Bismarck Tribune - Bismarck News - Two men -- two directions for MHA Nation

Two men -- two directions for MHA Nation

Oct 15, 2006 - 02:05:34 CDT

By LAUREN DONOVAN
Bismarck Tribune

FORT BERTHOLD INDIAN RESERVATION - Three Affiliated Tribes chairman Tex Hall didn't take the lead in the primary election, a vote that was split among nine candidates.

He says he'll take it Nov. 7, when a general election decides between just two which one will lead the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation for the next four years.

Hall's challenger, Marcus Wells Jr., was the top vote-getter in the primary. He says people on the reservation spoke once and they'll speak again for him next month.

In elections on Fort Berthold - more than is common off-reservation - people are focused on the campaign, the personalities, the allegations and the alliances among tribal members.

Elsewhere, elections are characterized in large part by party loyalties. Many voters simply follow Democrat and Republican party lines.

Hall, 50, has an eight-year record as chairman and is the only tribal chairman ever elected to back-to-back terms.

He says he'll create a new tradition and become the only chairman elected a third time.

The past eight years do show.

Hall's trademark brown-black hair, gathered into a long ponytail, is generously threaded with gray now. He is more relaxed in an interview, more comfortable and less edgy than the younger man who took on former chairman Bud Mason in 1998.

For four of his eight years, he also has been president of the National Congress of American Indians, taking a lead on national issues important to Indian country.

Wells, 40, has been a tribal council member for all of the eight years of Hall's chairmanship, currently serving as vice chairman. He's intense, organized and fairly serious, until an engaging smile takes over his face and completely changes his demeanor.

He said it's time for leadership, integrity and respect in the office, traits he says are lacking now.

Each of the candidates raises issues with the other.

Hall says the primary election was possibly tainted with payoffs and that casino management used up to $19,000 in casino "player cash" payouts to buy votes.

He has called for an investigation by the National Indian Gaming Commission. Hall's letter to the gaming commission chairman doesn't name primary candidates who may have benefited from the payoffs - there were nine candidates, including him - only that he believes the cash chits were handed out. Hall also recites other alleged improprieties on the part of casino manager Spencer Wilkinson Jr. that should be investigated.

Similar allegations of vote buying swirled around Hall's election in 1998.

In this instance, Wells said he is offended by the suggestion that casino money was used to influence his win in the primary and that he is a man who follows rules and goes by the book.

In a follow-up letter to Hall this week, the gaming commission's regional director said he looked into the allegations and found that some are outside of the commission's review authority and others don't substantiate ongoing violations as Hall alleges.

Wilkinson did not return a phone call seeking comment on the allegations.

Wells said the gaming investigation came up during Thursday's tribal council meeting, causing enough rancor that tribal police were called to the council chamber. He said nothing, other than verbal, happened and no one was escorted from the meeting.

Wells said he asked for an ethics investigation into allegations that Hall has accepted a second salary from an Intertribal Economic Alliance but has gotten no response.

Wells said Hall's administration has led to financial difficulties caused by overspending financed by annual loans each of the past six years.

He says the deficit spending has to stop and that the tribe needs to balance its budget and cut expenses - up to the $20 million recommended by a financial consultant to the tribe.

Wells said the council has given Hall repeated opportunities to "show what he can do."

All of those - from the controversial purchase of the Figure 4 Ranch, to the Mandaree Solid Surfacing plant, to Twin Buttes Custom Homes - are defunct, Wells said.

He said he wants economic development that can be supported by feasibility studies and review.

Hall said there are no "smoking guns" in his administration and that the tribal council as a whole, not him alone, made all financial decisions.

He said he is especially proud that he has won fulfillment of contractual promises made to the tribes in 1948 when much of the reservation land was taken to flood Garrison Dam.

He said those are the new $55 million bridge opened last fall, a new hospital/24-hour care center to replace the one flooded in Elbowoods, the proposed transfer of land back to the tribes that is no longer needed to operate the dam, a new $8 million school project in Twin Buttes, and a focus on individual compensation for land taken for the dam.

He said he wants to complete a water distribution project to get treated water delivered to the entire reservation, financed by the Dakota Water Resources Act, the old Garrison Diversion project.

He wants to get the hospital opened in 2009, and he wants the tribe to build a $250 million clean fuels refinery financed by outside investors that could bring $100 million in annual revenue to the tribe.

"I want to focus on unfinished projects," Hall said.

Hall said the tribal council should make permanent the temporary layoffs of 40 tribal employees put into effect last month, plus cut back on cell phone, gasoline and vehicle allowances to curb spending. He said it's time for the casino to stand alone in debt repayment, rather than dedicating tribal general revenue to pay the loan.

Wells said he has some misgivings about the refinery because of environmental concerns, though he admits he has not reviewed the draft environmental assessment written by the Environmental Protection Agency for the project.

If elected, Wells said he also supports the hospital project and the transfer of lake land. He has a 19-point election platform, including continued employment of tribal employees, an increase in casino wages and full disclosure of information.

He said Hall has gagged tribal employees from talking and that too much tribal business is conducted in closed session.

The two candidates depart completely on the issue of a new tribal constitution.

Hall said it's past time for the tribal nation to have a constitution that separates powers and gives more authority to the people by election, recall and referendum. He supports a new constitution that elects tribal judges, creates a council that works like a legislature and calls for a balanced budget, among other changes.

So far, the tribal council has not voted on whether to put the constitution to a public vote, and Hall said if he's elected, he thinks there would be enough support on the council to finally call for the vote.

Wells said he's against the proposed constitution because the duties of the council members would be restricted to an annual legislature-type session, concentrating too much power within the chairman's position.

Both candidates are seasoned in tribal politics, and both say the allegations by the other are signs of desperation.

In the meantime, tribal members who want to learn more about the candidates, or observe their speaking skills and ability to think on their feet, can attended an upcoming debate. It's scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday at the Twin Buttes Community Hall.

(Reach reporter Lauren Donovan at 888-303-5511, or lauren@;westriv.com.)

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Printer friendly version Two men -- two directions for MHA Nation

Comments

Tribal member wrote on Nov 7, 2006 8:46 PM:

" Well, the election was over at 7:00 pm, and personally I am glad it is over. "

Inspiring to be a doctor wrote on Nov 1, 2006 2:42 PM:

" In regard to the comment about doctors. Do you not see the beauty in our reservation? I would love tocome and work in a modern day medical facility. I know of many reservations through out the US that are in the middle of No Where, US and recruit and retain doctors for their functional medical operations. We have many tribal members who are in the medical field, we have a few doctors and nurses who are tribal members, that could come home and would come home if given the opportunity. I could see it now a beautiful hosital over looking the lake with a treatment facility that actually meets the needs of the people. It doesn't have to big, 12-14 bed adultward with a few rooms for hospice, a small pediatric ward, and not to mention a small ambulatory and preventive medicine clinic. Many rural communities from around the nation are going into this new thing called "Technology" and they are contracting with universities to bring telemedicine (Emergency medicine, dermatology, radiology, cardiology, and even psychiatry) to the rural communities, it can be done. There are IHS facilities out there that can better meet the needs of the people locally without causing family hardship and provide cultural sensitivity training to their staff members so they can in turn provide the best care to our special population as opposed to subjecting our tribal members to mistreat and prejudice recieved off the reservation, beleive me I've seen it. We have a richness and beauty that is unsurpassable, we are Native and who wouldn't love to be a part of our community. I'd like to be a part of the planning and implementation, I do consultant work, any body hiring? Sorry, for the sarcasm, but we are in the the year 2006, let's get with the times and start trying to make change and improve our currently bleak future. As for this years election I simply pray who ever wins does the best he can for the people. K. Eagle, MD, MPH(candidate) University of Arizona "

tired wrote on Nov 1, 2006 12:27 PM:

" Debate is over on this already find another subject already no one is reading this any more just the selected few people that are logging in on company time. Big brother is watching you. "

Think Wisley wrote on Nov 1, 2006 10:59 AM:

" Why build a hospital the IHS services we have now are crap! What well educated DR is going to work at a Hospital located in the middle of an Indian reservation. Why waste the money there is still a drive for people in the other surrounding areas.How are they going to benefit from a Hospital a hour or two away. The Hospitals they have in the little towns around the reservation can't keep people there they have to be transferred to bigger cities like Bismarck or Minot?? Health cards now thats more like it!!! Good one Marcus!!!! "

Ashamed wrote on Oct 30, 2006 3:35 PM:

" Another Chastisement? Of course no one is Stupid. Everyone knows the issues. They know what issues are important to them, They know how they feel about each issue, They know what they think should be done in regards to the issues, and They have opinions on the best recourse for the future of the Tribes. They know both candidates positions on the issues and they know what needs to be done by a Chairmen to be most effective. So quit telling people what to think or how to vote! I have my own opinions on the issues and the Candidates but I respect the opinions of people that do not share my views and we should all do the same! "

CHOOSE WISELY wrote on Oct 30, 2006 2:18 PM:

" We the members of the MHA Nation are not stupid. Elections are not about whether you like the candidate. Their about the major issues affecting our Tribe today. We are one Tribe out of 500 some other Tribes. We need someone to represent us at the Local, State, and National Level. Look at each candidate see who has the most influence in Washington, D.C. Chairman Hall admitted the Deficit was a mistake. He is proposing a Balanced Budget Amendment to our Constitution. Our Tribe has a lot at stake when it comes to the Cobell Case, read about this and if your a land owner you already know the issues. Actions speak louder than words. We have Keepseagle Vs. Vennamen Case, The Parity Act. Our Tribal Members need to read about these issues. What do we as people expect from an Election? An Election isn't going to make your job better or the people you don't like leave. It's not about that, it's about what is good for all of us and the impact to the whole Tribe. We should not be trying to pull each other down. We have a Chairman with major influence in the outside world. We need to continue until we get the Hospital, the Keepseagle Case, The PArity Act Case, the Cobell Case. My vote is for Chairman Tex Hall. He has had 8 yrs, we are asmart tribe for re-electing him twice. Now lets see how smart we are on Nov. 7th, 2006 VOTE TEX HALL "

Ashamed wrote on Oct 30, 2006 11:40 AM:

" I have read some of these comments and I am deeply sorrowful at a lot of the statements that have been made here by our people. The attempts made by some of you to threaten, ridicule, chastise and demean others that do not support the candidate of your choice is sickening! With the election only days away I would like to encourage all of you to choose a candidate based on your own reasons(whom ever that may be)and be not swayed by those that are attempting to control your decisions through intimidation. Their opinions matter only to them. Do not be fooled with slander and gossip and read between the lines of all of this hatefulness. As for Myself, I choose Marcus ! "

tired wrote on Oct 29, 2006 8:20 AM:

" Enough of this mud slinging. It's really old already. Don't have anything else to talk about? "

a reader wrote on Oct 29, 2006 1:37 AM:

" of all this mudslinging, who is in the position of financial mismanagement? the casino manager was basically cleared of this. the staff of accounting should have an apology, how many of them are voters? this election is becoming out of hand. there are families that need financial help. the council and their families are in good financial standings. you both need to look at your impoverished tribal members. not to bad mouth each other. no one is concerned about our youth and elders. just to get in the spot of dollars. why does the mha nation tribal not get any profits from the casino, like other tribal nation members do? the ho-chunk get three thousand dollars every three months? they did not have the blessing of a multi-million dollar payment from the government. the government set the standards of the compensation not to be given out as per capita payments to the members. who is really geting richer? the cobell lawsuit set up the litigants for dollars and whatever is left over goes to the members. us poor people will lose. for the comment that we are uneducated, this shows an act of desperation. the people of the current administration are in fear of the gravy being stopped. not for the actual members basic living with no concern for the members needs. i would like to have that need taken care of, providing for my family basic needs. i am not asking for riches, just to provide. does the voters know of the current administration dollar intake? and the rest of us struggle. this needs to end. i read of a second income that the chairman has taken. with the basic need us tribal voters? let vote with people of mha nation needs. "

tat member, wrote on Oct 28, 2006 3:02 AM:

" i think the last comment is VERY insulting. why say a negative comment that calls us uneducated? that we need to be educated? i feel sad that there was a need for this comment, why would an informed person say that? to insult us? it is crazy, alot of educated members are reading this i would not insult a person like that. to portay us VOTERS as dumb people. ???? go figure. this election is savage, all i ask is vote for the one who will take care of us. not to "line their pockets". "

As the Tribe Turns wrote on Oct 27, 2006 1:27 PM:

" Just reading all your comments, alot of you make good points but hate be critical and technical and straight to the point. But you that blame Tex for all the spending and the casino.....lol. Really quite funny, cause it just shows you need education yourself. Facts are the meaning of understanding.....did you ever know that or here is your learning lesson for today. Remember, anything that is spent over $500.00 in our tribal business council is made by a motion, then a second to that motion, discussion and then a vote. Read the minutes.....by the way chairman can not make motions. Read people and understand before your make yourself and your family look silly. The minutes show Marcus, Frank White Calfe, Daylon Spotted Bear, and Nathan Hale spending and spending....on D3 Oil Company, Councilman Frank White Calfe and his multiple construction companies especially JFK Construction. Man you people speak with fork tongues. True Leadership should be the issue not false advertisement. Get to the real deal, sounds like a bunch of uneducated people mad because they didn't get what they want. Time for maturity. Remember this too, if the casino's environment and atmosphere is so ugly, then it just simply boils down to this........BAD MANAGEMENT>>>>>....and if we are paying 120,000.000 to a general manager then he should have that casino top notch and rated highly in the state, region, and national level.....lol. But its not. But to the point.....trouble makers, complainers don't get anywhere. Hard workers get the job done. So please find the facts and then alot of you....will rebuttal in every which way but the truth hurts and thats ok. Its just learning experience. Tex Hall did not put us in 120 million dollar deficit......last night Marcus said we were in a 20 million dollar deficit. Man what are the facts? Get real people, read the minutes you will see who does all the spending? "

observer wrote on Oct 26, 2006 3:37 PM:

" A person has to live on the reservation to really know what's going on. There is a lot of graft and corruption here, but this I can honestly say, Marcus Jr. has not been a part of it! "

TO ALL ENROLLED MEMBERS wrote on Oct 25, 2006 4:26 PM:

" The recent allegations made by Chairman Hall against the casino regarding the "buying of votes" with players cash is completely not true and is malicious attempt to negatively expose our casinoto federal agencies that regulate gaming. Casino Management presented to the Tribal Business Council a document from the National Indian Gaming Commission proof that his allegations were not proven and that there was nothing to substantiate any wrong doing. Yet, Chairman Hall commented in the Bismarck Tribune that the casino was involved with tainting the election by using Players Cash to "buy votes". The Bismarck Tribune is circulated to approximately 80,000 people in the state of North Dakota. Nice job of splattering our casino negatively to everyone all over the state. Chairman Hall needs to realize that he was defeated in the primary election in a fair manner. This smoke and mirror routine is not working. He doesn't have the ability to comprehend that individuals can vote for someone other than him. The most unbelievable thought of this issue is that he has the audacity to complain about benefits and comps offered at the casino. Chairman Hall is the recipient of benefits and complimentary (comps) items more than any other non gaming individual in the history of the casino. All of the comp rooms that he had parties in, all of the concert tickets, all of the free alcohol that he drinks behind the curtains at the concerts, and all of the friends and relatives that accompany him behind the curtains at the concerts. Does any other enrolled member have an opportunity at those seats. He directed all of these services not to be listed in his name. Don't worry, all you have to do is ask a casino employee that has had to serve him and his followers and they will tell you. If he tries to lie about this, statements can be gathered in a short time. So in summary, Chairman Hall needs to relax on the false allegations of "buying votes"with players cash or deal with it himself. You are only hurting your own people and casino. Chairman Hall, how is your issue with the General Manager of the casino going to solve the tribe's $120,000,000 Million Dollar debt issue??? The flyers that your staff is passing out regarding the disagreement only shows that you cannot give an opinion that contradicts your opinion without being exiled and plastered all over paper. Heaven forbid that someone argues with you! This is part of your campaign. Let it GO! Someone actually tried to defend themselves and look what happens. The future of our children is at stake! The enormous debt needs to be reversed. The next Chairman needs to surround himself with talented, educated, and experienced non political enrolled members that want to make a difference. Vote for Change on November 7, 2006. Thank you - A concerned enrolled member of the Three Affiliated Tribes "

reply wrote on Oct 25, 2006 1:43 PM:

" Do you really think that if tex is wanting to investigate the casino and marcus using casino dollars to buy votes that the casino would be sending him to las vegas on a pleasure trip. In the real world we all struggle to survive every day. We do not have the option to run to a tribal office to ask for assistance. If we need money we go to the bank and ask for a loan which we in turn have to work to pay off. Is is Tex's responsibility to make sure you have enough money to pay your light bill? Have you ever heard of budgeting your money? and I'm sure it was tex himself that turned you down right because no one else in your opinion is educated enough to make those decisions. "

Enrolled Member wrote on Oct 25, 2006 11:21 AM:

" I have read all of the commits of everyone and yes where is the money going from the casino???? In the past month I have been struggling from pay check to pay check. I was told to go TEX for some assistance!!! WELL, I went from what I seen in the office was a girl friend, girlfriends AUNTIE (uneducated), UNEDUCATED CEO, and WHERE'S TEX, OH I FORGOT HE'S WAS ON TRAVEL!!!!!!!! That is where your Casino money is going!!! Apparently he was in Las Vegas NV.. I sure wish I could afford to go to Las Vegas NV. OH yeah, your the info I was turned down for assistance and my lights were tuned off. I guess TEX needed the money to go gamble... "

tat member/4bcasinoemployee wrote on Oct 23, 2006 11:19 PM:

" can either candidate ensure a decent living for all members? warmth, food, and shelter? just the basics? with huge debt we are in, we may not have that. there is poverty alive and well here at our nation. how much of the casino money does the tribe take each month? since it is issue in this election now of players cash being used as bribes. i don't think that it is true. i haven't been offered any. i could sure use it to buy food for my children. i don't make enough money working there. i could sure an increase in pay. with children to provide for. "

a reader of this sight wrote on Oct 23, 2006 2:09 AM:

" if texx brought in money for the tribe, then what is this million dollar plus debt? my childrens kids have nothing. their childrens kids will will struggle. sad. "

tribal member, wrote on Oct 23, 2006 1:30 AM:

" after reading that another tribal member is not voting i can say, whoever gets in office, they are going to better themselves financially. just like the council people do. noone looks out for the people. i feel that the people need to get together and demand a change. the two candidates have alot to lose financially. and the tribal voters go without. the elderly and the youth and those in between. i was going to vote but in reality, the people lose. i feel sorry for the employees at the incoming revenue of the casino. can a person write in a candidate? "

Buh! wrote on Oct 22, 2006 9:57 PM:

" We seem to forget, the tribe was wayyyy in debt way before Tex got into office 8 years ago! Tex has gone on a national level to bring money back into our tribe. That's all I have to say. "

Tribal Member wrote on Oct 22, 2006 5:22 PM:

" Each candidate is out of focus. I think they know what I mean. I wished we had true honest leaders we can be proud of instead each one comparing the other's evil deeds. It is so sad and it will get worse till after the election and would have it been worth it. We have unsung hero's in our past who never got paid and truly looked out for all the people to make sure they were clothed and fed now we have seperation within ourselves and people do suffer but do the candidates realize that. As for being role models.... well you all know. Our youth look at other races and model themselves after them some good and some bad. I chose not to vote because of all the judging, evil words, hate and yes even the looks from each candidates people/staff. God Bless. "

G Bearquiver wrote on Oct 22, 2006 11:26 AM:

" I support Tex Hall 100% as my chairman. Marcus is not even half the man Tex is. Good luck Tex..You are in my prayers.. "

native reader wrote on Oct 22, 2006 12:35 AM:

" cool! just reading the list of comments, i discussed this issue of the agreement between the gov and the natives of elbowoods with some classmates and me. they promised alot to the natives. is the current administration making sure this is happening? "

a tribal reader. wrote on Oct 21, 2006 11:24 PM:

" after learning of this site, i have read it all, there is not one word of our youth and elderly, the writers have not mentioned our youth or elderly, look at the incidents of violence and neglect. of both the violence in the youth and the neglect of our elders.the candidates are only looking out for their own benefit. the million plus dollars is gone. electing a new chairman or keeping the current spendthrift will not replace the loss the people (who never had a piece of) their security of having a living. the basics of g.a. or fuel assistance or what is needed to survive, not to mention the meager pay of the casino employees. the casino management and the tribal employees enjoy the good life. i will listen and from what i was advised, "VOTE FOR THE LESSER OF THE TWO EVILS". "

Roaming Wolf wrote on Oct 21, 2006 9:21 PM:

" Eight years and a 120 Million dollar debt, DON'T YOU THINK ITS TIME FOR A CHANGE TEX!?!?!? "

I love it! wrote on Oct 21, 2006 2:45 PM:

" Re: the casino..Karma at its finest for what they did to me years ago. Have u seen it lately? Probably the worst casino I've ever been to. Dirty, greasy, the rooms look really bad, the restaurant has more flies than food, and workers are always loitering about. This place was never like this in the beginning. But, then again there was different management in place then. The manager is taking the tribe for a great ride. His salary is greater than than most in the State yet the casino is in a horrible condition. One other thing...Tribal employees need a union. "

Vote For Not Against. wrote on Oct 20, 2006 1:14 PM:

" It is easy to stay positive if everyone focuses on what a particular candidate can do for the Tribe and votes "for" a candidate rather than "against" a candidate. Voting "against" someone does not do anyone any favors and just makes you a negative individual. Voting "for" someone makes you focus on the positive qualities of all candidates and makes you think positive. Let's all be positive because if we do, things will work out positively. "

casino employee and tribal member wrote on Oct 20, 2006 2:01 AM:

" all this bickering will not take us out of the million dollar dilema. a woman could have done it. they are the strength of dollar thinking, as all of us women who run households and watch a budget. an educated woman who has education on a national level to watch a budget and say "no" to unneeded spending, like relatives receiving pay they are not really needed for. but for the fact that a she can say no, it is not needed to spend the "JTAC" money for a event that was funded by the state and grants. the tribe did not spend much, correct me if i am wrong. a chairman can do for his own because he can. but the council allowing it. a woman could have dispursed the dollars where it was needed. a woman needs to run the tribe. the men tend to fight, you can see it, the writing is on the wall. i am choosing not to vote, i was listening to some tribal members and certain people about the issues, they are dragging the casino in on the elections now, as i recall the manager was texx hall's supporter the last election. i guess people dance to the song at hand. god bless us all. i read a former remark, the government will own us, heck with our soviernty. and remember TREATIES. "

Wondering wrote on Oct 19, 2006 7:24 PM:

" Want to read what was said "

thanks! wrote on Oct 19, 2006 4:27 PM:

" this is good reading. Keep commenting. I like watching ya'll throw nasty comments about each other at eachother. Better than the daytime soaps. I bet you all are at work, using tribal or casino computers too huh. This is good. Keep going. "

casino employee wrote on Oct 18, 2006 10:02 PM:

" first of all we are giving good reading to non-tribal members of how we are snapping like a pack of dogs at each other. our ancestors are probably crying at how we have become. what happened to the council working together, all have good ideas and strategies that could do wonders for the people. i agree that a raise for front line staff at the 4B casino is long over due. i hate that point system, it doens't apply to the higher ups. i read article in one of the papers that there are alot of college educated people that work there but are not related to marcus or tex. that would probably do an honest job. i hope we can all live in peace, rember the troops fighting for our freedom. "

same ol same ol wrote on Oct 18, 2006 5:53 PM:

" every election year they say, new hospital in the plans, separation of powers, accountability, water for the people,casino payrate for frontline should be raised. they shake your hand, remember who you are, ask how your family is, then the voting is over, they forget who you are, forget how poor you are, forget you are a good educated person who needs a job.The rich get richer and the poor stay poor. who runs the poor casino? Is it Political appointees? why does management get paid in the $100,000.00, here in ND, come on!! Be fair and remember you work for the people. Be a real leader make the whole coucil take a paycut or layoff your relatives. take a look at the poor people who stuggle daily. "

To Concerned tribal member wrote on Oct 18, 2006 8:27 AM:

" Your forgetting one thing, the Casino higher ups, are getting paid wayyyyy too much also. And yes, the front line workers of the Casino, need an increase in pay! "

a concerned tribal member wrote on Oct 18, 2006 2:19 AM:

" i think we are all in a very grave concern of our future. we may very belong to the government. "

concerned tribal member wrote on Oct 18, 2006 1:57 AM:

" my comment is, any tribal council member gets a good salary increase, why do they and their family members get four to five new cars in their drive ways and alot of casino people struggle to make car payments? in the past of tribal leaders, they had nothing, because they were taking care of their people. another issue i have is when the garrison dam was built, the agreement was that the the people only hade to pay no more than $15 dollars in light bills or $15 in water? the main thing in new town is we are always struggling with the lights and water? that would a great victory for our people that lost the land. the people(voters)need to voice their concerns and what the new leader can do for us. call them for that agreement, it is all jtac. i think that the salaries at the tribe is over inflated, the employees at the casino need an increase in pay, it is a revenue for the tribe and the employees need to be appreciated. "

Some more truth wrote on Oct 17, 2006 4:41 PM:

" The sad thing is. No matter what we say in these comment sections. No matter what the platforms consist of. No matter what the candidates say during debates. No matter what the candidate did or did not do while in office. No matter whether a certain individual lied about being married or not or whatever. No matter that we're at war and our kids are dying by the hundreds yet someone gets a free ride till 2010. Everyone will still vote based upon friendship and relativity. "

It's Reality wrote on Oct 17, 2006 4:24 PM:

" Let's stick to reality, the new Four Bears Bridge is driven over by State, out of State, and local patronage. It didn't get there by itself. Mr. Tex Hall,is a hard worker and ended a vision for a new bridge by achieving the vision to be a reality. He has teamed with the best of congressional delegates to restore needed federal funding services. He has youth in his best interest, why not? he is an educator. A most honorable respectable career. He will bring to the White Shield Community support for their youth. He doesn't have time to scheme mud slinging, or create fabricated issues to hurt peoples feelings, but the reality of it is, Marcus Wells, Jr., allows his campaign strategy to do so. We dont' need this type of a leader. I hope Tex Hall will clean up the act at our Casino and help the low paying employees who have to work under stress that they may be fired by the General Manager if they support someone who will eliminate him(general manager) from getting more richer. Go Tex Hall, we need your leadership!!! "

muskrat wrote on Oct 17, 2006 2:41 PM:

" Marcus what did you do with the sign on bonus that you received from the Army Reserves and that was supposed to go to the Boys and Girls Club. It was $20,000 or was it $30,000? Your talk about ethics is hollow while Tex Hall walks the walk. He pledged $10,000 to White Shield youth for a youth facility. "

I Disagree wrote on Oct 17, 2006 10:34 AM:

" Make no mistake, we are the real danger. We always say we are sovereign nations but we do nothing to help ourselves or to prepare the way for our children. We always say we are fighting against the US but it is our ancestors that fought the good fight. The rest of this is just symantics driven by greedy attornies and power brokers that place Tribe's in positions in which they are forced to defend themselves. We always say we need to refocus our direction but we never brainstorm or follow through with plans developed to assist our people. We never allow the common man to have a voice in how services are provided or funded. Yes, we listen in council meetings but its plain that it goes in one ear and out the other. Therefore, so called sovereign nations need to wake up and prepare for the day they are no longer funded by the Federal treasury. Lets take a poll to see after years of providing Sovereign Nations funding from the tax I pay, how many could stand on their own two feet if the Fed money was suddenly to stop. Make no mistake...one of these days it will...treaty or no treaty. Or, are you one of those that believe the US Gov't never breaks treaties? hmmm "

bravo to MHA Nation wrote on Oct 17, 2006 10:24 AM:

" Bravo!!!!! to you, I would like to applaud the last comment!!! You sound like a very intelligent and brilliant individual!!!! Maybe, you should consider public office!! We need to have Tribal representatives with your kind of thinking!!! Looking at the BIG PICTURE!! and Not succumbing the old crab bucket syndrome!! You are absolutely RIGHT ON with your comments. Thank You!!! "

MHA Nation wrote on Oct 17, 2006 9:30 AM:

" Why can't we all just work together. This going against each other, reminds me almost of BIA tactics, to get rid of the Native people. How they set it up long time ago, for Tribes to fight against one another. That's what this reminds me of. While we are busy trying to work against each other. In the process, we may lose our "Tribal Sovereignty", meaning, why not work together to accomplish something greater. Both candidates have great strengths that each possess. Times ticking, right now is no time to take a step backwards. WE need to move forward. Together we face a greater challenge, and that is the US gov't and George Bush. They want to do away with "reservations". While we are wasting our time going in circles fighting against each other (tribal members), people at the White House, are working twice as hard, to make sure they do away with our Tribal Sovereignty. That's what I think. "

Marcus? Pe Ew! wrote on Oct 16, 2006 4:18 PM:

" People say Tex has abused his power. Those same people apparently do not realize Marcus was the treasurer and it was HIS RESPONSIBILITY to ensure the Tribe stays financially viable throughout his time on the council. I would provide some information that would really shake your trust in this man but I don't know how secure these comments are. I mean, with logging of IP addresses, etc. So, you will just have to take my word that Tex is the better man and has more experience/influence than goofball. "

The truth wrote on Oct 16, 2006 4:09 PM:

" People are quick to say. "These forums are unfair." In all actuality, these forums are the only way in which tribal members can voice their opposition to a candidate without fear of reprisal. People who say, These are unfair obviously have not lived on a reservation where everyone watches what they say for fear of retaliation when that person who you tell the truth about comes to power. "

Not for Wells TOO!!!! wrote on Oct 16, 2006 4:06 PM:

" Come on people get educated with the facts before you submit a comment. Don't believe everything you read. Tex's sisters are hard working, successful people just like their brother. They were taught the right way by their parents. Coyote just cannot take defeat!!! The article in the paper (NT News) is pathetic and NOT true. (I simply have to say....dirty pool old coyote!) I will not call him a man. hahaha Chairman Hall is running a clean campaign and the truth will be reveiled as time goes by. Tomorrow will be 3 weeks and counting. Marcus knows what he is doing is wrong and he cannot hide from god's eyes. Yes, it is a easy choice...Vote Tex Hall. For all of you that are riding the fence, I invite you down on Thursday, October 19th 6pm to Twin Buttes to see for yourself who can speak for MHA Nation and WHO cannot. This time the questions will not be laid out beforehand....they will have to be answered on spot. So Marcus cannot have his assistants write down the answers from him. Maybe he should discuss the $5,000 he gave his brother for a personal loan without collatoral and you guys target Chairman Hall. Now who is calling the kettle black!!!! Go TEX GO!!!! Hope to see you all in Twin Buttes. "

Not voting for charisma wrote on Oct 16, 2006 3:47 PM:

" Tex has charisma, I'll give him that. He's been able to fool people that don't really see what goes on at the Tribal Building. They don't see the many things he has railroaded through or blocked without consulting with the rest of the council. People don't realize that as chairman there are a lot of things you can do with just his signature without the rest of the council. Tex has abused that power. His people keep getting richer. He and his people keep getting more lease land they don't need. It's just flat out GREED. His supporters are all over the comments and the media becuase they are afraid the gravy train is going to come to a screeching stop. Tex is all over the news with his vote buying crap, but it was his picture in the $50 bill when he beat Buddy Mason. I didn't believe it then, but the last 8 years makes me think, maybe it was true. Marcus needs to let loose of the stuff he has on Tex - all the double dipping, cattle-ranch buying, consultant-hiring, hay-stealing BS. He has been a great voice nationally - but at the expense of his own tribe. If they only knew what we have seen in our own tribal chambers. He spent the first six years controlling the council with the majority, not even having a meeting unless he said it was OK. Now, these last two years he lost the majority and now they meet all the time and get things done, most of the time with him not there. This tribe needs a leader, not a dictator... and that's all Tex has shown me he can do. "

#1727 wrote on Oct 16, 2006 1:13 PM:

" Why is the tribe getting loans? What's happening with the money coming from the casino? We were at Dakota Magic last week and they told us that their casino brought in $76 million last year and they're using it for the tribe. It's a very nice casino, very clean. Everyone was friendly and helpful. Things are not the same way at Four Bears. But as for voting, I'm leaning toward none of the above. "

Just The Fax Max wrote on Oct 16, 2006 9:15 AM:

" If the citizens of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nations were to vote based upon facts and not emotions they'd send Mr. Hall packin' and usher in a new day with Mr. Wells. The Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nations have never been as deep in poverty as they have been under the eight years of Mr. Hall's spending spree administration. Mr. Hall and his advisors can't even distinguish between income vs debit; revenue vs loan money. Hall and his advisors, with a wink and a nod, say they are exercising deficit spending. First of all you have to be bringing in money - "income" "revenue" before you can have deficit spending. Hall and his advisors have only taken the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara peoples' money for their own personal pleasures and not for the benefit of the citizens of the Nations. We can't afford another four years of their kind of financial mismanagement! Oh, by the way the people of Mr. Hall's home district have not voted for him in the last two elections, either. His own district has lost faith in him long ago. Mr. Hall won't even attend functions in home district. Hall is all but persona non grata(Latin, plural: personae non gratae), literally meaning "an unwelcome person," throughout West District. Mr. Wells, on the other hand has proven that honesty and hard work are what the people want in their leaders. Get out and vote ... and when you do vote based upon the facts not upon emotions. "

TAT Member wrote on Oct 16, 2006 9:08 AM:

" The negative press is something of an issue with elections every year. We as tribal enrolled members should really sit back and look at the past 8 years. Tex's sister is under investigation with the fed's for misuse of federal funds (double dipping), his CEO is uneducated but yet gets paid more then the past CEO who has a masters degree. The past 100 + million dollar deficit has all been incurred since Tex G Hall has taken office. When Buddy Mason was chairman he had the tribe in the black not the red. Tex's last easy fix to get the tribe out of debt was to SECURE ANOTHER LOAN. The tribal members of The Three Affiliated Tribes need to stand up and make a change at this point nothing can be any worse then it already is. Marcus is a guy who is military, has a good track record. Accusations are just that accusations look at our past the past 8 years what have we really done for our people but to put then further in debt. If the tribe keeps going in the direction it is we won't have anything to give our children our parents grandparents will have lost everything for nothing. POEPLE of Three Affiliated Tribes will show what is in their hearts on November 07, 2006 and hopefully people of our great nation will do what is best for TAT and that is VOTE FOR CHANGE. "

Easy Choices wrote on Oct 15, 2006 7:27 PM:

" Until someone can explain why I should vote for Marcus when his own community doesn't even trust him enough to vote for him in a school board election, it remains an easy choice. This reasoning seams pretty simple to me. "

Tribune reader wrote on Oct 15, 2006 6:49 PM:

" If Hall were the easy choice why is he hosting free feeds in Bismarck and all you can drink and eat at the Meriweather's restaurant? I think Hall knows he might not come back as Chairman. if he does good for him but he shouldn't accuse Wells of patronage of votes. When he's in Bismarck buying tribal members in Bismarck food. What is he going to do for members who live off the reservation....Nothing..but a free meal and beer at Meriweather's. "

NOPE wrote on Oct 15, 2006 5:30 PM:

" easy choices works in the mines don't need a hand out. Thank you very much. "

huh wrote on Oct 15, 2006 4:22 PM:

" Easy choice must be a relative of Hall's and is hoping to land a high paying job if he wins. "

Tribal member wrote on Oct 15, 2006 11:45 AM:

" These types of articles always bring negative attention to tribal elections be it any where. These types articles are not fair to each of the candidates vying for chairman. It always gives those who have read this article. The impression all we do is fight amongst ourselves instead of working together. If elections were not to include who did good or bad then perhaps articles about elections would'nt be so politically negative.Those who vote in this election, vote from what is in your hearts instead of whats printed. "

VTH wrote on Oct 15, 2006 10:30 AM:

" I think (easy choice) pretty much summed up who you should vote for. Marcus already has a bad track record why would you even contemplate putting him in???? "

Easy Choice. wrote on Oct 15, 2006 2:40 AM:

" As somebody commented in response to the last article, why should we vote Marcus in as Chairman when his own community didn't see him fit to serve on the New Town school board. He must be making a lot of promises to get people to vote for him because I just can't see how somebody could vote for him over Tex Hall or Nathan Hale and some of the other candidates. I hope people vote for what's best for the Tribe instead of who they like or dislike or who promises them what. If people vote on who will deliver for the people, Tex is the easy choice. "

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