Submitted by William Paull Jr - Running for Council

What qualifies you to be on Chief and Council?

I believe what qualifies me to be on Chief and Council , is my ability to make decisions based on valid and real time information , reviewing the economics of the decision being made , and keeping the people in mind.


What does it mean to be on Chief and Council and represent the community?

I feel what it means to be on Chief and Council being a representative of the community is to be present and open with the people you represent , and not only listening to the concerns and grievances  but actively creating inclusive solutions and making sound decisions using tact and diplomacy but also being sensitive to the world around us .


What are your feelings with regards to the Governance Manual?  What were its good points and bad points?  Please provide examples.

The Governance Manual ,

In General i would view the Governance Manual as good policy, although reading through some points that stand out
1.9 (F) * : I believe to be counted as present a member of council should be in the room not on a conference call , as when writing BCR's signatures are required.

1.10 (C) Abstentions count as a "yes" vote* , : which to me is not only wrong but violates the members who voted for the person to represent them at the table , abstentions , should mean a "no" .
1.12(P) Resolutions by electronic poll , and electronic signature block* : I would like to think this is a good idea but for membership referendums not council resolutions even in time sensitive instances , all business is important to the nation and should be treated as such .
4.8(K) * I believe this section to be in reference to the confidentiality agreement , although i do believe in procedure , i also believe membership should be informed and that council needs informed consent from the people.


What are your thoughts on the draft Election Law?  Good or bad points that you noticed?  Please provide examples.

One part that stand out is section

1.2.1 (a)[ii] *

I believe that this could prove to be unfair as the amount of votes needed for any region may vary , and the people may live off reserve but spend time or they're families live in a certain region , or they have family in all regions and wish to vote for those who represent the wishes of all .

Other then that i believe the draft law to be well written .


Do you know of any issues that currently effect Squamish Nation?  This can be internal or external issues.

The issues currently having an effect on the mental well being of the nation would have to be the oil and gas industry expanding in our traditional lands .

Also a lot of members are still calling for charges to be pressed in the mismanagement of emergency funds . Both of these issues need to be faced with decisiveness a firm direction , not say NO to kinder morgan and turn around an say Yes to Woodfibre LNG


Do you believe enough is being done for our elders and youth?

Definitely not , there is always more that can be done for our most important ones , the young ones and the elders could benefit tremendously from interaction with each other , setting up a activities night where youth and elders are brought together for games and songs , would be a beautiful , and strengthen our bonds as a community .

A Youth and elders advocates group that can help identify problems and create solutions to the issues that our youth and elders may face.


How could you help the community trust Chief and Council again?

I would like to participate in a legacy fund that sees 20% (equal to last 2 raises in council pay) go towards a program or service that directly benefits membership.
What is your community involvement (pertaining ONLY to Squamish Nation community)?  As I am a shift worker at the Cargill Grain Terminal , I have little official community involvement , although i do try to make it to commumity events such as the Halloween gathering or Christmas gathering for my children , attend protests to protect our wild salmon , and when I can attend funerals .


What are you hoping to accomplish (besides housing!) once elected?

Personally i would like to help our young members voice their concern at the council table , relating to childcare , education funding .

I would also like to put forward to the council table ideas for positive economies that don't involve selling off our resource rights but by becoming self determined in the management and sale of those resources , like creating a water bottling company that uses 80 or more percent renewable materials in bottling 


Do you agree with your possible $80,000 annual salary? 

I do not agree with this amount of tax free income , I know what its like to work for a living and what it takes to stay dedicated to a job , the amount of money paid should be voted on by membership because ultimately that's who council works for ,Osíem.