Presidential and legislative candidates for the June 4 General Election were provided the opportunity to answer two questions for this issue of the Hocak Worak.

Each candidate was given five questions, of which they were instructed to choose two questions. They were allowed to use up to 700 words total for both answers.

The questions were:

1. What are some goals and objectives for the Ho-Chunk Nation in the next four years?

    

2. What do you think about the Ho-Chunk people’s investment into the gaming business and do you think any changes need to be made in regards to business ventures?

    

3. Do you think any changes need to be made to the present blood quantum requirement for enrollment membership?

    

4. Should there be any changes made to the present Children’s Trust Fund and the disbursement of the monies as the children reach a certain age or level of education?

    

5. Should the Ho-Chunk Nation make more programs available to tribal members to be able to start their own businesses?

The candidate answers are provided below:

Presidential candidates

Gregory S. Blackdeer

1. What are some goals and objectives for the Ho-Chunk Nation in the next four years?

For the People

Workforce development: leadership and management training, housing construction skills, mentorship and internship opportunities, and job placement supporting capable qualified Ho-Chunk people.

Organize transportation pool of Ho-Chunk people willing to transport Ho-Chunk people beyond those who are court-ordered.

Encourage our youth to value and provide service— going into the military, getting an education, becoming part of the workforce, and/or being good parents.

Create HCS-based rehabilitation and recovery programming by defining and infusing HCN cultural practices with current established best practice programming.

Community-healing as part of the tribal action plan by increasing awareness about historical and intergenerational trauma, address lateral oppression, recognize the people as survivors, and address our healing needs.

Create community-based drug endangered community task forces to address the on-going drug epidemic.

Regarding Government

Programs and Services

Conduct a review to familiarize myself with current and near future projects

Update our strategic plan

Review and revise standard operating procedures

Review, assess and reform the Tribal Action Plan and effectiveness toward the drug epidemic

Appoint key personnel to help organize and maintain community-based drug-endangered community task forces to ensure communities have the resources they need

Review existing health insurance plan, specifically addressing pharmacy concerns

Preserve and protect our land for our cultural practices and way of life.

Lead the community so we can embrace our similarities, respect our difference, and remember our strength of standing together as one.

 Regarding Business

Advance the development of our financial resources

Shape our future financial sustainability

Address existing customer service plan

 Review, monitor and redress Beloit planning as needed

Develop workforce by having Department of Labor formulate employment tracks for entry level positions; offer training and professional development to ensure best-practices are followed in all executive branch departments

Recruit tribal members for our future workforce by using “grow your own” methods: tracking, promising, incentivizing, educating, and returning to work for Ho-Chunk Nation in their field

Ensure green energy development and sustainability are taking place by retrofitting existing buildings where possible and ensuring existing and future building plans incorporate green sustainability.

       2. What do you think about the Ho-Chunk people’s investment into the gaming business and do you think any changes need to be made in regards to business ventures?

I don’t know how an individual would answer this question. If you’re asking me if I’m ok with allowing tribal members to invest in our businesses I think tribal members already invest in the businesses by electing district legislators to work on their behalves.

I have several so I have selected a few, I would like to shape our future financial sustainability, review, monitor and redress Beloit planning as needed. Recruit tribal members for our future workforce by using “grow your own” methods. Update and work with any existing strategic plans. Review, assess and reform the Tribal Action Plan and effectiveness toward drug epidemic. Work diligently with Executive Directors and legislature with the goals and objectives to lead our community to embrace our similarities, respect our differences, and remember out strength of standing together. 

Marlon E. WhiteEagle

1. What are some goals and objectives for the Ho-Chunk Nation in the next four years?

Some goals and objectives for the Ho-Chunk Nation in the next four years are to return the voice of the Nation to the people who have been overlooked time and time again at our annual General Council meeting. The people are nearly giving up on their tribal government and faith in elected officials to be responsible leaders for the betterment of all tribal members.

Without the people's involvement, interest, and participation we can't move forward with consensus in a good direction. I firmly believe the people know what they want from their tribal government.

       2.  What do you think about the Ho-Chunk people’s investment into the gaming business and do you think any change need to be made in regards to business ventures?

The Ho-Chunk Nation's investment into the gaming business has been very fruitful. It has certainly improved our quality of life.

Revenue from gaming hasn't been what we've seen in years past. Our biggest customers are those retired people with a disposable income to gamble with. But that age group is dying out, and their money is being transferred to a different type of spender. If we want to see our revenue increase, we have to spend our marketing money in a more responsible way to attract the young gambler.

In the age of algorithm-based marketing, we need to look at the numbers and invest accordingly.

Collectively, we need to decide if we keep all our eggs in one basket; and that basket is gaming.

For years, we, the people, have wanted to separate business from government. The government run business prevents us from capitalizing on the business model that have been proven to work. We have to allow well-trained, experts to put our money to work for us if our goal is to increase our revenue.

I'd like to see us create another Section 17 Federally-chartered corporation, or even a tribally chartered corporation, whichever model is most useful to enter the business world. We may have never had a more favorable environment with our current state and federal officials willing to work with us in regards to business ventures. I'm excited for the possibilities to solidify our legacy as Ho-Chunk people.

Legislative candidates

District 1, Seat 2

Carol Ann Garvin

             1. What are some goals and objectives for the Ho-Chunk Nation in the next four years?

A major concern is the Nation’s ability to sustain the future of our sovereignty in the face of threats by the current US President.  The assertion is that Native Nation people should be declared as a “race” and not be recognized as a first nation people.  We, as native people, have always faced political extermination.  Today is no different.  How do we (Ho-Chunk) solidify our future?  One goal is to amend the Constitution of the Ho-Chunk Nation strengthening the capacity to develop and implement reforms in areas of agricultural growth, economic development of policies and processes, investments, and structural transformation.  These goals are achievable by bolstering our economy using diverse, advanced strategies, such as inviting industries into our Ho-Chunk communities.  Secondly, programs and services require stronger language in their respective laws so that we (the Ho-Chunk People) for example, do not succumb to states who marginalize Native Nation sovereignty.  Marginalization and colonialism damage our Ho-Chunk society, e.g. family break-ups, loss of culture and language, loss of ceremonial practices, day-to-day household sustainability by not being employable (unemployment rate for Ho-Chunk is 20% of the adult population), and disparity in educational achievements due to racial inequities in classrooms.  We must define and integrate human rights into our Constitution of the Ho-Chunk Nation as law which articulates the value and dignity Ho-Chunk People have contributed, using our unique presence throughout Wisconsin (transforming rural economies), Minnesota, and Illinois to manifest opportunities to address the challenges of poverty and unemployment by creating a government to lay the foundation for success.

            2. What do you think about the Ho-Chunk people’s investment into the gaming business and do you think any change need to be made in regards to business ventures?

The Nation has experienced tremendous growth in population, gaming, lands, housing, etc.  We have surpassed our systems that were initiated back in the 1990’s and now must plan and implement contemporary applications to guide the process of change in our management systems and procedures on an annual basis.  It is my opinion that we are at risk, both internally and externally, as a fatality of corruption and fraud.  The key is for multi-stakeholder collaboration throughout all our communities as a means to initiate uniform transparency and control at all levels of our government.  Working with our communities to assist with deciding what those contemporary applications will be to help the Nation (our Nation) change the scope of how we do business, invite businesses, and/or create businesses.  Engaging our Ho-Chunk People in our communities will help decrease social exploitation and economic fraud because all the people will have a vested interest in the outcome of their proposed resolution intended to benefit all Ho-Chunk People as well as safeguarding the best interests of our Ho-Chunk Nation. 

George O. Stacy

1. What are some goals and objectives for the Ho-Chunk Nation in the next four years?

We need accurate numbers on the state of our tribe so we know the areas of highest need. We need to be better communicators to the members on what we are working on and what we will be voting on. We need to be accountable to the members and one way we do that is making our voting record public. We need to seek the input of tribal members on the operations of the tribe. These are some of the ways we can create a better government for the tribe and future generations. Some of the topics I hope to spend time working on finding additional solutions are as follows:

Drug epidemic solutions.

Language funding.

Education programs

Housing diversification

Employment rights

Green Energy

Fiscal responsibility

Business opportunities

             2. What do you think about the Ho-Chunk people’s investment into the gaming business and do you think any changes need to be made in regards to business ventures?

Business decisions should be made with careful thoughtful planning. When large financial investment decisions are made the public should have a way to provide input before final decisions are made. Public forums can be a part of the process.

We need to look at our education scholarships and put money in scholarships to fund business and other related degrees (at the Bachelors and Master levels). We will be a better Nation when we are able to run our own businesses with highly qualified tribal members.

We must also invest in small business development. This would provide additional options for tribal members to be employed and provide for themselves and their families.

I believe Beloit will be a very successful casino once it is up and running. Madison as well looks to be moving forward with some smart developments.

But we must look outside of gaming as well. Green energy options would be something I would strongly support as an investment that has a return that cannot be measured monetarily.

District 2, Seat 1

Kathy DeCamp

The Legislature does not make this type of decision. A consensus of our Nation needs to decide how we determine citizenship in our Nation and make that change if wanted in our constitution. The discussion needs to be had: How will we enroll people and determine citizenship in the future? Any suggestions for change need to be by Secretarial Election to amend Constitution.

 The Children trust fund has gone through many changes since its inception. It is protected, and at times during my term I hear tribal member concerns, and thoughts over the Children Trust Fund being used for various business projects, this is incorrect. Our Investment Officer Anthony Falcon offers his time to share information with tribal members who can make an appointment. The trust is protected in the signed agreement between the HCN and PNC Bank. The disbursement of the trust fund as children turn 18 and have earned a high school diploma. A General Council resolution created a Financial Literacy requirement before trusts are issued. The past leaders may not have realized that the trust would grow the way it did and the IGRA trust was the only way that it could be fully intact when it is withdrawn at the age of majority and when HS diploma was met, instead of annually. There was a substantial difference for children who are enrolled right away verses later in their age, the difference could be up to $65,000. We also had 50% of the parents not filing taxes or paying taxes every year, so when the minor finally withdrew the trust, the minor was hit with all the penalties and fees by the IRS and Department of Revenue, obliterating the trust. Finally, and most importantly, up until now it wasn't in an IGRA trust, so it was not protected like it is now. I believe requirements should be updated, but one issue now that since they only pay taxes now once on a lump sum they pay at a higher level. There was talk of a staggered distribution when the change was initially being discussed. (i.e. receiving equal payments over three years) so they would stay at a lower level of taxable income. It is extremely important that tribal leaders have education and financial literacy knowledge to set up the best programs that they can for our minor and disabled or incompetent tribal members. Additionally, now that it is protected, it allows for disabled tribal members to obtain state aid. About 25 to 40 tribal members would have been removed off their institutionalized living arrangements and lose all their benefits if we did not go to a proper IGRA trust set up. This has been in the works for the past 15 years. Current leadership that put this into place (was our most competent financial leadership) regarding our Children’s Trust Fund.

Conroy Greendeer

1. What are some goals and objectives for the Ho-Chunk Nation in the next four years?

    

   The goals and objectives for the Ho-Chunk Nation over the next four years would be to establish a more proactive approach in taking care of our internal customer.  The tribal employees’ of the nation are the backbone and we need to be put forth more of an effort for their professional development and well-being. 

The Ho-Chunk nations’ investment into the gaming business has truly done wonders for our people over the last 20 plus years, which has helped us establish various service departments that have helped our Ho-Chunk people and we couldn’t be anymore thankful.  But the gaming industry should have its steady flow of income in the foreseeable future.  With this said the nation might need a little more diversified profile.  One example would be to start looking into investing in other types of goods and services. (i.e. franchises)  These might not be the big exciting moves that the tribe is use to, but would provide the tribe with other money makers besides the Gaming and Convenience stores. 

District 3, Seat 3

Darren Brinegar

1. What are some goals and objectives for the Ho-Chunk Nation in the next four years?

Change some of the current laws such as The ERA, add an ERA for our Enterprises; The Housing Act,    and the L.O.A. Work on streaming lining Ho-Nation processes - cut the red tape. (i.e.: Education, Social Services, and Enrollment)

As an individual who has worked gaming, I would like to see our gaming properties be   successful  and provide the necessary revenue that our tribe needs to operate and grow. We need  to have our Legislative and Executive Branches develop and implement a preventative maintenance plan for not just our gaming properties,  but all of the Nations Buildings.  We need  to have some development at HCG- Nekoosa and Madison. These two properties desperately  need up grades done in the very near  future.

Erik J. Lincoln

1. What are some goals and objectives for the Ho-Chunk Nation in the next four years?

    

   I have made my rounds on the campaign trail and I have heard many concerns: housing, opioids and lack of funding to name a few. What I really heard is that there is a lack of communication from our centralized government to our outlying communities. I have heard the frustration; I have experienced the frustration. At times it appears that the person delivering the message simply chooses not to without consideration to how it would affect the people downstream. My goal for the Nation is to identify and correct what is holding us back so that we can continue to grow again. We will need a strong foundation to build upon if we ever hope to move beyond our current methods of operations of our various organizations. Through simple corrections we can clear the obstacles that hold us back and free up the much needed funding to correct our social woes. We will need to act together if we are going to continue or way of life. There is no quick fix to what we are experiencing, we need people that are passionate in the communities to initiate change. We need representation to champion through the initiatives and all of our relatives to celebrate our accomplishments to continue on the positive path forward.

          2. What do you think about the Ho-Chunk people’s investment into the gaming business and do you think any changes need to be made in regards to business ventures? 

 I find it unacceptable that we are experiencing cutbacks in a time of economic growth that the rest of the country is experiencing. In the past few months I have deepened my appreciation for those who have served before me; this position has many great responsibilities across a broad spectrum of disciples. However we have grown accustom to the “this is how we have always done it” and complacency is the downfall of any organization. Too many times I have seen that we put the importance of an individual ahead of the benefit of the Nation. These now common practices needs to be changed if we wish to continue our growth from the societal collapse we endured when our land was colonized. The casinos are the economic engines that drive all of our social programs and the main purpose for their existence. We need to write the laws that enable them to operate at peak efficiency and provide as intended. I will not put my own personal financial and professional growth ahead of what I best for the Nation. I know that the tribal members in District Three will hold me accountable to my responsibility to best serve them. The D3 areas have been overlooked in the past and are ready for the support that is needed to grow our communities, heal our members and strengthen our standing within the larger communities that host us. 

Thanks for reading my thoughts, I do not like to sound pessimistic but we do need to identify and discuss our areas for improvement if we truly wish to change and grow. We are an ancient culture trying our best to fit into a modern world through a very young government. We are here today because of those who prayed for us to carry on our traditions and ways. There will always be need to change the way we govern our people. We need people with conviction and integrity to make those adjustments as to ensure our traditions survive for another several millennia. I truly appreciate all of those that have served as legislative representations in the past. It takes a tremendous amount of self-sacrifice, patience and perseverance to fulfill the duties of this role. I have done this once before as a soldier and now I want to do so again as your representative. Check out my website: eriklincoln.wixsite/district3 for my past accomplishments and vote Lincoln June 4th!