 by Bill Thomas Sr. January 15, 2005
Thank you for your generous forum for getting local ideas, issues and suggestions which is the pulse of this fine diverse community. I am a candidate for election to the office of the president of Ketchikan Indian Community. The organization began as a proud segment of the Native population in Ketchikan. Over the years, as more experienced tribal council members and experience leaders retired from active leadership roles, the governing body was introduced to many, younger and ambitious candidates who had a strong desire to serve as elected council members and president of KIC. I continue to applaud their willingness to serve and use their good young energy. However, recent performance by these fine individuals came with an agenda but, had no previous experience in public or tribal affairs with respect to serving as a policy maker or following the policies set forth by the office of the Secretary of the Interior, or procedures that have been adopted by KIC. The changes that they submitted and followed as their guidance of operations and procedures is demonstrated by the language in such a document they refer to as "Ordinance No. 7". It clearly shows the lack of experience and lack of respect for each other as well as its membership. If elected, I bring many years of leadership in the public sector of state and federal governments and tribal organizations. I know both culture and have old fashioned values such as honor and respect everybody. I'm familiar with adopted processes and procedures and hope to offer my knowledge and experience to incumbent younger council members and those younger generations that hope to vie for an elected position to any forum. Voting is from 8 am to 8 pm at the Plaza Mall on Monday January 17. I ask for your vote for me as President of KIC. But most importantly, if you are an eligible voter as a KIC member, please take your valuable time and vote for the candidate of your choice. Respectfully, Bill Thomas Sr. for KIC president
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