July 9, 2006

Puyallup Tribal Council of The Puyallup Tribe

Council Members,

It has been brought to our attention that you have appointed Ex-Council Member Margaret Edwards as a Pro Tem Judge for the Puyallup Tribal Court. This letter is intended to make you aware that this job was not advertised, wherein, constitutes a violation of the Tribe's personnel policies and procedures. If by chance this position is an emergency hire, it may not exceed 30 days, and then at said time the position must be advertised.

If by chance, this position is a contract for services, it then violates the Tribe's Procurement Policies and Procedures, as well as, the contracting requirements under federal Law that requires a biding process. (BIA contracts office.)

Be made aware, that by not advertising the Pro Tem Judge position, violates the Puyallup Tribe's Constitution with regards to a Tribal Member's “Right to Equal Economic Opportunity.”

In addition, we feel that this is nothing more than a political appointment that was provided to a council member that was not re-elected and the decision was made with out any regard for the tribal membership that may have been more qualified for this position.

We also question the qualifications and expertise of Ms. Edwards, with regards to the tribal legal system and civil and criminal law. It is to our understanding that she has no Law Degree, and our legal system has grown to a level; whereas, we need qualified Judges, so that inexperience does not lead to an unnecessary precedence that would be detrimental to the Puyallup Tribe.

Therefore, we Full Circle of The Puyallup Nation, do hereby request that Ms. Edwards be removed form this unlawfully acquired position.

Furthermore, if it is necessary to fill this position, then the tribal council is obliged to properly and lawfully advertise this position to be filled with a qualified individual and any and all positions of a similar nature should be dealt with in the same manner.

Respectfully,

Full Circle of the Puyallup Nation

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