My name is Rob Roy Latham Jr., and I am seeking election as the Norton Field representative on the Tribal Council.

Currently, I am employed as Director of Human Resources for the K’ima:w Medical Center. My education background includes graduation from Hoopa High School following which I attended Haskell University in Lawrence, Kansas. I am continuing my education towards a BA (Business Management) via online course work at Phoenix University.

I have been happily married to Lila Van Pelt for 6 years now. We have 2 daughters, Dawn, age 5, and Kim, age 3.

My father Rob Roy Sr. (who passed away in 1976) was a tribal member, my mother is Jeanette Conry Latham. I am a descendent of the Moon, Marshall, Latham and Davis families. Many of these family members were elected and served on the Hoopa Council with distinction over the years. I hope to follow in their foot-steps.

If elected, I will introduce motions for the following actions within the first 100 days of my term :

I Propose an initiative to aggressively pursue an economic revitalization of Hoopa Valley via an economic study and other imaginative but prudent measures to work towards bringing the economy of this Valley back to life.

When did the last independent business with a significant sales volume close shop here? We are economically stagnant. The greatest majority of jobs in the valley (other than the schools, post office and Ray’s) are those provided in implementation of federal programs being operated by the tribe under the self-governance program.

In years past we have had both Indian and non-Indian entrepreneurs operating businesses here in the valley. These businesses persevered for many years and were beneficial to all of us. We once had two grocery stores, an auto parts and a hardware store. Just about the only thing we have here is cheap gas.....we must try to do better. I believe that we can!

I Propose that we review and revise tribal hiring practices to make them transparent and fair to everyone. In addition, that we review and take decisive action to cure any issues involving nepotism and/or conflict of interest throughout all tribal operations.

Those tribal members “on the outside looking in” who are not fortunate enough to hold a tribal job have told me thay feel that they have no chance at a job they are qualified for, or that they have been unfairly passed over in favor on someone less qualified, but “in” with those who are hiring.

My goal and the goal of the Council should be that every tribal member will trust that they will be treated fairly when applying for a tribal job. Personnel actions must not result in favoritism or reprisal. These are basic tenants in all personnel policies that are the “law of the land” When we get federal dollars we sign on the dotted line to follow federal law.

I Propose a measure to clean up the Valley by picking up junk vehicles and other abandoned and salvageable materials.

We are blessed to have as our home one of the most beautiful places in the world..we must respect and care for it as our ancestors did. As a member of the Council I would come up with initiatives to encourage community involvement in an effort to clean up our valley and keep it clean. Hupa Pride must include pride in the ground that we walk on and all that surrounds us.

I Propose that we immediately improve communication with tribal members.

Begin with prompt posting of tribal meeting actions; motions and roll call votes on the tribe’s website. Mail copies to those without electronic access who want them.

I Propose that we make tribal audits available to the members of this tribe

In past years, tribal audits were readily available Members have the right to know how their money is being spent.

I hope you will give me your vote in this election. I want to work for you to try to accomplish the things I have listed in this letter and more.