July Legislative Brief
On Wednesday, June 2, Band Assembly approved four resolutions and two bills and held confirmation hearings for Peter Nayquonabe, who was nominated for Commissioner of Administration, Maria Costello, who was nominated for Assistant Commissioner
of Administration, and Nicole Anderson, who was nominated for Commissioner of Health and Human Services. The hearings were completed with a summary and opening statement of the nominees followed by questions and comments. All three nominations were approved on June 9.
Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin congratulated the Secretary-Treasurer and Representatives for live-streaming for Band members, calling it a “huge benefit.“ She also introduced new Assistant Deputy Stephanie Dunkley.
District I Representative Virgil Wind also recognized the Secretary-Treasurer and staff for the success of live-streaming, which he called “awesome.“
District II Representative Marvin Bruneau said community meetings will start in July for District II and September for District IIa due to construction. He also said a task force committee will consider a treatment center in the District II area.
District III Representative Wally St. John acknowledged the Pine Grove leadership and staff for graduation and hard work. He encouraged constituents to watch social media for regular updates. He emphasized that the Band Assembly and staff are working hard to address issues and update statutes.
Secretary-Treasurer Sheldon Boyd gave an update on oversight of investments, saying a subcommittee had been put together to develop an Investment Board to execute the statutory duty of the Secretary-Treasurer to manage and superintend the finances of the
Band. The Subcommittee includes Band Attorneys Candler and Kanassatega, Commissioner of Finance Mel Towle, Consultant Shannon O’Leary, Assistant Commissioner of Administration Pete Nayquoabe, Legislative Director Brianna Boyd, and the Secretary- Treasurer.
On Wednesday, June 9, Band Assembly approved two bills and four contracts. Confirmation hearings were held for Susan Klapel, who was nominated by Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin for Commissioner of Natural Resources, and Baabiitaw Boyd, who was nominated for Commissioner of Education.
On Wednesday, June 16, the nominations of Susan Klapel and Baabiitaw Boyd failed. Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin expressed her disappointment, saying both nominees were qualified and that there would be no quorum for the Administrative Policy Board (APB) to conduct business after June 30.
All three District Representatives stated that the decisions to vote against the nominees were difficult to make. District II Representative Marvin Bruneau said business would go on, and District I Representative Virgil Wind agreed, saying business can still be conducted through Commissioners’ Orders.
For details or to view live-streams or recordings of Band Assembly meetings, go to millelacsband.com.
