About Nepotism

I want to address some comments recently made with regards to this administration and clear up some misrepresentations posted on the internet.

Nepotism is a common accusation in politics when the relative of a powerful figure ascends to similar power seemingly without appropriate qualifications.

Jenifer Pechonick was appointed by the Tribal Council in 2011. I abstained from the vote, though I have wholeheartedly supported her in her years of service to the Tribe prior to my administration. She has served selflessly and I thank the Creator everyday that I have a council woman who works as hard as she does and altruistically for the betterment of our Tribe. Her intelligence and input along with the others who serve the Tribe have continued to move this Tribe forward in all areas. We have come a long way in a short time and still to have much to do. What we do not need to do is tear each other down and create factions within the Tribe.

Jenifer was also appointed to the Business arm of the Tribe, the Delaware Economic Authority. Again, I abstained from this vote. Since she was appointed to this volunteer Board, she has supported bringing new business opportunities to the Tribe. I am very excited to present the State of the Tribe address at General Council and apprise you of the economic developments for our Tribe you can read about the excitement in the DIN. You may also visit with Lesa Steele who is our Economic Development Director.

Joe Brooks was also appointed to the Trust Board, his brother Chet abstained from the vote.

The Tribal Council passed the Code of Conduct months ago. We had no problem passing this code as we fully believe in the spirit of the document. We passed the Code with hope it will serve as a template for future leaders to serve the Tribe in an unselfish manner. Within the Code of Conduct nepotism is addressed:

SECTION 302. ANTI-NEPOTISM

(A) No Elected Official shall employ, elect, appoint or otherwise cause to be employed, nor nominate or otherwise influence the appointment or employment to any Tribal office or position with the Delaware Tribe or any governmental or political subdivision thereof, any person or persons in their immediate family, nor any member of the same household of said Elected Official.

(B) Assignment of such persons to duties, positions, governmental offices or other entities shall in all instances be made in strict compliance with the current provisions of this Code and the Tribe’s Personnel Policies Manual.

(C) “Immediate family” includes Spouse or Co-Habitant, Parents, Siblings, Children, Grandparents, Grandchildren, Father-in-Law, Mother-in-Law, Son-in-Law, Daughter-in-Law, Step-Parents and Step-Children.

As I explained, I did not appoint Jenifer to any positions, nor influence her appointment. I believe the Council and the DEA Board would completely agree. I also believe they would agree she’s an imperative part of the team.

Within a Tribe, often, capable people are related. By definition a Tribe is a group of people related by common ancestry. We take great care to make sure there is no favoritism in familial situations. Our goal is to help Delaware families and our Tribe thrive.