April 11, 2011
Monday

I would like to thank the KIC membership that have taken the time to get involved with their government. When you participate in "Persons to be Heard" on the council agenda, you are exercising your right, and I, as a council member appreciate that.

When I worked under IHS and SEARHC at our clinic I worked as a social service provider.  The physicians would refer an irate patient to our department because we had the time to listen to what was going on in their lives.  By the time the patient left our office they had obtained what they needed to work on issues in their lives.  They were then on our radar to follow-up and continue to work in partnership with them and their families.

That is the way I work at the council table.  Listening not only helps our membership, it also helps us as elected council members to hear the issues.  After all, we answer to them.  Until that changes we need to listen.

Sincerely,

Cecelia Johnson
tribal member
Ketchikan, AK