James Miles: "We need a heartfelt change"
“My commitment has and always will remain strong for the betterment of our Tribe and its Membership”. James Vernon Miles Sr.
Dear Puyallup Tribal Members,
I am James Vernon Miles Sr. and I am asking for your vote in this up coming council election. I have been a part of this community all my life and I am grateful for the privilege over the past 20 years to serve our tribe and you the membership in various positions as an employee and volunteer such as but not limited to:
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* Vice-President of Puyallup International Inc.
* Deputy Executive Officer of Tribal Administration.
* Executive Director of the Tribal Gaming Department.
* Director of the Tribal Housing Improvement Program.
* Chairman of the Tribal Gaming Commission.
* Chairman of the Tribal Financial Committee.
My experience with our tribe has provided me with the opportunity to work with a great deal of good people and represent our tribe on a local and national level.
With the various levels of education that I possess, I feel education is a vital component to our future and we need to encourage opportunities for educational growth, whenever possible.
Last year the voters sent a clear message we want change! There are two positions up this year and we don’t just need a change, we need a heartfelt change, we need to take a look at our leadership because leadership is about so much more.
Leadership is about:
Representing our Tribe with Pride, Honor, and Respect.
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* Being visible in the community, not just when it’s election time.
* Working hard and showing up every day.
* Making every effort to help all members of the tribe.
* Creating unity, putting aside any differences that would prevent progress.
* Creating healthy and positive alternatives for our kids.
* Being Humble and listing to all opinions.
* Empowering Tribal Members into top level positions throughout the Tribe.
Although the above are just a few standards of leadership, a leader represents so much more and we need to raise the standard of leadership and call for accountability and responsibility within our leaders.
Our Tribe’s prosperity does not stop at the front door of our casino, there are many great opportunities facing our tribe today and we need to start taking advantage of these opportunities, think about all the opportunities we have lost because of personal politics and or personal agendas, this behavior needs to come to an end and it is ok to disagree but for the betterment of our tribe we must agree to disagree and move forward.
My vision is generational, from our elders to our children’s children and so on. I would like to honor those tribal elders for all their hard work, whether that be fighting for native rights in Washington DC or here at home on the banks of our rivers or fighting to reclaim our land and our way of life or just fighting to raise children in difficult times. We can honor our elders by providing them with a safe place to come and relax and share their stories as well as provide programs that can address their needs individually or as a whole, don’t you think they have earned it.
For our Kids, we have a portion that is turning to gangs and or in prison, There is so much we can do, first I would provide safe, healthy and positive alternatives that would help our kids stay off the streets and out of gangs, help them in school and other activities such as clubs and camps throughout the year and bring in professionals that can help with all kinds of opportunities (basketball, football, skiing, snowboarding, track and field, ECT.) I Promote greater support for members in College, Trade School and K-12. Because their success is our success.
Our Heritage, Traditions and Culture, are vital to us because they provide us with a strong and secure foundation that can create stability for present and future generations. I would promote more gatherings that reinforced our commitment to the teachings and sharing of our Culture.
As a Tribe we have survived many hardships and past and present generations have made many sacrifices to get us where we are to day, I honor those individuals with my commitment to working hard each and everyday for a better tomorrow.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
James Vernon Miles Sr.
Vote James Vernon Miles Sr. for Tribal Council.
Wishing you well in this upcoming election we do need change stay strong you have many people who support you
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JAMES YOU BURNED US ONE TIME ALLREADY AT P.I.I WHAT'S GOING TO BE SO DIFFERENT NOW IF YOUR ON TRIBAL COUNCIL?
WE ALREADY HAVE COUNCIL MEMBERS WHO USE THERE EDUCATION IN A BAD WAY TO HUSTLE FOR SELF PROFIT, YOU NOW I'M JUST REALLY CONCERNED TO SEE THE ABUSE OF POWER GETTING OUT OF HAND AGAIN.
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Hey concerned tribal member you must have not been a part of this tribe very long because if you were you would now that Mr. Miles has done many great things for this tribe and the members. But he does not go around patting himself on the back. Just ask around he has helped a lot of members regardless what family they are in. he does not own a smoke-shop or billboards like the others on council or has his family in high paying jobs at the tribe and casino like other council members. So get the facts before you go around saying stuff. Hoyt !
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Concerned Puyallup, that is a good issue you brought up. But you also have to wonder, is it fact or rumor. I have heard rumors of several LEADERS, whom have been on council for decades, in the tribe who have been getting several thousands in free rent, tribally owned property, utilities paid, and several other benefits, which have been going on for at least a decade, see anyone checking that out?
Don't complain, do something.
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Dear Tribal Member
I do appreciate your concerns, and I do not support that type of behavior nor would I “burn our tribe” in any way ,shape or form in fact I have all ways fought against the miss- use of power and miss-management of our tribal assets. I am not sure of what you were told but I can assure you that whatever information it was, was not factual and politically motivated. I would be more then pleased to sit down with you and discuss your concerns. However, more importantly we need to come together as a community and try to build unity in the hopes of empowering tribal members and believe me, education is important to our people and not the reason why people act this way. I welcome all constructive criticism, when it supports the betterment of our tribe. In addition, I thank you concerned tribal member for providing the opportunity to share with you.
James Miles PFCPN
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I can also remeber what had happend and you got fired from PII, right ?
and that was for un accountible money, right ?
I also remeber a petition that was sighned buy alot of members to have you fired.
And did'nt you sue the tribe ? sue your own tribe now that is bad.
can you answer any of this directly ?
you being president of Full Circle now is'nt that scary ?
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Correction Mr. Miles was nevered fired from PII; due to a unclear financial picture he was laid off; the rest of your issues need to be answered by Mr. Miles
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this petition you refer to is the referendum to dissolve PII that monica m. took around and then was voted down when it came time for tribal membes to vote? and the only thing that is scary is the thought of the same 2 people getting voted back into council.
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Puyallup member,
Concern tribal member,
I appreciate the opportunity to clear this up for you. No, I was not fired, I worked for
PII for less then a year and the tribal council chose to replace the entire board of directors and the new directors chose to reorganize and laid everyone off.
And yes we ended up in tribal court over a contract dispute in which we latter settled. And as for as the petition, a few members wanted to get rid of PII and the petition was unsuccessful some of those members latter became board members. I hold no hard feelings towards any of those members involved. And for Full Circle, I invite you to a meeting so that you can see for your self. and inclosing I, leave you with these words from someone you might know. Again thank you for helping clear that up.
nativeking wrote:
“My fellow Tribal brothers and sisters I have sat back and have seen nothing but tribal members tearing down other tribalmembers. Do we not all want the same thing that the great creater has bestowed upon each and every one of us, to respect and love each other as human beings? Do we not all want a safe home for our families? Do we not all want to be able to have the best for our families and our children and to be able to provide for our elders?”
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Concern tribal member.
If you are upset with me that’s ok! but I would rather you deal with me. It is not fair to spread malicious rumors about other members in our tribe. And in fact it is hurtful and counterproductive and based on your efforts to continue to spread false information I have deleted your blog.
however if you would like to continue our discussions I ask that you be respectful of others.
Please keep in mind that the blog is intended to stimulate communication and work on solutions.
I am thankful for all of you that come to the site and express your opinions and concerns and I look forward to working together to resolve those concerns, with positive solutions. please note that not all of our leaders have done wrong in fact we have had the privilege and honor of having great leaders in our tribe on tribal council and in the community.
James Miles PFCPN
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Please be respectful of others!
Concerned Member wrote:
Comment:
is laid off anouther word for fired? and yes you guy's did get fired for monies that where not accounted for that's what started the whole issue. New members were put in there becuase you guy's decided to hustle our tribe, -----------deleted------------------ I see now your mad at the tribe becuase your high paying job at PII was taken from you, ------------deleted ------------you are to risky to be on council, and there was'nt no settlement you tried to sue the tribe.
See even your words are like a politition bending around the bush on your words, be real for yourself be true for once and stop the hustle.
let's here it tell us the truth
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the post above has been dictated buy James Miles......how embaresing to see........your just like the rest in council ,,,,,,
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Concerned Member,
I would be more then happy to sit down with you and go over the approved financial audits of PII. The audits were performed and approved by the Tribe's outside Accounting Firm.
if this would help settle your concern.
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After reading all these comments in reguards to James Miles is horrible thing to hear. He has not once tried to say anything bad about anyone. Although if he does speak the truth. People get offended by the truth. Sometimes we make mistakes and they come back to haunt us. We all know that. Keep your head up James as you always do.
I remember when Monica M was taking around that petition. Now that Monica, Elsie, Len, Sheri, etc. are on the board there isn't a petetion going around about that. No one mentions all their double dipping into our Tribal money. Now why isn't there a petition reguarding that???
We all want a change. And I would take my chance with James over Bill and Frank anytime.
Remember CRABS IN A BUCKET
He has an education as does David Bean. We have to remember that David cannot do everything by himself. He is out numbered.
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I dont know if I agree with this site being censored now. Who says what can be published and what cant be published? N E way, everyone just needs to remember "Be careful what you wish for."
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If the proof regarding indiscretions are there, why not take him up on it and take a look see for yourself. It would make it easier for you to convince yourself that it is just a rumor. No hurt in finding out the truth. I believe James is a man with integrity. When those rumors were slung at him in the past, he didn't sling back, cause he has proof and is willing to share it, if your willing to listen.
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James Miles you are a funny guy. If you think I'm Jeremy that is just perposterous.I can't believe you would be so miss guided to think that. Everyone now's about the incident at Puyallup International Inc. you still have yet to breach your side of the evedince I'm wieghting to see it. I asked you with my first statement in a good way concerns I had for you now I'm at work looking at this stuff you typed to Jeremy when he had nothing to do with it. And then someone followed up on my first statement asking the same question's WOW is that how you are going to be in council? Telling members that addressing authority on issues of there previous employment is HURTFULL AND SLANDEROUS? God be gracious to help these peole in Gods name AMEN
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I am not James. I am merely stating that in my observations, there is alot of people pointing fingers. Energy is being wasted in alot of negativity, and the membership doesn't need any of that. It needs leaders. Ignore the rumors, slander and hurtful comments, and concentrate to taking your tribe higher. This tribe is full of wonderful people and leaders. The concentration is in the wrong direction.
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James , I want to tell you to be strong Im proud of you and believe in your heart you mean well, you love the tribe, you where here in the old days when we was poor and only had the tribe to come to for help, everytime I needed help the tribe has been there for me always. I love my tribe, our people our my family I know so many people in the tribe good and bad but I have hope as long as the right people get in and not people for glory and power but to bring strength and unity to our People. I love my cousin and I stand for you. I believe you can make it this time James no matter how many people start lies, and hate. We need to vote for people that have always been here in the tribe and have tried to better themselves in a good way for the tribe! Please vote smart, and vote for people that are true and not someone we know has been disrespectful to our people and our tribe, and I would like to say to everyone, please dont start to turn on eachother and slam eachother because your running for Council..be together your stronger that way.....and my second vote will go to anyone that can prove they will lower Coucnil's pay , sign a contract this time to prove it and I will vote for you and get others to vote for you I will work my butt off for you. I thought David would bring up the Council salaries but I havent heard a thing , I have hope David your a good person and was brought to know the tribe and the history ,and our culture. Im glad your on and I hope you can be strong for many many many years, and lets get James Mills oops! I mean Miles on Council!!!!!HOYT!!!!!
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oh yeah I would like to tell people that I know for a fact that non tribal members come on here and say vicious thingS about people they don't like and want to make sound bad, I know this for a fact I don't know that screen name they use but I imagine its the ones that don't put their name, well I thought you like to know some of these hateful words ain't from members but jealous hateful spiteful bored people who love to hate on people and say mean things........... I LOVE MY TRIBE AND HAVE BIG HOPE AND SEE A GREAT FUTURE FOR OUR PPL......HOYT!
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I read this everyday, without comment. I believe we are on the right track. Words are now positive, which makes our tribe strong and positive. Keep up the great work fellow tribal members.
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what r the activities for the youth during their spring break? does any one know? i agree with the positiveness thats the way we will be able to iron out the wrinkles.
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I'm not too sure if there is any plans that have been plan for the week, but Lucia would be the one to talk to . She is the youth coordinator now. That is a really good idea indnsoldier to have activities planned for the weeks when the kids are out of school. I do know we are starting baseball sign up for 9-13 year old starting next week I will be the coach and Lenette Slaton will be my asset.. if there is anyone you know interested please have them call me or Lucia my number is 253-389-2204 and Lucia's is 253-312-8799
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It looks as if the Puyallup Tribe is going to get the long awaited changes they deserve. The membership is full of positive, intelligent and energetic people, and it is a good sign for the membership.
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today is May 21, 2007 there is an activity every Monday at the Chief Leschi School. One of the activities is open Gym for basketball and also walking around the gym. There is also Monday night sewing regalia and many more activities in the planing. Myself as a mother,grandmother I really appreciate the effort that Lucia is putting out there for the youth and anyone who gets involved. It is something that our children will hold onto and pass on to their children the positive role models are stepping up the teenage children that are young leaders in the community is a beautiful site to see so once again I just wanted to say that much at this time. GOD BLESS EVERYONE INVOLVED IN SAVING OUR NATIVE COMMUNITY HOYT
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Dear Mr. Miles,
I would like to let you know how proud I am to hear your were successful. Hope all is well. I really enjoy to read what a strong leader you are when answering difficult questions. Answers are concise and without anger. Hope to see you down the road. Sincerely,
Your Aunt
Rebecca
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James,
I once heard you say that gangs were a good thing because they take the place of families for kids who were disassociated with their families. How do you reconcile this statement with your seemingly new view on the revitalization of the tribal community? Have you had a revitalization yourself, or are you just on the " I will say anything to appear like a leader" bandwagon?
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James will never be on a bandwagon, lol please ! you go James, Im so proud of you and the things I know you will do for our people.
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Is there no more writing, up dates, events since Mr. Miles has successfully made coucil? Hmmm everything is just dropped. Members who don't live in the area use this site to keep up on news....what happened to the news...did the Tribe become invisible?
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Why bother asking...no one maintains this site. Pitty really, it was a successful way of communication. Just like everything else, it suited it purpose, so disgard it.
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This morning I sit here with a positive attitude. I'am thinking about some of the things that were said, there have been many issues lay ed out on the table,so we need some answers? It looks like to me someone is maintaining this site or our commets wouldn't be out here. So great job who ever is taking their time out of their lives to put information on the website for us. The different issues were facing is just a drop in the bucket. We as Tribal People need to come together. We need to eliminate the negative and move forward together. This is the way, these are the teachings! We are facing issues throughout INDIAN COUNTRY to protect our PEOPLE, our leaders need to come together unite on these decisions their making that concern all our lives. We all know what we face concerning the U.S. Government trying to do their best to take away our Treaty rights our natural born rights. So find out what we are facing as Tribal Nations and back up one another the best we can. IN A POSITIVE WAY, IN A GOOD WAY, IN A WAY WE WILL CONTINUE TO PROTECT OUR FUTURE GENERATIONS.
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I just wanted to say good job to the leaders, who are doing the best job they can. You know I was once told were not perfect we all make mistakes. If this is what this young man said then let it be but do you ever think about all the good things that people do? I have seen a tremendous turn around in several different programs.So I just wanted to say could you say you never said something that you might of regret later down the road, when we get more experience in life we look back and wonder did I really say,act and do those things yeah were not perfect so Iam addressing the person who is living in the past and remembering nothing but the negative. This is what we need to get away from dirty politics. We learned many non-native ways.Shall we focus in a positive manner, so good things can happen. This is what I've been taught, how about you? Try it you'll like it.It is hard to live in a good way but it is easy to put someone down what do you think. Isnt it good just do the best we can. There are so many things to do here with our lives and in such a short time our ancestors did the best they could to take care of us now it is our turn to do that for the future generations. Hopefully suggestions can be made in a good way so we can help one another out.
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