June 2012 - InMaricopa.com

2 NOTEBOOK InMaricopa.com
June 2012
Maricopa Notebook
It takes a village
BY CHAIRMAN
LOUIS J. MANUEL JR.
There is a proverb said to have originated
among the Nigerian Igbo culture in
Africa that states, “It takes a village to
raise a child.” For the Ak-Chin Indian
Community this is very much the case.
It is our children who will grow to one
day have their first job on the reservation,
become a future council member and
one day an elder, who will have great
authority in the decision-making of our
community.
Without proper schooling, parenting
and many other factors that go into the
making of a well-rounded individual, our
community will be unable to develop and
thrive. This is why education has become
a top priority of the Ak-Chin Indian
Community, as it should be within all
communities.
While public and private school
systems offer a variety of programs,
clubs, technology and staff
members to nurture a child’s
development, there must also be
that support and encouragement
at home.
Not just from mom or dad,
but from other family members,
friends and neighbors. Without
the encouragement of the entire
community (or village), who is to
say how a child’s path may differ
from their peers?
Struggles in education are something
we have witnessed firsthand among
children within the Ak-Chin Indian
Community, as most communities do,
and it is something we are striving to
change for the better -- not just for our
Sharing the thoughts and
opinions of Maricopans
Chairman Louis
J. Manuel Jr.
children, but for our entire community.
Whether students drop out during
high school or don’t use the skills they’ve
learned once they do graduate,
neither are things we want our
children to face.
Nurturing their development,
encouraging their dreams
and offering support along the
way is sometimes all we can
do, but it just may be the one
thing that makes a difference in
a child’s life, and an enormous
impact on the community in
which they live.
Louis J. Manuel Jr. is chairman of the Ak-
Chin Indian Community and an advocate
for education, social and health services.
Ak-Chin.NSN.US
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Volume 4, Issue 6
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Copyright 2012.
Vote with informed intent
BY JOSHUA B. JUDD
In this election season, we will all be subject
to the national discussion of which
candidate each of us will support. My wish
for my fellow residents of Maricopa is that
we all examine what we want
in government and apply those
ideas to our decision.
It is more responsible to have
our own picture of government
than to succumb to another’s,
finding ourselves in a country of
agreement without any knowledge
of the land whatsoever. It
is vital for Americans to create
an image of perfect government and make
that a reality rather than borrow someone
else’s picture.
I have seen countless interviews of
everyday Americans being asked who
they support and why. While many seem
eager to answer the initial question, the
JOSHUA JUDD
“why” often will stump them; leaving the
interviewee surprised they uttered an
answer at all.
Many Americans have strong feelings
for political candidates, both for and
against, but when anyone probes those
feelings they seem to be void of
reason.
It is essential for everyone to
be an informed voter. It is a vital
part of our national fabric that
we give the reins of power to our
leaders with sincere reasons for
doing so. The fathers of this nation
suffered great hardship to secure
a government that requires
active participation by the people.
So I offer you this challenge: Sit down
this evening with your family, friends or
neighbors and discuss your vision for our
nation.
What role should our government
have? What is it responsible for? Should
it guide us and if so how? What are
particular aspects of our nation of upmost
importance to you and your family? Are
you putting all of your political eggs in one
basket, or are you looking at all aspects of
this country’s health and well-being?
Asking these questions amongst
family may show us all how delicate
governance is. We may find not all things
are as clear as we want them to be, but
at the very least you will come to an
understanding of what you want this
nation to look like.
My hope is you will come to find your
reasons. You will be able to enter the voting
booth with confidence, knowing you
are attempting to bring the nation closer
to your picture with the vote you cast.
Joshua B. Judd resides in Cobblestone Farms