Guest column: A good leader lifts all voices; Snoqualmie Tribe to host city candidate forum Oct. 17

The Snoqualmie Tribal people have lived in this area since time immemorial, and we take pride in our long history with the Valley. As the first people of this land, and as the spiritual stewards of our sacred place of creation, the Snoqualmie Tribe takes seriously its responsibility in caring for our community.

Since 2008, the tribe’s enterprises have allowed us to provide over 1,700 jobs, and the economic prosperity we have experienced has allowed us to donate over $1.5 million to nonprofit organizations in Snoqualmie Valley since 2010. We are strong supporters of the Snoqualmie YMCA, and we work hard to ensure that children and families in Snoqualmie have access to safe places that encourage the arts, sciences, and culture and preservation.

As the tribe has invested in the Snoqualmie community, we want to continue to work with others who are equally invested in ensuring that Snoqualmie remains the unique place that it is. In order to preserve Snoqualmie for generations to come, we need leaders who foster and value transparency, accountability, integrity, and equality.

Most importantly, we believe that strong leaders lift all voices. We believe in the civic power of welcoming and encouraging diverse public comment, rather than merely tolerating it.

This election cycle, the Snoqualmie Tribe wants to remind everyone that their voice matters. It is our goal that Snoqualmie Valley residents will join us in asking tough questions of those who lead in our community, and exercise their rights as active citizens in the political process.

From the way we protect our landscapes and plan the future of our community, to the ways we interact with and support each other as a community, these decisions can bring us together in a time of political divisiveness. We all want a bright and vibrant place to watch our children and grandchildren to grow up, and this election is an opportunity for residents to unite and pave the way to a Snoqualmie that continues to be rich with natural beauty and civic pride for generations to come.

On Tuesday, Oct. 17, the Snoqualmie Tribe is hosting a candidate forum at the Snoqualmie Casino. We will be asking each candidate running for Snoqualmie City Council and Mayor to transparently address issues around responsible development, the protection of sacred spaces, environmental stewardship, and improving intergovernmental relationships. Please join us as they communicate their plan for how they will better represent and protect our home.

On Tuesday, Nov. 7, please join us in supporting this effort by electing candidates who help lift the greater voices of Snoqualmie.

The Snoqualmie Tribal Council is the governing body of the Tribe by authority of its constitution and is the duly elected council of the Snoqualmie general membership. The Tribal Council is responsible for the protection of the health, safety, and welfare of the members of the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe.