An Open Letter from Assistant Chief Charles Locust

Dear UKB Tribal Members,

All United Keetoowah Band Tribal Members can be assured their Government continues to move in the right direction. One example is by the fact in July 2008 we will have successfully completed the last (5) fiscal year's tribal audits, which will place the Band in a positive position to apply for the Department of Interior's Self Governance Program. This is a first in history for the Band.

In the last 3 ½ years, the Band has witnessed annual funding double for Educational Scholarships and to the Human Services programs budgets. Another positive revenue generated program is the District Representative's Emergency Assistance Program. This program was developed for members who sometimes fall through the cracks of the Federal Programs eligibility guidelines. One of the most important programs and the one that we're most proud of, is the Elderly Assistance Program. This is for members fifty five and over. This assistance is given twice a year and our members have stated this is a great benefit from the Band. These newly funded programs are allowing more casino tribal support revenue to be put back into assistance for our tribal members, young and old.

These programs were developed by this Administration and Tribal Council. All this was not available before and is now available due to the accountability and integrity that has been implemented into the tribe's daily operations. This activity is all documented though the Accounting Department and follows the UKB's Revenue Allocation Plan, which is recorded with the Department of Interior's Regional Office.

In another area, the Tribal Council, Election Board and Enrollment Committees have worked very hard in ensuring future elections are conducted with as little interruption as possible. In the last three years they have studied and revised the Election Ordinance and Enrollment guidelines to make it easier for our members to enroll and vote. They also implemented a computerized voting system, which was used in the previous election and will be used in the upcoming election as well. This system has allowed faster returns. Based on the assessment of the November 2006 election, the process proved to be a positive move for the Band.

These are just a few of the goals and objectives that the Administration stated 3 ½ years ago. The Administration wants to remind everyone of these objectives, and point out they were accomplished ahead of their original time schedules. This proves we can have an efficient tribal government, if we have experienced leaders who can strategically plan how to control daily operations which in turn, will direct our own tribal destiny.

We must consider along with these types of fast paced changes, there has been enormous operational and membership growth. In some situations this has caused some concerns to the Administration and members, but through accurate and clear communication lines, these types of situations can be properly addressed.

Overall, a great achievement was the fact everyone could witness these changes through the revised organizational structure and financial balance the Administration and Tribal Council have implemented into the UKB. This will make our tribe and people stronger, because we are accountable while increasing services for our members.

Other areas of positive growth include the Economic Development Authority, Language, History and Culture Department, new Satellite offices, Scholarship increases, new and free language classes, annual wage increases to employees, and development of a new 401K plan. New construction projects include the Elder Community Center, and the upcoming Civil Defense Station, along with the Cultural Museum, which will all be a part of the UKB Tribal Complex, located on the tribe's 80 acres.

One avenue which proved to be the greatest accomplishment was immediately taking control of the Gaming Facility. In the last three and one half years, by implementing positive Human Resource and Internal Polices, Upgrades to Salaries, and Implementation of a 401k program, have proved to be positive management change. These changes immediately increased tribal resources by 30 % in the second half of 2005 and have continued to produce at an increased level since 2005.

One thing everyone should be asked to not to forget the negative financial position the Band was in, when this new Administration took over in January of 2005. At that time, the new Administration entered an organization that was in chaos, and they had to struggle to regain control of the tribal programs and finances. There were not just issues with our finances, but most of the federal and tribal programs were out of compliance too. The non-compliance was due to the lack of auditable financial and performance reporting requirements. All this became stabilized and under control, with the new Council and Administration. The Tribe is in the best financial position in its history.

As Assistant Chief, I wanted to take this opportunity to inform everyone, your tribal government continues to grow and move forward. This can be attributed to the current Administration and District Representative's new operational philosophy. The next six months will be a very important and exciting time for the UKB, and with the continued leadership and everyone's help and prayers, we can all be assured it will produce additional positive benefits. So remember, while utilizing the new programs and receiving their benefits, assist us in continuing in this new direction for the UKB.

If anyone has questions, please call us and/or come and see us. Thank you for allowing me to work for you and to hold this important and honored position of Assistant Chief.

Thank You,
Charles Locust