We Already Have the Tools — Now It’s Time to Use Them

Transparency Isn’t a New Idea — It’s a Follow-Through Problem

One of the most common things I hear from our people is simple:

“We just want to know what’s going on.”

Not rumors. Not secondhand information. Not chasing down answers.

Just clear, accessible, real information.

The truth is — we already have the tools to make that happen.

What we’re missing isn’t technology.

It’s implementation.

What We Already Own (But Don’t Fully Use)

Our Tribe has already invested in powerful systems designed to increase transparency, organization, and public access.

Here’s what those tools are meant to do — and what I will push to make sure they actually deliver.

Laserfiche

What it is: A digital library that can store every resolution, contract, and business plan.

What it should be doing: Serving as a fully searchable, public-facing archive where members can easily find information.

What I will champion: Full implementation — meaning:

• Every resolution is uploaded

• Every business plan is accessible

• Documents are searchable and organized

• Members can find what they need without barriers

Granicus (Legistar)

What it is: A system designed for agenda management, livestreaming, and video archives.

What it should be doing: Providing real-time access to meetings and preserving a clear record of discussions and decisions.

What I will champion:

• Livestream every NPTEC meeting

• Archive every meeting

• Ensure minutes are searchable and connected to the discussion

Integration — Connecting the Dots

Right now, information lives in separate places.

That creates confusion and makes it harder for members to follow what’s happening.

What I will push for:

• One system that connects everything

• A single click that takes you from:

  • A resolution → to the meeting discussion → to the final roll call vote

That is what real transparency looks like.

This Is Bigger Than Software — It’s About Process

Technology alone doesn’t fix anything.

What matters is how we use it — and whether there’s a clear, consistent process behind it.

That’s why I will follow a structured approach for every initiative I champion.

My 5-Step Champion Process

This is the process I will apply — not just to transparency tools, but to every policy, reform, and initiative.

1. Educate

Explain why it matters.

That includes:

• Community forums

• Clear communication

• Making sure people understand the issue before decisions are made

2. Draft

Put it in writing.

That means:

• A formal resolution

• A project charter

• Both posted publicly before decisions are made

3. Build Consensus

Listen and refine.

That includes:

• Tribal members

• Staff

• NPTEC

Not every idea starts perfect — but it should be shaped by the people it impacts.

4. Implement

Follow through with structure.

That means:

• Training staff

• Rolling out in phases

• Publishing progress updates regularly

5. Document

Leave it better than we found it.

Everything should be:

• Archived

• Organized

• Accessible

So the next leader doesn’t have to start from scratch — they can build on it.

Respect for Our Employees

I want to be clear about something.

This is not about blaming our employees.

Our staff work hard. They carry a lot. And often, they are expected to operate without clear direction, consistent systems, or fully implemented tools.

That is not a people problem. That is a systems problem.

Leadership’s job is to fix the system.

The Bottom Line

We do not need more promises. We do not need more software.

We need:

• Clear expectations

• Consistent processes

• And leadership that follows through

Transparency should not feel complicated.

It should feel normal.

It should feel expected.

And most importantly —it should be something every tribal member can rely on.