Tribal interests at stake in national elections

Members of the Passamaquoddy Tribe really haven’t cared about national elections in the past – they really only got mobilized for the local races.

Times have changed, said Chief Rick Phillips-Doyle after meeting with Maine’s congressmen Thursday at Pleasant Point. They now realize that what happens on the federal level affects them.

Congressmen Mike Michaud and Tom Allen met with tribal leaders Thursday, during their tour around Washington County. Phillips-Doyle and other leaders discussed their plans for economic development after the failed racino effort last year.

“We want to establish business relations with the State of Maine,” one leader said.

Some of the ventures the tribe has planned involve tidal and wind power, eco-tourism, blueberry fields, recycled housing and Department of Defense contracts. With some underway and some in the works, the tribe needs support from the community and the government.

During the meeting, tribal leaders also addressed the need for veterans’ health care, which the congressmen assured was a priority.

“Can the delegation help in any way?” Allen asked of the economic development ideas after the presentation.

“We need guidance,” Phillips-Doyle said.

Phillips-Doyle said he is looking for a change in the U.S. Senate. Current Sen. Susan Collins has voted against bills in the tribe’s interest at least three times, he said.

“We need someone we can depend on,” Phillips-Doyle said. “All the delegation represents the State of Maine, and we’re part of that.”

Phillips-Doyle isn’t prepared to throw Allen his support yet, but did speak highly of him. Allen is on the tribe’s e-mail list. Even though none of the tribe’s land falls in Allen’s district, he still supports them.

“He’s a genuine person,” Phillips-Doyle said. “He knows he represents the entire state.”

When it comes to the presidential election, Phillips-Doyle said he likes Hillary Clinton and John McCain because of their experience, but is still looking at all the candidates.

“We need to see someone who has a formal policy on how they will deal with Native American issues,” he said. “Who will do the best job for ‘Indian country’?”

Note: This is part of a series of stories done while following Congressmen Tom Allen and Mike Michaud around Washington County this week. See also:

Political views in Washington County: A 4-story series

Creative Apparel: ‘Looking to expand if given a chance’

Trade deals, border issues irk former mill workers

Acrobat Research brings jobs to Calais