From my beginning with MCTA and even from the beginning of my living in Menominee County, the word that was used time and time again was "unique".   It was used by politicians, lobbyists and attorneys when they heard of the set up of Menominee County and the Menominee Reservation, and both forms of County and Tribal Government.  For years I objected to that adjective but have realized that is does describe the situation here, and have reluctantly accepted it.   MCTA is also unique, our Mission is to represent our members who are property owners and Taxpayers in this County, but because they are not full time residents, few of them are able to vote here, or take part in local government and events.  Your MCTA Board and Management team are your eyes and ears at County Board Meetings, School Board meetings and association with members of our community.

 

From the onset of Restoration and the "unique" collaboration between Tribal, County Government and taxpayers, one thing has been always lacking, and this lack has created problems where there should not have been any, or at least less.  That is lack of communication between all parties involved.   There was too much supposition and not enough factual information exchanged.

 

A step was made recently to improve on that lack and a meeting was held between representatives of the County Board and representatives of MCTA, also joined by the lobbyists from MCTA and the County/Tribe.  As the meeting progressed it was obvious that there were misconceptions of who did what and who contributed what, especially in terms of services provided to the general community, not just tribal members and taxpayers.  The emphasis was on what we could do in our mutual interests, especially in the field of obtaining more relief from the Federal Government, and joint efforts of both the County and MCTA to the Legislature in Madison.   What is beneficial to Menominee

 

County is beneficial to the total population of the County.
We may be unique in our "apartness" but we all, I am sure, share joy in the beauty and special qualities our County has.   MCTA will continue to work on the behalf of our members, and will do what we can to help our common cause.

 

Having said that........ we again appeal for our members to step forward and join our Management Team.   The nature of the beast is that most of the Board members are not getting any younger!!!!  some more than others.   We look forward to hearing from some of you.

 

'Marianne Pende