1986-10-10 Char-Koosta News

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Pablo, Montcna
Management of FIIP power division may be decided soon
The controversy over who should manage the FIIP power division -- the Tribes and its promised consumer boards, or a newly formed rural electric cooperative headed by non-Indians -- seems to be over, in spite of interference by a U.S. senator.
Last month, Montana Senator John Melcher, siding with the Mission Mountain Electric Cooperative (MM-EC), attempted to legislatively stop the
Department of Interior (DOI) from signing a utility management contract with the Tribes. He amended DOI's FY-87 appropriations bill to include a provision that would have prohibited the Secretary of the Interior from transferring management control of the power division from the BIA to the Tribes.
Both the Senate and House of Representatives versions of the budget bill contained the Melcher amendment. A committee formed to
find a compromise between the two versions ended up removing the amendment, however, on Oct. 7.
The Melcher amendment was beginning to cause ripples across Indian Country because it was seen as a serious attack on PL 93-638, the Indian Self-Determination Act, and not just an action concerning the Salish and Kootenai people. The law allows Indian tribes to take over the management of certain BIA services.
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Council member resigns; deadline to file for replacement election is Monday
PABLO - Kevin Howlett resigned his position as Arlee Council member on the morning of Sept. 30. He told reporters that he was vacating his term for personal reasons. (His statement to the Council about his decision is on page two, as it appeared in the Sept. 30 Council meeting minutes.)
A special election to select his replacement has been set for Saturday, Nov. 1. "An election seemed like a more democratic approach," Tribal Chairman Ron Therriault said, explaining why the Council chose not to replace Howlett using the letters-of-interest and Council selection procedure that was used in 1984 and 1985 when the Poison district found itself without representation.
Arlee Tribal members interested in serving on the Council for the 14
months that will remain in the vacated term after the election, have to notify the Tribal Executive Secretary of their intentions no later than 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 13. Sworn affadavits testifying to each candidate's qualifications must be submitted by then, along with a non-refundable $25.00 filing fee. See the election notice below for complete details.
The special election's schedule of events, and the list of polling places, is as follows:
Opening date for filing application for candidacy: Thursday, Oct. 2,1986.
Closing date for filing application for candidacy: 4:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 13.
Deadline for withdrawing application for candidacy: 4:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 13.
Certification of candidates: Wed-(Continues on page two)