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The historic tradition of mutual support between settlers and the Cow Creek Indians and other native peoples so unique to Douglas County has been sullied by the machinations of this special interest group, “One Nation United”.
The opposition of Commissioners Dan Van Slyke and Marilyn Kittelman to the development of the convention center in Roseburg by the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians is puzzling given the minuscule impact of the development on county government and obvious benefit to the county.
There is an explanation for this opposition and it rests with the influence on these commissioners of political confidant David Jaques.
We remember Mr. Jacques, the man for whom Van Slyke and Kittelman scuttled the long-standing tradition of limiting to two terms appointments to the county planning commission as a reward for his campaign work.
Jaques is (or was) a member of the national board of directors of an organization called “One Nation United.”
This group is a non-elected, tax-exempt entity with the primary agenda of taking away the treaty rights of Indian tribes.
We should know that it is the voice of Jaques and the radical “One Nation United” that we hear from our junior commissioners who oppose the Cow Creek Indians.
It is the voice of non-elected group that pay no taxes that is influencing our county commissioners.
Funny that this group accuses the Cow Creek Indians of no paying taxes and being non-elected!
The long, historic tradition of mutual support between settlers and native peoples so unique to our county has been sullied by the machinations of this special interest group.
These people claim to be upholding our traditions, but in fact, their actions are contrary to the traditions and the 150-year history of both the native peoples and settlers of Douglas County.
Contrary to Jaques’ special interest group, the Cow Creek Indians are our neighbors who have at heart a desire for Douglas County to be a better community.
Daniel C. Robertson
and
Shannon Applegate Yoncalla