lines or less: Celestial Arts, PO Box 1140, Talent, OR 97540. Or enter online at www frcccontcst com Be sure your name and address is on the page with your poem The deadline for entenng is November 11.2004 A winner 's list will be sent to all entrants ' New phone numbers for Carolina Indian Voice Please make a note of the new phones numbers forthe Carolina Indian Voice. 910-521-0796 910-521-0992 910-521-9154 And the new fax number: 910-521-7670 Report to the Tribal Vlembership Phis week in my report to the tribal membership, we will review the position of the Tribal Administrator It is important to note that the Constitution of the Lumbcc Tribe only contains brief references to the Tribal Administrator For example, the document requires that the Admini strator be appoi ntcd by the Lumbce Tribal Chai nnan with the consent of the Lumbce Tribal Council, and the removal of the Administrator must follow this same process In discussing the current Tribal Administrator Leon Jacobs, it is important to note that he was not only hired as the Tribal Administrator, but he was also hired to serve as the Housing Director of the tribe's million dollar housing program. Jacobs has extensive experience working with HUD's Indian Housing program and was supposedly hired in this dual capacity to aid the tribe in resolving the countless problems with the Lumbce housing program. His previous employment also includes serving as Tribal Administrator for two federally recognized Indian tribes. As stated in previous reports, the Tribal Administrator is responsible to the Tribal Chairman. He is a political appointment of the Chairman, and is responsible for the day to day operation of the tribal office It is his responsibility to ensure that tribal programs are administered itvaccordance to the policies and procedures which have been established by the Lumbce Tribal Council, the legislative branch of our government In addition, he has the authority to hire and fire staff For example, since Jacobs was hired in this position in January 2004 he created a position for a special assistant to the Administrator. Jacobs has also hired a number of other persons in addition to advertising for other newly created positions. However, to the best of my knowledge, no staff person has been fired to date. It is rumored that upon Jacobs taking the position of Administrator, that he wanted to give the staff an opportunity to demonstrate to him their ability to perform their duties and not dismiss any employee based solely on hearsay. For example, there was discussion among tribal members concerning rumors of the tribe's Housing Rehabilitation Manager's role in the problems with the tribe's housing program It was rumored that some tribal officials felt he was not performing his duties efficiently and should be dismissed. However,' he continues to be employed in that position. It is not clear whether or not the performance of the Manger has improved, but because tribal members who have had their houses repaired continue to mount complaints, I would contend that it is business as usual. This is merely one example of how Jacobs has continued to employee staff who have been the subject of countless complaints. While in the beginning it would seem that Jacobs' experience working with other tribes as Administrator was an added bonus, it now seems just the opposite. All tribes are not governed in the same manner as Lumbcc Our government is based on the principle of three separate and distinct branches: the executive branch, the legislative branch and the judicial branch. No one branch has any authority over the other one. Each branch is to, function separate and apart. The executive branch should not be interfering with the legislative branch. Jacobs, who is part of the executive branch, has seemingly not been accustomed to this practice. He attends and participates in all of the meetings of the Lumbee Tribal Council. While there may be a rare need from time to time for the Housing Director to make reports to the Council, Jacobs' should not be involved in Tribal Council meetings. Ordinance 2002-2006 passed by the Tribal Council states that the Speaker of the Council shall consult with the Tribal Administrator in setting the agenda for Council meetings. While it is questionable whether or not this ordinance was actually enacted, we would contend that this is an erosion of the legislative authority of the T ribal Council, and that the Administrator should not be involved in the legislative agenda of the Council. His focus should be to make sure that tribal staff members are performing their duties adequately and efficiently, and that tribal members are receiving the services they are entitled to It is only fair that we acknowledge that Jacobs accepted his current position in the midst of much controversy surrounding the housing program. However, we can easily state that we have seen little effort by him to resolve those problems. Tribal members who have been on a waiting list for services for years continue to be on that list Other tribal members who have received services that were poorly done continue to live in substandard housing. In addition, the tribe continues to be the subject of newspaper articles questioning the integrity of tribal programs, and our image continues to be marred by Cynthia L. Hunt, Enrolled Member Tribal News Correspondent Revival planned at Mt. Airy Revival services will be held at Mt Airy Baptist Church, Pembroke NC beginning Sunday, October 24, 2004 at 7 p.m. Services will continue Monday-Wednesday, Oct. 25-27 at 7:30 p.m. Guest speaker will be Dr Michael Cummings Directors of Missions for the Burnt Swamp Baptist Association The pastor of Mt. Airy, Rev. Steve A. Strickland, and the congregation extend a cordial invitation to the public to attend. Special music will be provided each night Sandy Plains UM Men to sponsor gospel sing Pembroke - The Sandy Plains United Methodist Men will sponsor a gospel singing on Sunday, October 24,2004 at 6.00 pm in the church sanctuary. A host of local groups are scheduled to perform along with the Flex Deal Family. Everyone os cordially invited to attend. A love offering will be collected and the United Methodist Men will use the proceeds in their Christian ministry efforts in the community. Sandy Plains United Methodist Church is located at 2468 Union Chapel Road, I 7 miles of Pembroke. rx i i r? i i remDroKe tiemeniary School news Pembroke Elementary School PTO just completed its first fundraiser for the school year. Cookie dough and bread were sold to help raise money for the school Congratulations to our top seller, Aminah Ghaflar, who collected over S3,000.00. Ms. Molly, Principal, and Ms. Mary, Assistant Principal, awarded Aminah with a new bike.
The Carolina Indian Voice (Pembroke, N.C.)
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