Unlawful tactics being used to oust my councilwoman

Those in power are trying to steal my vote by kicking Councilwoman Andrea George off the Colville Business Council. When oppressive schemes like this are not checked, the People’s rights are at risk.

The CBC’s Executive Committee used new so-called “emergency” powers on Feb. 7 to place Ms. George on paid administrative leave. The basis? They declared that she “poses an immediate risk to the health, safety, welfare of Colville Tribal members, and/or threatens to disrupt operations of the Tribal government,” according to the CBC’s news release.

Really. This is outrageous!

This “emergency action order” is beyond the constitutional authority of CBC.

This is a blatant act of oppression — against a Council representative and against the People. They want to take her power and keep her quiet. Why is that?

The executive committee consists of CBC Chairman Rodney Cawston, Vice Chairman Andy Joseph, Secretary Karen Condon, Keller Rep. Jack Ferguson, and Inchelium Rep. Richard Swan.

The executive committee did this action in secret. Mr. Joseph would not tell me who voted to approve this, hiding behind what he calls a “confidentiality agreement.” The only information he would give is that some staff “were afraid.” Afraid of what? I asked. He couldn’t tell me. C’mon people.

If she is such a threat, there are currently laws in place.

So, the executive committee is effectively eliminating my Council representative with no justification. And in secret, a small group of five can effectively oust a council member. That’s scary.

This is outrageous and blatant abuse of power against anyone who is currently in disfavor by those in the majority. It can easily be misused, as it has here, to eliminate duly elected officials — with no accountability. This is frightening.

This is unconstitutional. No constitutional authority has been cited; their resolution does not cut it. To top it off, the executive committee did not even meet the requirements of the very resolution it is misusing.

Under Resolution 2018-481 (passed last Aug.), the executive committee must take their “action” and present it to the full CBC for passage before the action can be effective. It doesn’t appear that this action even made it to full CBC; otherwise the “action” would have a resolution number. Where is the resolution number?

Andrea was duly elected by the People. Now, the executive committee claims to have the power to steal her representation – and my vote. They do not have this authority.

They can’t even wait until the final vote on her expulsion until Feb. 21. Why are they in such a rush to keep her quiet and out of the picture? Ask your CBC members, please.

The only “risk” Ms. George, a licensed attorney, presents to the majority is truth, integrity, intelligence, a good heart, and a challenge to their egos and other personal interests. She is a highly qualified representative with a great heart for the people and the ability to do the job exceptionally well. She is a bright, shining star that a few on CBC are trying to erase.

What and why is all this happening to Rep. George? Apparently, someone made allegations against her under the Council’s Code of Professional Responsibility, Chapter 1-8 of the Colville Tribal Code. What were these factual allegations? If true or not, would they arise to the level of actually violating any ethical standard?

From what I’ve been able to gather, the complaint was made by one of the Council’s attorneys for Ms. George allegedly raising her voice. This attorney is the daughter-in-law of another Councilperson, Janet Nicholson, who is typically part of the majority.

The Rules Committee (i.e., “ethics” committee), which was set up under Chapter 1-8 of the code, apparently voted to recommend her expulsion from Council. The final vote on her expulsion will be heard by the full Colville Business Council on Feb. 21. Please call your representatives.

In section 1-8-30(m) of the code, all decisions and actions taken by the Rules Committee “shall be published in the Tribal Tribune.” Has this been done? As of this writing, no.

Why expulsion? There are many other forms of discipline available that are not as severe, such as reprimand, censure, suspension, and a fine. See section 1-8-30(l).

My community deserves to know what the allegations were, what standard of conduct is alleged to have been violated, and whether the process was conducted fairly – or whether the process was completely unjust.

It does not sounds fair at all, substantively or procedurally. During the Rules Committee hearing, Ms. George’s attorney was not allowed to represent her. How is this fair or just? The hearing was closed to the public, and even to Andrea’s attorney.

To meaningfully serve the public, this report should at a minimum include:

· The complaint,

· The alleged facts,

· Which ethical standard is alleged to have been violated,

· Which facts bear the most weight,

· How the standard was violated, applying the facts that were relied on.

Was their initial determination, that the facts alleged, if true, would warrant an ethics violation, reasonable? If so, the next question would be, did the evidence weigh in favor of the complainant or the defendant? Was the defendant allowed to fairly present a defense?

Those elected are supposed to be responsible for working out disagreements in a respectful and open manner. Rather than being mature, the majority is trying to eliminate their adversary. They are abusing their power – and doing so behind closed doors.

As public officials, being paid by public funds, they are beholden to the public. Their actions are amenable to the light of public scrutiny. Why hasn’t the community been given meaningful information? Demand answers, please.

Dark, political games are being played with our rights as citizens. If the Council is allowed to play these games, we’re all in danger. In danger of a few in power, doing as they please.

I am appalled, and I hope the rest of the citizenry is too. Those against Ms. George on CBC are misusing tools to silence her voice as a representative of the people. By deploying these tactics, they are oppressing and disrespecting the people. These times call for the community to stand up and demand the governing body do what is right.

I stand with Andrea.

Melissa Campobasso,

attorney and Nespelem District voter