PNW..Show us an example of a tribal big business that is not a casino that employees thousands of tribal members....Oh and the employees have to actually show up for work and do something productive.

Microsoft? Boeing? Kenworth? Sprint? Nextel?
.....I can't think of one right off....The tribes certainly have enough cash to start just about any sized business.

Dave ..I know you can't resist every chance to blame everything on Republicans but I think the larger question should be the corruption of our political process by big money. Democrats have their pockets stuffed with casino money as well.

Remember that anything in Washington State concerning sports fishing or shell fishing that involves the legislature will not go anywhere if anyone even mentions the tribes. So already in this Democratically controlled state the tribes control the agenda. The money is flowing to keep the advantage in the tribes' court. So if the tribes are spreading money around it is going where it will do them some good regardless of party.

GP: I just posted the article. Feeling a little sensetive?

You mean like when the Tulalips hired buku staff for the opening of their new casino, then layed off only non-tribal employees when the initial boom slowed down?
:rolleyes:

Cupo, yes, just LIKE that. pnw Can't defend the unfair labor practices of tribes.

Grandpa,

My research so far shows more dems receive "tribal" casino money than Republicans, at least in this state.

From what I have read, I suspect the Ds get more tribal money then the Rs. I knew that before posting this. I don't care who gets it I. just want to know.

Same with the commercial fishers. I don't know who gets the most of their money, but I want to know and I want it as public as
Possible.

I don’t see this as chance to praise/bash either party; just a chance to learn a bit more. I already knew that my party does some bad things. Gee I wonder if maybe both parties are less than perfect?

Dave,

I believe you're hitting that nail square.

Since PCFFA is an umbrella organization, it would be great to get the info on all the 25 +/- members.

I found that most of the "port" districts are registered lobbyists. Are they refering to "port" districts do you think?

OK, I feel stupid. I was totally unaware of the Gorton connection.



Found this old thread from a google search.
Old PP thread

Do a search Type in "Puget Sound Gillnetters Association" and see what you come up with.

It's some interesting reading.

AM: I read the old threads. Has anyone ever been able to proove that Gorton directly or indirectly owned American Seafoods. Did the poster ever send us his tape?

The tribes are no different than any other lobby. Agriculture gets more aid than the tribes and have bigger lobbies.

The real issue is the state of our fisheries and we are fighting over the scraps.

Dave,

American Seafood Group has several divisions, including American Seafoods. Everything I've found states they are Norwegian owned, so if Gorton has a stake in it, we probably won't find it. American Seafood’s factory trawlers are mostly Puget Sound based, as far as I can tell.

Slade Gorton is currently a lobbyist working for a couple of different groups of associates. One in DC and one in Seattle. The one in Seattle, Washington2 Advocates, was started by two former staffers of Gorton. Tony Williams and J. Vander Stoep. One of W2 Advocates clients is Seattle based Trident Seafoods.

Both at sea processors and shore based processing companies seem to have plenty of political influence.

Trident makes note of "gillnetting" as one of their harvest methods on their webpage.

The web of associations/affiliations is extensive. I'm inclined to think there is a huge amount of money/influence on university/college programs also.

Recreational fishermen/women don't stand a chance as long as they're apathetic and willing to make do with what what's left over.

AM: Thanks so much for your hard work. It looks as though it's a tangled web you seek to unweave.