To the Editor.
For five years now I have shown the light on injustice toward Lumbee people wherever it may exist in our tribal government. Pearlene Revels and Louise Mitchell now are faulting me for what has been my mission. Both individuals have publicly criticized me and bullied me personally. It speaks loudly when opponents cannot argue the facts that you present and their recourse is to attack personally.
I am tired of dishonest people controlling our tribal government and raping tribal members. I am tired of elected individuals abusing federal monies and ordering room service instead of services to improve the homes and lives of tribal members.
I am personally infuriated that recently Pearlene and her Tribal Council spent $18,000 in purchasing Ipads for themselves, once again placing their personal desires before tribal member needs. Before leaving for the $55,000 five-day trip to Alaska, the Tribal Council authorized paying $50 per month for each Tribal Council member to have Internet cards for these Ipads. Tribal Council is paid $138,600 per year and they can’t buy their own Internet access?
I am personally disgusted that the Tribal Council has already spent their $300,000 annual budget since Oct. 1, 2011. Tribal Administration had to loan “Pearlene’s Big Spenders” $22,000 to pay their credit card debt for their trip to Alaska.
The “21 to 9 NOW” effort to reduce by constitutional amendment the size of the Tribal Council is to minimize absurd and unaccountable behavior that continues to embarrass the Lumbee people. Personally I think Lumbees have suffered enough at the hands of self-serving and dishonest people. We have had enough nepotism — kin looking out for kin — at the expense of the Lumbee people. And Louise Mitchell arguing that the language 21 districts doesn’t mean 21 single districts is illogical.
I need the immediate support of the Lumbee people in advocating for nine tribal districts. I am asking every enrolled Lumbee to contact the Tribal Office and simply say the words “21 to 9 NOW!” This request for nine tribal districts and nine Tribal Council members can be made to: phone 910-521-7861; fax 910-521-7790 or email ccollins@lumbeetribe.com.
My fight is personal … for the 57,000 persons who make up the Lumbee!
Eric R. Locklear
Pembroke
If the contractors can be banded from the office and work site. Why cn't the tribe legally band this man? I know people who are banded from there.
Your fight Mr. Locklear is "personal". Did you not write up your own contract and give it to the Tribal Council? Are you trying to pull another "Rose Marie?" You want to publish somthing, publish that!
I am too intelligent for you to speak for me. No one elected you to speak for the less then 57,000.
ANd you cannot even spell the Speaker's first name right...
Next time you will claim to be the head of the Tribal Council like you need the North Carolina Indian Cultural Center.
Man, go get you some medication and therapy. Give us a break we are tired of your babbling!