ATTENTION EVERYONE: I've been running into managers and directors who are afraid to give me simple interviews about the simplest of things in their programs, or even introductions of new directors, etc... They are being advised not to talk to me from our Legal Department.
I first started out in the LCO newspaper business in 1995, in Mic Isham's living room as he was pasting together the old version of the LCO Journal. At the time, he was calling Gaiashkibos, Hitler! I'm sure many of you remember that. Any ways, over the course of 20 years on and off as your local editor, I never once had a manager or director tell me they had to ask for permission to give me an interview in regards to the positive things their program or enterprise was involved with.
The only stories you'll find that are negative right now are stories that involve the casino or the tribal finances, which I won't be asking people from Family Services or the Health Department about. These two departments are just examples. The reason I will continue to cover these negative issues is because I feel passionate about your right as a tribal member to know what is going on. There are a lot of positive stories that can be told and these department heads certainly don't need to ask for permission to talk to me, a tribal member.
Through all these years, there were countless times that Mic Isham told me he despised the tribal government in control of any newspaper and that he always appreciated that I was independent. But, now, as chairman, and before I started writing again, he has been controlling all content that Lonnie is able to print. Basically, all you are receiving for news is Mic's picture on every other page!
Isn't it ironic that our chairman Mic Isham has become everything he despises. I think we know who the real Hitler is...when he cuts out people's contracts without honoring them, controls the press and then attempts to control the program directors and managers instructing Legal to tell them not to speak to me, has purged practically every manager on the Rez for many new managers who happen to have a past with him, refuses to show any financial statements (tribal or casino), has squandered away $7.3 million dollars that was in three bank accounts in just one year, yeah, that's right...$7.3 million! If you don't believe me, please, go up to the tribal office and ask Norma Ross, our secretary-treasurer to see the bank statements...you have the right as a tribal member. The millions are gone!
You will now witness them attempt to silence me, but it isn't going to happen. I've decided that you, our tribal membership, have a right to know everything that this council is up to, specifically Mic Isham. I'm not sure yet which other council members support him instructing Legal to tell managers not to talk to me, but I intent to find out and I will share that with you. You have a right to know which council members actually believe they have the power to do something like this.
What they fail to realize is the more they try to use Gestapo tactics by intimidating their personnel, the personnel will see their true colors and they will find a way! The truth about what has been happening this past year will come out as it already is. People are talking and more will talk, and you know why? Because, most people want what is best for this tribe and by sitting on the sidelines and remaining silent because Mic said so, they know isn't the right thing to do.
I mean, really, if I was wrong on everything I've been printing, then why use these immature and illegal tactics rather than putting out the correct information for the tribal membership. Come on, Mic, you can do better than this can't you? If I'm wrong, then why try to silence me rather than refute me with your own version of events...you have the tribal newspaper at your disposal...tell them the truth if what I've said isn't the truth!
Any ways. I will continue to print and post my blog. In the upcoming weeks I will be sharing with you stories about what I mentioned above in regards to Mic, the new Hitler!
Hopefully, I can still bring you the positive stories about some of our new directors and the goals of some of our programs, but, that might be difficult as they have been ordered not to talk to me. There is a first for everything I guess. In 20 years I have never come across a program director who said they had to get PERMISSION to talk to me. It's high time you all start questioning who and what your tribal leadership is all about. A man (our chairman) who refuses to honor employment and contractor agreements (owing them money) is a man without honor!
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Thursday, November 20, 2014
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Jobs continue to be lost at LCO Casino
In the ongoing saga that is LCO Casino, the more we talk
about the issues, more things come to light. A lot of our tribal membership is
talking about their own problems at the casino, whether as a patron or a guest,
and other people’s problems.
One of the main things I’ve heard lately is how deeply the
casino manager, Lee Harden, is cutting into the people of our tribe. Many of
our people who have held jobs at that casino for nearly two decades are now out
of work. They are hurting badly, economically and mentally. Imagine feeling
secure in your life only to have your security ripped out from underneath you.
Lee is using different tactics to clean out the tribal
workforce, including the drug testing. But, I’ve even heard that before he
considers someone for advancement, he is pressuring them to go to college. One
member who he said this to has 20 years of experience in the casino. I would
take that 20 years experience over a timeout for college any day. What is
college going to teach that tribal member at this point in their life in
regards to management level positions in the casino that 20 years on the gaming
floor hasn’t already taught them?
As the workforce in the casino diminishes, the work load
doesn’t. Who has to make up for these lost positions? The loyal, dedicated,
hard-working employees that remain, but, as their work load increases, their
pay doesn’t. They are required to pick up the slack that Lee has created, yet,
as they work other people’s jobs in addition to their own, they aren’t getting
paid anything extra. This is creating a disgruntled work force. Trust me, I
know. I’ve heard it from several employees. I’ve never seen employee morale as
low as it is right now. Three years ago when Lee was hired, morale was very
low. There was excitement as he came aboard and the workers looked forward to a
new direction, but, man, were we ever fooled! It’s much worse today and in over
two decades of our casino operation, I’ve never seen it like this.
In addition to this treatment of our tribal workforce, our
tribal elders are also feeling major disappointment. At their October 4 Elder’s Council meeting, they held a
discussion about how over the past two years the casino has become less and
less welcoming to them. A few things they pointed out that has been hurtful to
them is the elimination of bingo, the reduction of point rewards for slot play
specifically for elders, as well as, the cancellation of Sunday afternoon
dances in the lounge.
The elders said in their meeting that they were going to attempt
to have a meeting with Lee to discuss these issues. No word on whether this
meeting took place but it is highly unlikely. And finally, the elders said if
he doesn’t meet with them, they were going to organize regular trips for the
elders to other casinos in the area and discourage elders from playing at LCO.
Imagine that…another group heading off to play at other
nearby casinos. The elders will be joining the poker players, the serious slot
players who have noticed jackpots shrink and points become ridiculous, bingo
players and anyone looking for entertainment. Oh yeah, I forgot about anybody
who has a birthday to. Can you believe it? He actually eliminated the birthday
giveaway. LCO Casino is now the only casino in our area that does absolutely
nothing for you on your birthday!
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Have we been heard? First concert in 3 years at LCO Casino!
It appears that when the people stand together and speak up, positive change can occur. People do take notice. Our casino manager, Lee Harden, has imposed some tough changes in recent months, ever since his contract was extended, and they weren’t very popular to our membership. There was a back lash, and I wrote a couple of editorials about it in hopes that together, we could put a stop to the madness. Well, since then, there appears to have been a couple of changes but most of his actions continue.
For the first time in several years, there was a concert held at the LCO Casino Convention Center. I don’t know if the concert was a success in the eyes of Lee Harden (based on data), but it was quite a success to the people of our community. They were starving for some entertainment and they finally got it. Lee stated at the general membership meeting back in September that entertainment lost $800,000 for our tribe. I’d really like to know how he comes up with this figure from his data. Sure, the costs of putting on the entertainment are high, but does he not factor in that guests do stroll the casino and play slots, black jack and craps. Or, get a bite to eat. I know the casino does a great job of tracking player activity, but how can they assume that concert-goers aren’t spending in the casino.
In regards to the poker room, it wasn’t totally squashed. Two tables were moved out into the table games pit and tournaments are still being held. From what I hear, poker has two months to make a profit or it will be squashed.
Some other proposed changes may have been delayed as well.
Lorraine Gouge was one of those persons who spoke up at the General Membership Meeting. She told Lee that the whole purpose of our casino is to help our people and not “to lose sight of that.”
Lee said that the casino has shown improvement this last summer as other casino properties have shown significant losses. In a letter to the LCO News, Lee said that we’ve shown 1.57% growth in slot revenue since the long winter of 2013-14. At the membership meeting he told the members that it was one of our best summers ever.
Lorraine told Lee she disagreed with him. “I don’t believe this was one of our best summers. There wasn’t much activity and there’s nothing going on. People aren’t coming.”
Lorraine said that she didn’t think the casino is currently attracting the local population that like to gamble. “You may cater to the wealthier population but they are not here. The locals are here and the way you design to attract and keep people is important.”
Lorraine told Lee that it’s important he listen to the people. “Don’t overlook what’s important to us tribal people.”
In Lee’s letter to the LCO News, he said that increased profitability at the casino should be apparent to everyone. Well, I say, why are tribal services and programs being cut? Services to our elders are being cut. Programs that serve our community are being cut. A $3 million dollar tribal surplus has disappeared in just over a year. Tribal checks are bouncing resulting in overdraft fees over a quarter of a million dollars. How is this any sign that our casino is improving?
Stay informed....Sign up for the weekly LCO Online Newsletter
Stay informed....Visit the new LCO Today website
For the first time in several years, there was a concert held at the LCO Casino Convention Center. I don’t know if the concert was a success in the eyes of Lee Harden (based on data), but it was quite a success to the people of our community. They were starving for some entertainment and they finally got it. Lee stated at the general membership meeting back in September that entertainment lost $800,000 for our tribe. I’d really like to know how he comes up with this figure from his data. Sure, the costs of putting on the entertainment are high, but does he not factor in that guests do stroll the casino and play slots, black jack and craps. Or, get a bite to eat. I know the casino does a great job of tracking player activity, but how can they assume that concert-goers aren’t spending in the casino.
In regards to the poker room, it wasn’t totally squashed. Two tables were moved out into the table games pit and tournaments are still being held. From what I hear, poker has two months to make a profit or it will be squashed.
Some other proposed changes may have been delayed as well.
Lorraine Gouge was one of those persons who spoke up at the General Membership Meeting. She told Lee that the whole purpose of our casino is to help our people and not “to lose sight of that.”
Lee said that the casino has shown improvement this last summer as other casino properties have shown significant losses. In a letter to the LCO News, Lee said that we’ve shown 1.57% growth in slot revenue since the long winter of 2013-14. At the membership meeting he told the members that it was one of our best summers ever.
Lorraine told Lee she disagreed with him. “I don’t believe this was one of our best summers. There wasn’t much activity and there’s nothing going on. People aren’t coming.”
Lorraine said that she didn’t think the casino is currently attracting the local population that like to gamble. “You may cater to the wealthier population but they are not here. The locals are here and the way you design to attract and keep people is important.”
Lorraine told Lee that it’s important he listen to the people. “Don’t overlook what’s important to us tribal people.”
In Lee’s letter to the LCO News, he said that increased profitability at the casino should be apparent to everyone. Well, I say, why are tribal services and programs being cut? Services to our elders are being cut. Programs that serve our community are being cut. A $3 million dollar tribal surplus has disappeared in just over a year. Tribal checks are bouncing resulting in overdraft fees over a quarter of a million dollars. How is this any sign that our casino is improving?
Stay informed....Sign up for the weekly LCO Online Newsletter
Stay informed....Visit the new LCO Today website
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