Compared to other tribes in the Puget Sound Region, the Puyallup Tribe is doing (check one)

Below Average: 11

Average: 10

Above average: 7

Worse than most: 4

Better than most: 3

Why?

No investment in the infrastructure of our people. Council needs to quit avoiding the community

Our casino construction is a ghetto!

We have a successful casino that enabled tribal members to purchase homes, cars, etc they wouldn't be able to otherwise

I live here in Tulalip with my family. The Tulalips may not get as much money as us but they are managing it alot better i think. We should commit more of our money into programs to preserve our comunity and culture especially the youth and elders. Last time i lived in puyallup everyone was blowing all their money on drugs and alcohol and it seemed like our tribe was just standing by and watching..

Because our tribe will be bankrupt here pretty soon. They need to get out of debt and expand in many areas.

other tribes are dependent on government grants and all you have to do is look at whats happening in appropriations. The president is looking to pay for the War in Irag.

There is no communication from the Council so we can only guess...

We have so many resources, but aren't fulfilling our potential. Also, the Tribal Council is out of control.

I don't know how they compare to other tribes, but I do know that the tribal council does everything in closed door meetings. We have no way of really learning what they are planning for the tribe.

I strongly believe that we as tribal members do not have a voice that is listened to by those persons that we have elected as our government. I also think that in order for our tribe to prosper and progress that we need to invest in other types of business that will bring in propetual financial resources. And Finally I think that is time that we, the Puyallup members stand up and take control of OUR tribe back.

We have our own school, health clinic, two casinos, buying new admin building, we distribute percapitas to all members, take care of the elders, ect.

Too many people wanting credit and selling our people out, trying to impress the white mans world instead of worring about our people as a whole! Its hard to believe our ancestors sacrafices for this land, how many council mem. live on the East Side?(1) Be proud and spend $ improving our rez!

Because we are not managing our money right. Tribal council getting rich and the tribe is in debt. budget are getting cut but not our councils. Frank Wright should be replaced with a manager the will take the casino to a new level instead of tent city

because our tribe live for today and not the future.

The location of the two casinos is a huge advantage. Its not the smoothest running operation, it could make more........I know I work there.

The new EQC seems to be a joke...there are no new developments and all that was planned has yet to be seen. I am not sure of how other tribes are doing so I cannot compare.

 I say below average only because I have no exposure to other tribes - and really not to yours either.  The only exposure I have is by business dealings and they are less than positive.  I read this website and am sad by the apathy and stubborness that I am understanding that is blocking the new growth.  I am fearing that the Puyallup tribe won't last to long due to the elders wanting to take it out with them.  I am basing my last statement/sentence on what I have been reading on the website - which I am assuming are true and correct interactions among adults within your tribe.

Almost everyother Tribe is exspanding there casino. Sosial progams and there land base. The Puyallup Tribe is just buying votes to stay in office!

For the money our casinos bring, we should have more to show for it... like Muckleshoot!

I can't say that I'm that well informed, but I think that would could be better, compared to other tribes in our area. Maybe I'd like to be better informed

All successful businesses reinvest their profits back into their business.  Thats just the bottom line.  Our tribe does not seem to understand that.  More money shoud be invested into our casino, considering it is our only source of revenue.  At any given time, look at the patrons in our casino.  Half of the guests are crackheads and prostitutes.  Why? Our casino is a dump.  There are no other casinos in the state located in a tent.

Money is just thrown out to solve all problems. I know many people from teenagers to adults who have dropped out of school, quit their jobs and just dropped out of life. They spend each percapita on gambling, video games, drugs or alcohol then run back to the tribe for help saying they cant pay this months rent or power bills.  Childen do not have enough sence to wisely handel $600 a month, the drop out of school, get into gangs and durgs and are taken advantage of by their "friends" who only want them around at the 1st of the month because of there money.

I feel the tribe could do better at helping the tribal members with money management

council

we have the money we just dont know how too use it

due to the high increase of the casinos bringing into the future, the gas stations are on the right track. considering they was pretty low when the was under PII staff? which was questioned? What the council has done for the tribal entities is right on track, they are not superman or superman, the puyallups has more then most tribes out there in the US as of today. so why all the hate remarks?

Well, not a tribal member (Muckleshoot) but have relatives who are. I'm an optimistic person for the most part. While I do say that Puyallups are doing above average, I also mean to say there are areas that can be improved on. Also, keeping in mind that short-sitedness should not take away, the future of your childrens, and childrens-children.

the tribe as a whole should have more to show for itself.

We need to build a village for our children and elders , bring our tradition back start to teach our children our past, our heritage.  We need to think of the future generation to make sure they do not forgot our struggles and to teach them to honor our ancestors.

What are the biggest challenges facing the Puyallup Tribe (check all that apply)

Tribal Unity: 29

Alcoholism/Drugs: 28

Care for Elders: 17

Employment: 11

Domestic Violence: 6

Other: DICTATORSHIP | getting out of debt | if the people become fractionated and begin to fight they will lose sight of there overall goals | transparent government | Accountability of the members in power | 2 Youth violence, (gangs) | finding other methods of business. | Dictation of the members by council, not looking ahead to the future. | Spirit | Education | no one keeping track of the kids who drop out at 13 | youth wellness | to much backstabbing | Challenges of wisely investing $$$$

The Puyallup Tribe Should put more of it's Profits into: (check all that apply)

Elder Care: 22

Youth and Families: 21

Repurchasing Tribal Lands: 21

Education: 20

Cultural Programs: 17

Per Capitas: 9

Other: Promote tribal soverengty, not individual members' enterprizes | culture center | in the bank, because without safegards they will blow it like they are doing today. | Development of the port properties, diversify our economy | Public Relations | pay off loans and invest money to benefit tribe | education on how to deal with "free money", a rec center open till 10 or 11 to keep the kids out of trouble | put repurchasing lands into trust status

youth per-capita's parents should be accountable to the children, for instance my son does not have coustody of his child but the mom gets the per-capita payment and spends the check according to her needs and not the childs... If I had a say I would start an IRA based on the per-capita my child now receives and put 50.00 to 60.00 in it every month... according to the state public assistance program and if my parent had her neice per say she could take $150.00 from a monthly afdc check for household expenses and she would have to account for expenditures on a monthly basis.

To insure Future Economic Development, more money should be invested in: (check all that apply)

Port Development: 30

20 Casinos

15 Fisheries

14 Tourism

Other: Land investments, housing | Hotel | diversity is good, look at the other tribes who did not diversify their economic bases they are dependent on government grants and struggling The maintenance and repair of Our Hotel | Shopping Center | Youth (keep em' off the streets) | more business | a economic study to determine what would be our most profitable. | Real Estate | Farming | build a casino we can be proud of that will attract tourists and tribal smokeshop. | purchase bars & night clubs on tribal land that can then be the only ones open to smokers | All the above. Don't let anything for chance

The Puyallup Tribal Council is very responsive to the needs of the tribe and has our best interests at heart. (check one)

Strongly Disagree: 12

Somewhat Agree: 11

Disagree: 8

Agree: 4

Strongly Agree: 0

It is easy to speak negative, look at the positive.

We need new council members

They are only interested in their salary

The Puyallup Tribal council needs to not only listen but hear the people in their concerns because that is what they were elected to do.  But on the other hand I'm very concerned with restructuring of Puyallup Tribe's debt and ballon payment.

Council does not answer to the people anymore, they give hand outs to certain individuals and nothing to others

They have closed meetings. We need to change the charter to have all tribal council meetings open to the members. The council is out of compliance with BIA and our constitution. We need entirely new council members. We also need a limit on the number of terms and length of time one person can stay on the council and a space of years before they can run for council again.

In my opinion the tribal council is simply lining there pockets with tribal revenues. Our Hotel for example is to put it plainly "falling apart." I have seen and heard of multiple instances where severe damages have been reported with no action taken to repair the problems. One would think that being that the Casino and Hotel were a major source of revenue for our tribe that we would take great care and pride of them, we are not however?

Unless your family is on they don't acknowledge your needs. There is no rules unless its one of their flunkies or relatives. Our kids are at serious risk gangs-drugs and targeted for their monthly checks. Remember these kids will run our tribe in the future, w/out proper education or self esteem we are in trouble.

for long time they been thinking of themselves, only under political pressure thing get done. council should be on a time clock so they will come to work. tribe has to many project going and they are sinking into debt.

i would strongly disagree because they come to the dinner already full and have nothing to offer.

You can't be serious......

They come through when the topic effects them personally an d sometimes when the majority of members want something.

I'm basing this on what I have read on this website.

I believe tribal council has forgotten those of us that are not related to them and/or their close friends.   I don't feel our needs are heard.   Their family members or friends are in high paying jobs that they are not qualified for and do not even show up for work, yet they get paid and don't have to use leave in their absence.

They are self serving and overpaid. They help them selves and their friends first (giving 27$ an hour job to the realtives after they quit school). They buy off everyone at election time with the election bonus.

yes, they have strong intentions for the Puyallup tribe and the tribal members as well. to the other point. with all the haters and greedy people has come to play with what they are doing and would love to be in a job position that council is in right at this time? And, if anyone of the full circle is doing is to prey upon the current tribal council to make there so called point for them to retain them council jobs? Any person out of the full circle people runs for council elections. I am sure that this per caps pmts wont change, and infact the tribal council salaries would either go up more then they are right now!

??? Not sure. Not a tribal members, but I understand that many feel there is a serious lack of  community input into tribal affairs. I would recommend looking at what Yakama has been doing with their General council community.

They seem to blame other Council Members and not take the blame themselves.  I myslef am always scared for our people and wonder who would be a good leader.  I feel like you cant trust any campaign letters due to all the disapointement  the lies we have already seen.

Puyallup Tribal Council members should make how much per year? (check one)

$75,000: 8

$100,000: 7

$20,000: 6

$50,000: 5

$125,000: 4

$200,000: 1

$150,000: 0

$175,000: 0

to answer how much a council members should make. i would have to determine at what capacity 1%-110%, it would make a difference.

I vote for Puyallup Tribal Council candidates because:

I know they support issues I believe in: 11

Other reasons: 10

I don't vote: 9

Because they are good leaders: 3

They are my friends or relatives: 0

I always know what is happening with my Tribe and am fully aware of issues facing tribal administration. (check one)

Strongly Disagree: 10

Agree: 10

Disagree: 9

Somewhat Agree: 5

Strongly Agree: 1

Where do you get most of your information from? (check one)

Family and Friends: 19

Rumors at Work: 6

Tribal Newspaper: 5

Non-Native Newspapers and Radio: 4

If I could change one thing in the Puyallup Tribe it would be:

The majority of the Tribal Council

Including membership to tribe members spouses.

The drug and alcohol usage along with its distribution throughout the community.

The way the budget is spent

Puyallup Tribe should not pay off debt for Tribal leaders because it looks like they are fvoring them because they sit on the Tribal council.  The Tribe needs to base their programs on perfromance based and make directors and managers accountable to their jobs.  If there not capable of doing their jobs fire them.

Having a coucil that held it's Boards and employees accountable for providing equitable services to the membership.

A transparent tribal government.

More information out to absentee members

open all tribal committe and council meetings to the public

The amount of income that Council members are making annually, and the amount that tribal members receive monthly. I believe that Council members should make less annually and tribal members should recieve more monthly.

Have everyone treated more fair.  It seems that if you don't have the "right" last name, you are somewhat an outcast in the tribe.  

The leaders before we are ruined forever. It breaks my heart to see all the corruption they have caused within our tribe. What our frture is seeing the favoritism the nepotism but most of all the selfishness!!! I've lived on the EAST SIDE for years and the only time they come around is for the Casino (to spend the BIG$ we pay), and ground breakin or the bridge. Shame on all of them! I can't judge but the creator will and judgment day will come!

have the council follow a policy that will not allow them to play god, let the membership be more involved and let the membership decide on major decision, not only seven people who only think of themselves. hire finance people to get the tribe out of debt and make us more powerful. the tribe is in the best location in the country for business growth(port, rail, industrial zone) we should be the riches. the list is long and I could go on forever.

i would change they way we feel about one another. today it is the greed that runs are tribe, everyone of us has a responcilblity to insure our future. and we should judge a member by what they have provided to make our community strong and not for thier age, job, or greed.

Many things..

More information for tribal member services, community events, and a more updated newspaper.

I wouldn't change...I would listen and ask for that in return.

Wouldn't know where to start

To have new council members elected that are 100% behind their membership and willing to have regular membership meetings to discuss concerns of the membership without hostility or threats.  What happened that the police are called when someone wants to speak to tribal council about concerns?   Why can't council take a few minutes out of the day to listen and try to find a solution to the problems rather than create larger problems?   I believe council needs to take a large pay DECREASE and decide to be on council for it's dedication and integrity rather than it's pay.  Pay increases for council should be voted by membership.  Isn't it a conflict for someone to increase their own pay and not have someone there to vote against it?  What happened to a modest salary?  Let's fix this on-going problem by voting new blood into council, reducing their salary, and having term limits!   We also need to have an outside company handle the absentee ballots, instead of tribal council's family and friends counting the ballots.  How about a 100% true & honest election?  It's time for the membership to come together in unity and have election debates, listen to what the candidates are offering and discuss the options together and vote in unity for the best candidates that have our best interests in mind!  Let's come together everyone!!  Let's make 2006 the year for positive changes for the Puyallup Tribe!   Let's make this year OUR year!!   *thank you!!*  =)

The Administrations office work ethic.  Some of the departments could be just a bit more polite, and ooh I don't know there when their surposed to be.

Totally reform how the children get there money. First $600 a month is to much for a teenager to handle. There is a big drug and gang problem at the school because there are so many kids with so much money to waste. After age 12 they should not recieve any percapita unless they submit report cards to the tribe 2 or 3 times per year showing passing grades. I know someone as young as 13 who dropped out and still got the checks every month. The kids have no reason to get an education, they can drop out and still get $600 a month plus bonues and have a guarnteeded 70,000$ or more the day the turn 18. They just hang out all day, playing video games, smoking weed and getting into trouble waiting to turn 18.  Tribal court is a joke, for droping out they will fine a kid $100 at the same time as they are paying them $600. They shouldnt recieve one big payout with out rules. They should have to gradutate first, even if they are 18 or 19 they should not recieve any payouts. They should have to split the money up, not one big check. Something like holding 30% for house payments or rent,  or a larger % if being used as a down payment on a house, 30% to be released when they goto colege, 20% may be used on a car, and 20% cash.  I have seen many kids blow there whole 40-50,000 in a week, mostly on cars and big screen tvs. With in a few months the car will be gone (stolen or wrecked and usually with no license or insurence) and they will be getting evicted from there apartment and have nothing.

new council

the present counil member minds on how to work with the membership

least the backstabbing, hate, professional standards on how to work the entirity of the tribal functions. with out measures of the hate, backstabbing. and greed! work as a "TEAM PLAYER" or the business structure of the Puyallup Tribe, will not work and/or more greed will always play the field of the tribal employees.

Bring the benefits to the people but also teach how hard times have made our people stronger during tough times.
Our world of convenience have made too many of our people soft. It wouldn't hurt our people to undertand that the road less travelled...in not always they best! See-yalt-yub

NEPOTISM!!!!!! amongst council members/casino leaders families!!!!!

The direction some say we are facing! I want to put my name, I feel like thats the right thing to do, I dont like to say negative things any more after what I been through I only want good for me, my family and our Tribe! Thanks for this sight , good or bad. Quiasee

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