A new chapter requires steady leadership and a UNITED TRIBE.

PROTECT AND EXPAND OUR LONG-TERM PROSPERITY

Our tribe has built something remarkable. Through our casino's success and the programs it has made possible, Graton Rancheria has created opportunities previous generations could only have hoped for. My goal is to protect that foundation while continuing to expand our long-term prosperity.

We need to think beyond what benefits us today and consider what we are leaving for the next generation and seven generations after. That means making thoughtful decisions about our finances, investing in programs that benefit our citizens, and ensuring that our economic success remains sustainable.

As a new father of twins, this is personal for me. I want my children and every child in our tribe to inherit a tribal nation that is economically strong, culturally engaged, and capable of providing opportunities for generations to come.

My focus will be:

  • Protecting the economic foundation our leaders have built.

  • Collaborating with GEDA, looking for opportunities to expand our long-term prosperity.

  • Continuing to invest in programs and opportunities that strengthen our community.

FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP

Our resources are ultimately the resources of our citizens. They should be treated with the same care and responsibility that we would expect from our own households.

I believe Tribal Council should ask difficult questions about how our money is being spent, whether programs are achieving their intended goals, and whether our expenditures are sustainable for the future.

This also applies to our political contributions. Building relationships with elected officials can be important to protecting our interests, but we should be disciplined about where we invest tribal dollars. We should be able to clearly explain how a political expenditure benefits Graton Rancheria rather than simply responding to requests for contributions.

My focus will be:

  • Responsible management of tribal resources.

  • Reviewing spending with an eye toward long-term sustainability.

  • Making sure political contributions advance our tribal interests.

  • Supporting transparency and accountability in financial decisions.

  • Making decisions based on what is best for Graton Rancheria. Not outside political pressure.

BENEFITS THAT MEET OUR CITIZENS' NEEDS

Our Tribe’s success should create opportunities for every citizen. Our education programs and services should support our citizens today while helping them build stable, successful futures.

Our per capita distributions can provide seed capital for starting a business, investing in a career, or building financial independence. We should explore entrepreneurship and financial education programs that teach our youth how to use these opportunities responsibly.

At the same time, every citizen has different needs. Whether someone needs healthcare assistance, educational support, or help navigating a Tribal program, asking for help should never be something to be ashamed of. I want to maintain an open-door approach where citizens can speak directly with their representatives about their concerns without judgment.

My focus will be:

  • Connecting education and benefits to long-term opportunity.

  • Expanding financial literacy and entrepreneurship education for our youth.

  • Ensuring benefits continue to meet the changing needs of our citizens.

  • Exploring additional assistance for significant healthcare or other extraordinary needs.

  • Maintaining an open door for citizens to bring their concerns directly to their representatives.

PROTECTING OUR SOVEREIGNTY

Our sovereignty is the foundation of everything we do as a tribal nation. It means having the ability and responsibility to govern ourselves, make decisions for our citizens, and determine our own future.

Our Tribe's history reminds us that we cannot take sovereignty for granted. We should never assume that someone outside our community will always look after Graton's interests. We are responsible for advocating for ourselves.

That doesn't mean isolating ourselves. We need strong relationships with governments and leaders at every level, and we should work with anyone who is willing to work with us. But our relationships should always begin with one question: What is in the best interest of Graton Rancheria?

My focus will be:

  • Protecting Graton's ability to govern itself.

  • Advocating for our interests regardless of political party.

  • Maintaining productive relationships with outside governments while remaining independent.

  • Strengthening our economic and governmental foundation so we can determine our own future.

  • Passing our sovereignty and self-determination on to the next generation.