Triple Diamonds (Mystic Nights #2)(5)
“This sounds marvelous.” It was Myrtle speaking.
“If you like the idea and wish to proceed, I’d like to work with Aliya on this. She has her business management degree, and while she’s pregnant she won’t be able to dance and choreograph as much, but I think she can help with the research and the business plan.”
“I like the idea.” Jonathan offered, gazing around the table at all present. “I know I’m her husband and really shouldn’t add my input, but the benefit to the reserve, the children, the people, would be great. Not to mention the cultural benefits it will have for the community.”
“I agree 100%.” That came from Myrtle Croaton. As a tribal council member and one of the tribal elders, her opinion was greatly respected.
“Well, it is something to think about. And I like it too. I think we should proceed with the research at least, and look at costs for development.” Those words came from Jason, the last of the tribal council members.
Josephine interrupted once more. “Yes, I’d like to hear more, too, see more. See the research, a business plan, and a proposal, but let’s not jump the gun. I would love for this to come to fruition, but we really can’t do something like this and make this kind of decision until we fill the empty seat on the council. Even with a quorum, I’d feel better about doing this kind of project if all the seats were filled and it were a unanimous decision.”
The elephant in the room was finally addressed, and Joseph cleared his throat preparing to speak. His mother looked his way awaiting his input on her latest idea. He supported the idea wholeheartedly, he just hoped she supported his.
“I like the idea as well. All would profit, but more importantly our people would benefit by keeping our culture alive. And that brings me to an issue of my own, that I’d like to bring up.” All eyes were on him. He paused for one more instant before surging ahead. He’d wanted to speak with his mother first, but the issue had been brought up and he decided to surge ahead. “I’d like to be considered for the tribal council position.” He put his hands on the table and gazed around the room at the others present. “I have my degree in tribal law, and constitutional law. I’ve worked here for four years, and on the reservation volunteering with the youth group for the last six months. I’m involved. I care. And it’s what I’ve wanted to do since I can’t even remember.”
Myrtle’s old eyes brightened. He saw her smile approvingly.
He looked across the table. Jonathan looked shocked at first. He knew Joseph planned to pursue a political career one day, but he’d surprised him by bringing it out into the open like that. Perhaps, he should have told him and their mother first, but he really hadn’t wanted them to try to talk him out of it. He focused on Jonathan as he began to speak. “But you couldn’t serve here at the Casino on the board and on the council. It could be construed as a conflict of interest. Having two votes . . . Well. It could be construed . . .”
“Not so,” it was Myrtle who spoke up. “We have other careers as well. As a council member he would be able to vote. He could relinquish his board vote. And he could still serve as casino attorney if he chooses. In that position he could continue to advise.” With those words, Joseph knew he had her support. But what about the others? He gazed across the table at Jason and Josephine still avoiding his mother’s eyes.
“But he has to run.” Again, the always pragmatic Josephine put in. “We just put in the paperwork to have an election. You’ll have to follow protocol. An election will be held at the end of next month. In May.”
“I just didn’t want there to be any surprises.” He glanced his mother’s way, and he saw the frown lines in her forehead increase. He knew he had surprised her. She had yet to voice her opinion, and he could tell from her expression she was biting her tongue. For now. He knew he would hear about it later. Her dream had always been to have her children work here, together at the casino. He hoped he could convince her that he could still do both. It’s not like he planned to pursue any other political pursuits. For now. But he wanted to help his people in his own way. Set his own path. Not just looking over contracts and ensuring the financial feasibility of business dealings.
He cleared his throat once more. “I’ll get my paperwork in as soon as I can. This week.” He had made his decision. He needed this time to campaign as well. “I just wanted the board to know of my decision. And of course, I would love your support.”
“You have mine, Joseph. You do good things for our youth, and I’d love to see what direction you will take us in.” Myrtle beamed at the younger man. He reminded her of her husband who had been so vigorous in his youth, and so full of passion for his people. “If you want to run ideas by me, and discuss platforms, I’d love to be of assistance.”
“If this is what you want, you have my support as well.” That came from his brother. Joseph let out a small breath, relieved to know he had his brother in his corner, even if it was against his mother’s wishes.
Tawny was upset, and inside she secretly fumed. She had not wanted her son to pursue politics, though she knew he had considered it since he was young. It was in his blood. Her blood. To fight battles for their people. But it was a dangerous and lonely existence. People were constantly second guessing you, and they were judgmental and critical. Your life went under a microscope of scrutiny and media hounding. It wasn’t that she didn’t want her son to pursue his dreams. She had always believed one could aid their people in other ways without thrusting themselves into the limelight. Her own work had brought her close to the political arena, and she saw first-hand what it was like to live in the public eye, under the microscope. She hadn’t wanted her son to have that kind of life. She wanted him to have what Jonathan would. A solid career, family, and the privacy to enjoy it. But she would discuss it with him later. The board meeting was not over, and there were still many things left on her agenda that needed to be addressed.