Manataba Messenger

Page 10 CANDIDATE FOR TRIBAL COUNCIL TIMOTHY MARISCAL CANDIDATE FOR TRIBAL COUNCIL JOHNSON “JD” FISHER My name is Timothy H. Mariscal and I am a candidate for Council Member of the Colorado River Indian Tribes Tribal Council. I am the son of the late Cecelia H. Mariscal, father of three boys and one daughter. I have resided on the Colorado River Indian Reservation for more than 50 years, retired from the Bureau of Indian Affairs after 24 years of civil service and for the last 15 years I have served as the Supervisor of the CRIT Wildland Fire Initial Attack Program; a Public Law 93-63 8 Tribal Contract program. Throughout the years, a growing concern of the tribal community is the tribe's financial position, community support, protection and ongoing prosperity of tribal busi- ness and members. The tribe has made great strides in maintaining and expanding the sovereignty of tribal lands and establishing new business enterprises BUT the tribal community has seen little benefit from the tribes newly established successes. What the tribal community has seen is a staggering lack of communication from our tribal representatives on the advancement of the tribe, status of tribal programs and transparency of the tribal financial status. Throughout past campaigns we always see the word "CHANGE" but the change that the tribal community seeks has yet to come to fruition. What does the word, CHANGE, mean to you? It is not just Indian County that seeks change, but it is a national and global concept that people of all races and all communities are voicing to take place. Our community will only become stronger if we, CRIT tribal members, take the steps to drive and push change forward. Our community has seen loss and discord sown into our youth, our traditions fall to the side, and our elder' s knowledge lost with each day. The members of the Colorado River Indian Tribes are a strong people, a strong community who have seen many changes and transitions throughout the years. Now is the time to set focus and prioritize the concerns of the tribal community and elect leaders who will walk in the direction of building up our tribe, re-establishing our traditions and bringing the community together. In order to do this, we must maintain our stance for more communication, transparency from our tribal government and expand our individual knowledge of our Tribal Constitution and bylaws. We must be active in the development of programs for our youth and elders, demand sound business practices and hold strong to our culture. As a member of Council, I will strive to establish better communication between tribal departments and the community; seek to make sound, educated decisions regarding the tribe's interest in business, water, youth education, elder support, community ties and ensuring our tribal employees are rewarded for their time and dedication. Also, I will join in making it a priority we have funding for the COVID-19 vaccine, once it becomes available, and protocol for all tribal members and elders to receive once approved. Will work with the tribal and surrounding communities to change the state of our affairs and begin to build reciprocity between governments and law enforcement to ensure all individuals have safe communities to live in. YOU, the individual tribal member is a key factor to uphold the focus of Tribal Council, to change the situation and move forward. These goals will not be quick, it will take time to repair the broken lines of communication and prac- tices, but with time, support, understanding, teamwork and respect they can be accomplished. WE must be HEARD. YOU must be HEARD. YOU can make a CHANGE! Greetings fellow Tribal members, I am Johnson “JD” Fisher and I am up for re-election to the Tribal Council of the Colorado River Indian Tribes. My parents are Ruben Fisher and Rena Van Fleet. My maternal grandparents are the late Fordner Van Fleet and Gertrude Booth Van Fleet, and my fraternal grandparents are the late Jesse Fisher and Victoria Romo. If re-elected, I will continue to work with everyone to keep our people as safe as possible, as we all adjust to the new “normal” caused by COVID-19. At the same time, I will do my best to work with Tribal Council to maintain our Tribal economy for our future needs. It is my determination to develop more housing or apartments for Tribal families, as there is an expressed need. During this Pandemic, I had recommended the order to give out cleaning supplies and food for our Membership. I also advocated for $1,000.00 be given to all adult Tribal Members. It would be my honor and privilege to continue serving all four (4) Tribes of the Colorado River Indian Tribes, to help provide solutions for our future challenges and collaborate with Tribal departments, the Tribal Council and outside entities on behalf of the Tribes, I would like to continue to be your voice to carry on positive and productive opportunities for us all. Please be safe and protect your families. s/ Johnson “JD” Fisher