I can only surmise the political ill will intended to be inflicted upon our NPTEC [Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee] treasurer, John Strombeck, is the work of someone else seeking office or those supporting other candidates. I commend John for his work on behalf of the Nez Perce Tribe and continue to support him as person with high integrity and honesty. I do not believe the allegations contained in the petition rise to the level of a violation of his oath of office. Instead, the allegations appear based on rumor and innuendo designed to impinge upon the integrity of our current leadership and to influence the May elections.
Each official elected by the general council attests to an oath of office. It would appear these allegations would then apply equally to the assistant treasurer. Further, it is disingenuous for the general council chairman, who is also a candidate for NPTEC and a signer of the petition itself, to also be responsible to attest to the validity of the petition's merit. It would seem to me that an examination of the validity of merit, and the roles of each of the officers duly elected, should be examined so there is not any conflict of interest in how this is resolved and there is protection of due process for all involved. Accordingly, the constitution places this responsibility with the NPTEC.
It's election-time banter and the feathers are certainly flying!
Carla Gonzales
Santa Fe, N.M.
